Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact our friendly team.
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What is My Atlas?
My Atlas is a brand name of Atlas Laboratories Ltd, providing private blood testing and advanced diagnostic services across the UK, working with UKAS-accredited partner laboratories.
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Do I need a GP referral?
No. Most of our private blood tests do not require a GP referral. You can book directly with us.
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Who can use your services?
Our services are available to adults aged 18 years and over. Some tests may have specific eligibility criteria.
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Are your services available outside the UK?
No. Our services are currently available within the United Kingdom only. Samples must betaken and returned within the UK.
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How do I book a test?
You can:
- Book an appointment at our HQ clinic in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
- Book at one of our nationwide partner clinics.
- Order a home testing kit and arrange a venous blood draw with a qualified phlebotomist
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Can you help me choose the right test?
Yes.
If you are unsure which test or panel is suitable, you can contact our team, and we will help guide you based on your goals.
If you have medical concerns, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional.
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Can I order multiple tests or kits?
Yes. You can order multiple tests or kits in one order. Each kit must be used by the intended individual and returned according to the instructions provided.
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What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Klarna, ClearPay. Available payment options are shown at checkout.
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Do I need to prepare for my blood test?
Some tests require fasting. As a general guide:
- Fast for 8 hours overnight where instructed
- If your appointment is after midday, 3 hours fasting may be sufficient for certaintestsAvoid fatty foods before testing
- Drink water (1.5–2 litres) before your appointment
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours before testing
- Do not take any vitamins, minerals, or dietary/herbal supplements for at least 24hours before your test unless advised otherwise.
- Continue taking your prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise.
- Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.
- Avoid smoking for at least 1–2 hours prior to sample collection.
- Ensure you are well-hydrated by drinking water before your appointment. This can make it easier to draw blood and improve test accuracy.
- Male Only-We advise to refrain from sexual activity for 24 hours before your appointment, to prevent the potential skewing of the Prostate associated health markers–Free and Total Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).
You will receive clear instructions if fasting or preparation is required.
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Can I take my medication before testing?
Unless you have been advised otherwise by your doctor, continue taking prescribed medication. If you are unsure, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
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How is my blood sample taken?
All our blood tests require a venous blood draw performed by a qualified phlebotomist or nurse. Finger-prick testing is not used.
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Does the blood test hurt?
Sample Collection How is my blood sample taken? All our blood tests require a venous blood draw performed by a qualified phlebotomist or nurse. Finger-prick testing is not used. Does the blood test hurt?
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How long does the appointment take?
Most appointments take 10–20 minutes, depending on the tests being taken.
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How will I receive my results?
Your results will be provided electronically as a detailed scale-bar report, including reference ranges and health marker explanations.
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How long do results take?
- Standard blood tests: usually 3–5 working days from sample accession with our partner laboratory
- Advanced diagnostic tests(e.g. GI-360, DUTCH): typically, 14–21 working days from sample accession
Turnaround times are estimates and may vary.
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Are the tests accurate?
Yes. All analysis is carried out by UKAS-accredited laboratories using validated clinical methods, comparable to NHS laboratory standards.
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What if my results are abnormal?
If results fall outside the normal range:
- You have the option to book a telephone or video consultation with one of our doctors to discuss your report
- If you choose not to arrange a consultation, we recommend sharing your results with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional
Results are informational and not a diagnosis.
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Can I discuss my results with a clinician?
Yes. You can book a paid follow-up consultation with a GMC-registered clinician to discuss your results in more detail.
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Are my results confidential?
Yes. Your personal and health data are handled confidentially and in accordance with UK data protection laws. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.
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Can I share my results with my GP?
Yes. You are encouraged to share results with your GP or other healthcare providers, especially if results are outside the normal range. Relevant referral partners may be involved if required.
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Can I cancel my order?
- Orders can be cancelled before a kit is dispatched for a full refund
- Once dispatched, kits cannot usually be cancelled
Appointments may be cancelled subject to our Returns & Refunds Policy.
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What if my sample cannot be tested?
If the laboratory cannot test your sample, we will usually provide one replacement kit free of charge. Additional replacement kits may incur a fee depending on the test type.
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What if I miss my appointment?
If you miss or cancel an appointment late, cancellation fees may apply. Please see our Returns & Refunds Policy for full details.
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Do private blood tests diagnose conditions?
No. Blood tests provide health information but do not diagnose conditions on their own. They should be interpreted alongside clinical assessment by a healthcare professional.
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Can blood tests detect all illnesses?
No. Some conditions require physical examination, imaging, or additional testing. Blood tests are one part of a wider diagnostic picture, we have regulated referral partners in place should further investigation be required.
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What if I feel unwell or have urgent symptoms?
My Atlas does not provide emergency care. If you experience severe or urgent symptoms, contact:
- Your GP
- NHS 111
- Emergency services (999)
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How can I contact you?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0333 050 3147Our team is happy to help with bookings, preparation, results, or general queries.
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Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t covered here, please get in touch-we’re here to help and ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your testing journey.