The 5 Best Medical Laboratories in London That’ll Test You, Not Your Patience
Years ago, I noticed a small, pink rash on my arm. I initially ignored it, considering I get scrapes all the time. But the next day, I found that it had doubled in size! After a quick check, my GP couldn’t pinpoint the cause and recommended I get a few tests done.
When I thought things couldn’t get worse, I had to sit in a crowded lab for a simple test. The waiting room was so tiny, and I really hated the feeling of being stuck while waiting for hours.
I promised myself I wouldn’t go through that kind of experience anymore. I finally decided to look for several medical laboratories in London that I think are worth sharing.
1. London Health Company (LHC) Laboratory
Address: 1 Dock Rd
Contact details: +44 20 8087 0017
Business hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
London Health Company (LHC) Laboratory is among the city’s fastest medical laboratories. They’re known for their easy-to-use self-collection kits and providing results in as fast as 24 to 48 hours.
After buying a finger-prick test kit online and collecting your own blood, you can send your sample to their lab. You just have to wait a short while for your results to land in your email inbox.
Behind that simple home setup is a serious lab backbone. Like any National Health Service lab, they use state-of-the-art machines and run internal and external checks to keep results as precise as possible.
However, certain results can still be inaccurate. If the experts suggest a retake during consultation, they can send over a complimentary kit.
For tests that need more precision, a nurse can perform a venous blood draw for you at their partner clinic or pharmacy. But when it comes to on-site, they offer limited appointment slots for walk-ins, and availability isn’t always guaranteed.
Very quick and efficient
“Take no notice of the bad reviews I was skeptical at first but follow the simple instructions and be sure to register your test!! Very important.. I recived my results within 24hrs of posting very quick and efficient service 5 stars from me.”
– Luke Grundy, Google Review
Excellent experience
“Outstanding Service! I had an excellent experience with their testing service. By carefully following all the provided instructions, I found that the process was incredibly fast and efficient, which has given me great peace of mind regarding my health. I would highly recommend this lab to anyone in need of blood testing!”
– Yara Wajokh, Google Review
2. London Medical Laboratory Epsom
Address: 45 The Broadway Stoneleigh, Epsom
Contact details:
- +44 20 7183 8414
- 0207 183 6122
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Fri: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sat: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sun: Closed
London Medical Laboratory Epsom is known for their flexibility, offering both traditional lab-based sample collection and self-collection kits.
Building on that convenience, many at-home patients enjoy quick results—some got theirs within 4 hours! And for in-clinic or phlebotomy options, a qualified professional can draw your blood in around 10 minutes.
This level of efficiency comes from the team’s collaborative research efforts. They regularly adopt new technologies, which shows their commitment to maintaining fast and effective service.
Nevertheless, having many clients can cause newer ones to be neglected. A former client told us that response times were slow when he had to reach out for an issue he had with his kit.
Extremely efficient
“The experience I had at The London Medical Lab was very impressive. Extremely efficient and very quick results. I’ll definitely be back. Thank you!”
– Dani Smithers, Google Review
Friendly and calming experience
“The most friendly, calming experience. Josh was so friendly and very thorough with care and information”
– Francesca frame, Google Review
3. Phoenix Pathology
Address: 25 Harley St
Contact details:
- +44 20 7079 2100
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
Phoenix Pathology is a multidisciplinary laboratory dedicated to providing fast and comprehensive diagnostics, like biochemistry, haematology, and microbiology, for outpatients.
They’re part of the Phoenix Hospital, a reputable, high-end private healthcare group. This pushes them to adopt high standards of clinic excellence and quality assurance.
What stands out about them is that you can request a home kit or phlebotomy service from a registered nurse at their location. They complement this service with highly informative consultations and an in-house GP who can expertly break down details.
The staff is usually friendly and efficient; they’re even commended for their same-day screenings and quick results that arrive within one to two days, depending on the test.
But the catch is that some advanced tests here can be expensive, which can be a deal-breaker for some.
