Frequent questions

• Q.

  How is my blood sample collected?

  
  A.

  Depending on the test you select, blood samples are collected by finger prick or phlebotomy. A blood collection kit will be sent to your address. This kit contains all you need to collect the blood sample and includes a guide to collection as well as a pre-paid return envelope for your sample.

• Q.

  What is a phlebotomy?

  
  A.

  Phlebotomy means that the blood sample is drawn direct from the vein. This type of sample needs to be done by a qualified healthcare professional. We have developed a national network of clinics and home-visit phlebotomists who conduct this service on our behalf.

• Q.

  Are finger prick tests easy to do?

  
  A.

  Essentially yes, anyone can collect the sample required easily and quickly providing they follow the instructions given. Finger prick kits contain a small lancet which pierces the skin. The finger is then massaged and the resulting droplets of blood are used to fill the small collection tubes. It is imperative that you fill the tubes to the indicated line or analysis may fail.

• Q.

  When is the best time to collect the sample?

  
  A.

  For convenience we recommend you collect your sample first thing in the morning. This is compulsory for some tests which have biomarkers which fluctuate depending on the time of day or with the intake of food. Please ensure you follow the instruction for your particular test carefully.

• Q.

  How soon do I need to post the sample to the lab?

  
  A.

  It is absolutely essential that the blood sample is posted to our laboratory within the pre-paid envelop on the day the sample is taken. The tubes contain chemicals which help to delay the clotting of blood. Any delays in the sample reaching the laboratory may mean analysis will fail or inaccurate results.

• Q.

  How do I know when my results are ready?

  
  A.

  We will send you an email as soon as your results are ready to view. Simply log onto your secure account to view them. The estimated turnaround time for each test is stated on the test page and can be as quick as 1 day from receipt of sample.

• Q.

  Are my test results reviewed by a GP?

  
  A.

  Test results which fall outside the normal range are reviewed by one of our registered healthcare professionals who will provide you with advice alongside your results. You can also download your results from your dashboard and take them to discuss directly with your own GP who holds a record of your full medical history. 

• Q.

  Should I discuss my results with my GP?

  
  A.

  If you have any concerns about your health or your results you should discuss these directly with your GP. The tests Forth offers are not a replacement to seeing your own GP. Our tests are designed to give you a deeper insight into your own health so you can improve your wellbeing, levels of fitness and sports performance. They are not intended for clinical diagnosis.  You can download a copy of your results to share with healthcare professionals from your account dashboard.

• Q.

  Can’t I have these tests done free by my GP?

  
  A.

  Blood tests conducted through a GP surgery often take a long time to complete and you are rarely given the detailed results. You may also not be given access to certain tests. Forth gives you direct access to a wide range of wellbeing tests to help you check and improve your health status and optimise your performance.

• Q.

  How often should I test?

  
  A.

  As red blood cells regenerate approximately every 120 days, we recommend re-testing every 3-4 months to track your improvement.

• Q.

  What laboratories do you use?

  
  A.

  All our laboratories are accredited and meet UK regulatory standards. Our main laboratory partner is one of the largest private laboratories in the UK and provides pathology services to the NHS as well as private healthcare hospitals and clinics.