Prakta Test Site

Category: Treatments

  • Blood tests

    A blood test is a simple way to check what’s happening inside your body — your organ function, hormone levels, cholesterol, blood count, and more — from a small sample taken from your arm. Most people are in and out within a few minutes. I request blood tests when something in your history or symptoms needs a closer look, or as part of routine health monitoring.

    Why it’s done

    Blood tests help explain symptoms, confirm or rule out a diagnosis, and monitor existing conditions. Common reasons I arrange them include:

    • Tiredness or unexplained weight change
    • Palpitations or suspected thyroid problems
    • Checking cholesterol and cardiovascular risk
    • Monitoring blood pressure medication
    • Menopause-related hormone checks
    • General health screening or a new patient check
    • Travel vaccination suitability

    If you’ve been referred for a specific test, or your GP has asked for a repeat, that’s straightforward to arrange here too.

    What happens on the day

    You’ll have a short conversation first, so I understand why the test is needed and what we’re looking for. Then a small needle is used to draw blood, usually from a vein in your arm — it takes a minute or two. Some tests need you to be fasted (nothing to eat for several hours beforehand); I’ll tell you in advance if that applies to you.

    There’s no need for anaesthetic, and you can drive and go about your day as normal afterwards.

    What the results mean

    Results come back from the laboratory usually within two working days. I’ll go through them with you in plain terms — what’s normal, what isn’t, and what (if anything) needs to happen next. Sometimes a result needs a repeat test or a further check; I’ll explain why if that’s the case.

    I don’t just hand over a results sheet. The conversation about what the numbers mean for you is part of the appointment.

    Risks

    Blood tests are low-risk. You may get a small bruise or tenderness at the needle site, and occasionally people feel lightheaded during or after. Let me know if you’re nervous about needles or have fainted during blood tests before — we can take precautions.

    If you have chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, or sudden severe symptoms, this is not something to wait on — please seek urgent medical care immediately.

    Cost

    A standard blood panel is £120, and the fee rises with the number of tests requested. We confirm the exact price when you book.

    How to book

    You can book a blood test appointment directly, or as part of a GP consultation, new patient examination, or menopause consultation. Call the clinic or book online, and let us know if you have a specific test requested by another doctor.

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    FAQs

    Do I need to fast before a blood test? It depends on the test. Some, like cholesterol or glucose checks, usually require fasting for several hours beforehand. I’ll confirm what’s needed when we arrange your test.

    How long do blood test results take? This varies depending on the test. Most results are back within two working days; some specialist tests take up to a week.

    Can I have a blood test without seeing a GP first? Yes, in many cases. But if you haven’t had the relevant symptoms assessed, it’s often more useful to have a short GP consultation first, so we test for the right things.

    Will you explain what my results mean? Yes. I go through every result with you, in plain language, and explain what it means for your health and whether any further action is needed.

  • ECG on Harley Street

    An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a quick test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It’s painless, takes only a few minutes, and is used to check heart rhythm and spot signs of underlying heart conditions. We offer ECGs at our Harley Street clinic as part of a GP consultation or as a standalone test.

    Why It’s Done

    Your GP might recommend an ECG if you have symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, or fainting. It’s also commonly used:

    • As part of a general health check or pre-employment medical
    • To monitor a known heart condition
    • Before certain procedures or medications that can affect the heart
    • To investigate unexplained fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance

    An ECG gives useful information, but it’s one part of the picture. Your GP will look at your symptoms, history, and examination findings alongside the result.

    What Happens on the Day

    You’ll lie down on a couch. Small adhesive electrodes (stickers) are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. These are connected by leads to the ECG machine.

    The recording itself takes less than a minute. You’ll need to stay still and breathe normally. There’s no pain — you might feel a slight pulling sensation when the electrodes are removed afterwards.

    You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. Wear clothing that makes it easy to access your chest, arms, and lower legs, or you’ll be asked to adjust clothing briefly during the test.

    What the Results Mean

    The ECG produces a printed trace showing your heart’s electrical pattern. Your GP will review this with you, usually on the same day.

    A normal result shows a regular rhythm with no obvious abnormalities. An abnormal result might point to an irregular heartbeat, signs of strain on the heart, or other findings that need further investigation — such as blood tests, a 24-hour heart monitor, or referral to a cardiologist.

    An ECG cannot rule out every heart problem. Some conditions only show up during symptoms, on exertion, or over a longer monitoring period.

    Risks

    An ECG carries no real risk. It doesn’t involve needles or radiation. Some people find the electrode stickers mildly uncomfortable to remove, particularly if sensitive skin.

    If you’re currently experiencing chest pain, severe breathlessness, or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, don’t wait for an appointment — call 999 or go to A&E.

    Cost

    An ECG costs £95 as a standalone test, or is included in the fee for a GP consultation when done in the same visit.

    How to Book

    You can book an ECG as part of a GP consultation, or request one directly if you have specific symptoms you’d like checked. Appointments are available at our Harley Street clinic. You can book online or by phoning the clinic.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does an ECG take? The recording itself takes under a minute. With setup and removal of electrodes, the whole process is usually done within 10–15 minutes.

    Do I need to fast before an ECG? No. You can eat and drink normally beforehand.

    Can an ECG detect all heart problems? No. It captures what’s happening at the moment of the test. Intermittent issues, such as occasional palpitations, may need a longer monitoring period or additional tests to pick up.

    Will I get my results straight away? Yes, in most cases. Your GP will review the trace with you during your appointment and explain what it shows.

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    This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please speak to your GP about your own symptoms and circumstances.