Our services
Whether your child needs a routine blood test or you want answers about worrying symptoms, we take things at your family's pace. Here you will find what each appointment involves, what happens on the day and how to help your child feel ready.
Blood tests are often the quickest way to understand what is going on. We offer three kinds of appointment, so you can choose the one that fits what your family needs right now.
A straightforward appointment to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. Choose this when a doctor has already told you which tests are needed.
A blood test with time to talk first. We go through why the test is needed, answer your questions and then take the sample when you and your child are ready.
For when you are looking for answers. A clinician listens to your concerns, arranges the tests that make sense and explains what the results mean for your child.
We can also arrange specialist laboratory tests, including the Alagille syndrome NGS panel, which fully sequences the JAG1 and NOTCH2 genes. This test needs informed consent, which we go through with you beforehand, and results take around 8 weeks.
Sometimes you need to talk before, or after, a blood test. Our consultations give you time with a clinician to share what you have noticed and leave with a clear plan.
Meet our cliniciansYour first appointment with us. We listen to your child's story, ask a few gentle questions and agree whether tests are needed.
The same first appointment with extra time, helpful when there is a lot to talk through or your child needs a slower pace.
A return visit to go through results, check how things are going and decide together what happens next.
A conversation by phone, from home. Useful for discussing results, simple questions, or deciding which appointment is right before you book.
Knowing what comes next makes everything easier, for you and for your child. Here is the whole journey, one step at a time.
Choose an appointment online, or call us if you would like help deciding which one is right. Pick a time when your child is usually rested and calm.
Most blood tests need no special preparation. If your child's test needs fasting or anything else, we will tell you clearly before the day.
We see families at clinics in Bristol and across London and the South East. In Bristol, remote appointments or a home visit can be arranged by agreement.
We explain each step to your child in words they understand. You can stay close, hold their hand and take a pause whenever it is needed.
We tell you when to expect results and go through them with you in plain language. If anything needs a closer look, we agree the next steps together.
A little preparation goes a long way. These small things help many children feel calmer on the day.
Something you could say
"The nurse will take a tiny bit of blood to help us check your body is healthy. It might feel like a quick scratch for a moment, and I will be right next to you."
Tell your child what will happen in a few calm words. Avoid saying it will not hurt, but let them know it is quick.
A good drink of water beforehand can make the sample easier to take, unless we have told you otherwise.
A favourite toy, a tablet with a show or a book to look at together is a welcome distraction.
A short-sleeved top or a jumper that rolls up easily means less fuss on the day.
Children take their cue from you. A steady voice and a hand to hold make a real difference.
A trip to the park or a favourite snack afterwards gives your child something to look forward to.
If your question is not here, we are always happy to talk it through before you book.
Yes. Most children feel safer with a parent close by, so you are welcome to stay with them, hold their hand and help keep them distracted throughout.
Usually not. A few tests do need fasting, and if your child's test is one of them we will tell you clearly before your appointment, including how long and what they can still drink.
It depends on the test. Some routine tests come back in around a day, while specialist genetic panels can take around 8 weeks. We will tell you what to expect for your child's test before it is taken.
That is completely normal, and nobody will rush you. We can slow down, take a break and try again when your child is ready. If you think extra time will help, choose a blood testing appointment or a longer initial consultation.
We see families in Bristol and at hospitals and clinics across London and the South East. In Bristol, remote appointments or home visits can be arranged by agreement.
See all our locationsOf course. You can book a phone call consultation to talk through your worries and decide together which appointment, if any, your child needs.
Book a phone callChoose an appointment online in a few minutes. If you would rather talk it through first, call us and we will help you choose the right appointment.