FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about choosing your test, providing your sample and receiving your results with Nuvivo Health.
Choosing and booking your test
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book a Nuvivo blood test directly without a GP referral.
Every test page explains which biomarkers are included, the available collection options and the expected turnaround time.
How do I choose the right blood test?
Start by considering what you would like to understand about your health.
Nuvivo provides testing across areas including:
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General health and preventive screening
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Energy and fatigue
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Hormone health
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Thyroid health
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Weight and metabolism
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Heart health and longevity
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Fitness, performance and recovery
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Men’s and women’s health
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Vitamins and minerals
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Sexual health
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Gut health
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Individual biomarkers
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Comprehensive health screening
Popular options include:
If you are unsure, email hello@nuvivo.co.uk before purchasing. Tell us which symptoms, biomarkers or areas of health you would like to investigate and we will explain the available options.
Blood testing does not replace an appropriate medical assessment. If you have persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms, contact your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
I want to test from home. Which option should I choose?
Selected blood tests can be completed at home using either:
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A finger-prick postal kit
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A Tasso upper-arm collection device
These options are only available when the required analysis can be completed using a suitable capillary blood sample.
Ask about Tasso-compatible tests
I want a comprehensive health check. Which test should I choose?
The Ultimate Health MOT is Nuvivo’s most comprehensive health-screening package.
Broader profiles may require a venous sample because they need a larger blood volume, several laboratory tubes or specialist processing.
Review the product information carefully or contact us before booking if you need help choosing the most appropriate option.
Can I test an individual biomarker?
Yes. Nuvivo offers individual biomarkers covering vitamins, hormones, inflammation, thyroid function and other areas.
If the biomarker you require is not listed, contact us and we will check whether it can be arranged.
Can Nuvivo create a tailored blood test?
Yes. Nuvivo can arrange individual biomarkers and tailored testing packages where available.
Tell us which biomarkers or areas of health you would like to investigate. We can review the available options, avoid unnecessary duplication and provide a tailored quotation.
Can I book more than one test during the same appointment?
Yes. Multiple tests can usually be combined into one appointment.
Please contact us before purchasing several panels. We can check for duplicated biomarkers and confirm the required sample volume, laboratory tubes and preparation instructions.
Do you provide blood tests for people under 18?
No. Nuvivo currently provides its regulated clinical services to adults aged 18 and over.
Can I attend without an appointment?
No. All Nuvivo clinic, partner clinic and nurse home-visit appointments must be booked in advance.
This allows us to confirm your preparation instructions, sample requirements and laboratory documentation before collection.
Sample collection options
How can I provide my blood sample?
Depending on the selected test, you may be able to:
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Order a finger-prick postal kit
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Use a Tasso upper-arm collection device
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Attend the Nuvivo clinic in Livingston
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Attend one of more than 170 partner collection locations across the UK
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Book a nurse home visit
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Attend a workplace, partner or organised testing event
Not every test is compatible with every collection method. The available options depend on the biomarkers, required sample volume, laboratory tubes and processing conditions.
Find a blood collection location
What is a finger-prick blood test?
A finger-prick blood test uses a small, single-use lancet to collect a capillary blood sample from your fingertip.
You collect the sample into the supplied tubes and return it using the packaging and instructions provided.
Finger-prick collection is only suitable for compatible tests. Some profiles require a larger sample, venous blood, specialist tubes or time-sensitive laboratory processing.
What is a Tasso device?
Tasso is a compact device that collects a capillary blood sample from your upper arm.
It offers an alternative home-collection method for selected compatible tests and may be preferred by people who do not want to use a traditional finger-prick kit.
Tasso is not suitable for every blood test. Some profiles require a larger sample, different laboratory tubes, venous blood or specialist processing.
What is a venous blood test?
A venous blood test involves an appropriately trained healthcare professional collecting blood from a vein, normally in your arm.
Venous collection may be required when a test needs:
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A larger blood sample
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Several laboratory tubes
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Specialist sample processing
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Centrifugation or separation
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Temperature-controlled handling
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Time-sensitive laboratory preparation
The test page or Nuvivo team will confirm when venous collection is required.
Can a nurse visit my home?
Yes. Nuvivo provides access to a nationwide network of more than 350 qualified nurses for home, workplace, partner and group-testing appointments.
Availability depends on your postcode, selected test and required collection arrangements.
A nurse home visit costs an additional £63.
Can I attend a collection location near me?
Nuvivo provides access to more than 170 partner collection locations across the UK.
A partner clinic collection costs an additional £35.
Enter your postcode into our location finder or contact us for assistance. Availability depends on your selected test and location.
Find your nearest collection location
Where is the Livingston clinic?
The Nuvivo Livingston clinic is located at:
Nuvivo Health
8 Carmondean Centre Road
Livingston
EH54 8PT
The clinic is located inside Prime8 and operates by appointment only. Arrival instructions will be provided after your appointment is confirmed.
Collection at the Livingston clinic is included in the displayed blood test price unless the product page states otherwise.
View blood testing in Livingston
Do you provide workplace or group testing?
Yes. Nuvivo can arrange blood-testing sessions at workplaces, sports clubs, partner venues and organised events.
Collection arrangements and minimum booking requirements depend on the location, number of participants and selected testing packages.
Contact Nuvivo about group testing
Are all tests available through every collection method?
No. The available collection method depends on the biomarkers, required sample volume, laboratory tubes and processing requirements.
