A venous draw is a standard blood test, taken from a vein in your arm by a trained phlebotomist. Some of our larger panels need a venous sample to deliver the most accurate results — but the process is quick, simple and well looked after at every step.
Booking your appointment
Once you've ordered a venous test, we'll send some information on how to book your appointment. You can choose between:
An at-home appointment — a phlebotomist comes to you for £60 which is paid directly to Thriva.
A clinic appointment — pop in to a partner clinic near you
You'll be able to see availability across both options when you book.
Before your appointment
Check whether your test needs to be fasted — we'll tell you in your booking email. If yes, no food or drink (except water) for 8 to 12 hours before
Drink plenty of water the day before — well-hydrated veins are much easier to find
Wear something with sleeves you can roll up easily
Have your booking confirmation to hand
Make sure you have a venous testing kit
On the day
The appointment itself usually takes around 10 minutes. The phlebotomist will:
Confirm your details and check your booking
Find a suitable vein (usually in the crook of your elbow)
Take the sample into the tubes provided — this part takes only a minute or two
Apply a small dressing and check you're feeling okay before they leave
If you've had trouble with blood draws in the past, just mention it when they arrive — they're trained to make it as comfortable as possible.
After your appointment
Your sample heads straight to the lab. Most results land in your Thriva account within 2-4 working days, and we'll email you as soon as they're ready.
It's normal to have a small bruise where the needle went in — this fades within a few days. Keep the dressing on for a couple of hours, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy lifting on that arm for the rest of the day.
Need to reschedule or cancel?
You can manage your appointment from the booking link in your confirmation email.
If you've booked an appointment using our at home phlebotomist provider, your appointment will not be refunded if you need to cancel or rebook less than 24 hours before your appointment.
Common questions
How much blood is taken? Usually a few small tubes — the equivalent of around two teaspoons in total. It depends on which tests are in your panel.
Can I bring someone with me? Yes, always. If you're nervous about needles, having a friend or partner there can really help.
What if I move home or change my mind about the location? No problem — get in touch and we'll help you switch.
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