Very quick results and polite staff
“My doctor always advises me to go to Phoenix Pathology for my blood tests if I can because he gets the results very quickly and never have issues. I also like using this lab because it’s based in a beautiful clinic in Harley Street and everyone is friendly. The reception staff is polite and the nurses taking the blood are great and I don’t feel them taking my blood at all. The lab is also cheaper than other private labs so I recommend them 100%.”
– G G, Google Review
Super nice, gentle, and friendly
“I get my blood tests done at Phoenix. I dislike having my blood drawn… intensely. It’s always an unpleasant experience. However, the staff at Phoenix are nothing short of *amazing*. Super-nice, super-gentle, and very, very friendly. Worth every penny. I wholeheartedly recommend.”
– Wojtek Buczynski, Google Review
4. Blood Tests London
Address: 76 Wimpole St
Contact details: +44 7398 011611
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sat: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Sun: Closed
Blood Tests London partners with The Doctors Laboratory, giving patients access to a big, accredited lab infrastructure. This way, they can accommodate many people without the need for appointments.
You can pick from a huge range of tests, with more than 800 options available. They also have an ‘Express Results Guarantee’, so if your results come in later than the promised date, they’ll refund your money.
The overall experience is further enhanced by positive experiences during sample collection. Some patients praise their friendly and reassuring phlebotomists for their quick and painless blood draws and gentle explanations.
If you compare them to most medical labs, they offer a seamless ordering and walk-in process, and there’s no need to expect extra paperwork or fees.
But since they mainly focus on on-the-spot visits, note that they don’t offer at-home sample collection kits here, which are typical for most labs.
Extremely impressed with the service
“Extremely impressed with the service, communication excellent, no waiting time for test and quick turnaround for results!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
– Esther Pinson, Google Review
Professional service from start to finish
“First Class professional service from start to finish. I ordered a specialist test that the NHS would not do because of my lack of symptoms however the test proved my suspicions were founded. The results came to me days in advance of the quoted time. I was truly astounded at the speed especially as I had asked for Doctor’s comments. I would highly recommend Blood Tests London and I would not hesitate to use their service again. Thank you very much for your help and quick response.”
– Dee Milton, Google Review
5. The Path Lab
Address: 10a Upper Wimpole St
Contact details:
- +44 20 7935 6650
- +44 20 7935 6680
- [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sat: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Sun: Closed
Even as a boutique facility, The Path Lab shouldn’t be underestimated. They offer a broad range of outpatient diagnostics for health screenings, with many appreciating their same-day HIV testing, which is rare in independent labs.
Their process mainly involves in-person visits, where staff collect patient samples and have them analysed by experts on-site. While turnaround times vary, results here usually take only 1 to 2 days.
But efficiency isn’t the only thing we appreciate. Since they’re primarily a small establishment, people enjoy the more personalised service. The staff easily remembers returning visitors and can adjust techniques for those who feel anxious.
Besides their friendly approach, they often have smooth coordination with partner clinics, GPs, and specialists for quick referrals. They’re even listed in numerous insurer and hospital directories.
Just note that there are fewer advanced machines here, unlike other medical laboratories, so they may not be able to properly cater to your needs.
Calmest blood test experience
“For the 1st time in many years my son had a blood test today and didn’t faint. Yvonne was an absolute angel , she guided him through what to focus on to stop this from happening, breathing techniques which no one had ever mentioned. She had such a lovely way with him , something we have never experienced before, the calmness she created was amazing. A big thank you to you Yvonne for having the time to notice his fear without him even saying it and how you made what would have been a traumatic experience the complete opposite 😊”
– Jules, Google Review
Friendly and professional
“I have been to this lab twice for pre-op MRSA testing and have had a positive experience both time. They are friendly, professional, and the gentleman was kind enough to see me on the day last minute as I was in London. My results can back really fast, highly recommend!”
– Kerrin Jessica, Google Review