Some tests can be completed using finger-prick or Tasso collection. Other tests require a venous sample collected by a trained healthcare professional.
Always check the product page or contact us before purchasing if you are unsure.
Collection charges
Are there additional sample-collection charges?
Collection charges depend on the method selected:
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Livingston clinic: Included in the displayed test price unless stated otherwise
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Partner clinic: Additional £35
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Nurse home visit: Additional £63
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Finger-prick postal kit: The applicable cost will be displayed on the product page or during checkout
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Tasso collection: The applicable cost will be displayed before payment
All applicable charges should be shown or confirmed before your collection is arranged.
Is the collection fee charged for every test?
The collection fee applies to the appointment or collection arrangement rather than each individual test.
If several compatible tests are completed using the same collection appointment, only one collection charge will normally apply.
Contact Nuvivo before purchasing several tests so we can confirm the correct sample and collection requirements.
Preparing for your test
Do I need to fast?
This depends on your selected test.
Certain glucose, insulin, lipid, metabolic and advanced health profiles may require an 8 to 10-hour fast. Many other tests do not require fasting.
If fasting is required:
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Do not eat during the instructed fasting period
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Drink plain water
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Avoid alcohol
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Avoid unusually strenuous exercise
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Follow the test-specific instructions provided by Nuvivo
Your booking confirmation will explain exactly what is required.
Can I drink water while fasting?
Yes. Plain water is generally encouraged unless you have specifically been advised otherwise.
Being appropriately hydrated can also make venous sample collection easier.
Should I stop taking prescribed medication?
Do not stop or change prescribed medication unless instructed by your GP, prescribing clinician or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Please declare your medication during patient registration because some medicines can influence test results and their interpretation.
Should I stop taking supplements?
Some supplements can influence blood test results. The effect depends on the supplement, dosage and biomarkers being measured.
Follow the instructions provided with your test. Do not stop a medically necessary supplement without appropriate professional advice.
Contact Nuvivo before your appointment if you are uncertain.
Does the time of day matter?
It can. Some hormones and other biomarkers naturally change throughout the day.
Certain hormone tests are best completed in the morning. Other tests may need to be timed around medication, treatment or the menstrual cycle.
Your preparation instructions will confirm whether a specific collection time is recommended.
Can I exercise before my blood test?
Intensive exercise can temporarily affect biomarkers including creatine kinase, liver-related markers, inflammation markers and certain hormones.
Follow the preparation instructions for your selected test. You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise before collection.
Can I drink alcohol before my test?
Alcohol can affect several biomarkers, including liver function, triglycerides, glucose and hydration.
Follow your test-specific preparation instructions and avoid alcohol for the recommended period before collection.
What should I do if I am unwell on the day?
Contact Nuvivo before collecting your sample or attending your appointment.
Illness, infection and dehydration can temporarily affect test results. Depending on the purpose of the test, it may be better to postpone collection.
Your appointment
Who will collect my venous blood sample?
Your sample will be collected by an appropriately trained healthcare professional, such as a registered nurse or trained phlebotomist.
The professional will follow the required patient identification, consent, infection-prevention, sample-labelling and transportation procedures.
How long does an appointment take?
A standard blood-collection appointment usually takes approximately 15 minutes.
Additional time may be needed when several tubes are required, a urine sample is included or you require additional support.
What should I bring?
Please bring:
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Photographic identification if requested
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Details of relevant medication and supplements
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Any information requested in your confirmation
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A urine sample if specifically instructed
Complete your patient registration and consent documentation before attending whenever possible.
What happens if there is difficulty collecting my blood?
The healthcare professional will explain the available options and place your safety first.
Depending on the circumstances, the collection may be paused, another appropriate attempt may be considered or a repeat appointment may be arranged.
At-home kits and sample returns
What is included in an at-home testing kit?
The contents depend on the test and collection method but may include:
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A finger-prick or Tasso collection device
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Sample tubes
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Sample labels
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Laboratory documentation
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Step-by-step instructions
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Protective sample packaging
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Return packaging
Read all instructions before beginning the collection.
When should I collect my postal sample?
Follow the instructions supplied with your kit.
You may be advised to collect on a particular day or at a specific time so the sample can reach the laboratory promptly.
Avoid collecting immediately before a weekend or bank holiday unless your instructions confirm that this is acceptable.
How should I return my sample?
Use the packaging and return method supplied with your kit.
Complete all required labels and documentation. Samples that are incorrectly labelled, delayed, damaged, leaking or returned outside the required conditions may not be suitable for analysis.
What happens if my sample cannot be analysed?
Occasionally, a laboratory may be unable to analyse a sample because of:
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Insufficient sample volume
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Haemolysis
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Clotting
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Incorrect or incomplete labelling
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Leakage or damage
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Transportation delays
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Incorrect collection or storage
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A laboratory quality-control issue
Nuvivo will contact you and explain the available next steps. A repeat sample may be required.
Laboratory testing and results
Where are my samples analysed?
Samples are processed by selected UK laboratories. The laboratory used depends on the test, sample type and specialist analysis required.
Are the laboratories UKAS accredited?
Nuvivo uses selected UK laboratories accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service for their applicable testing activities.
UKAS accreditation and its scope relate to the laboratory performing the analysis. It does not mean that every possible test or activity is necessarily included within the same accreditation scope.
Is Nuvivo Health regulated?
Yes. Nuvivo Health is registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland as an independent healthcare service.
Nuvivo provides regulated services in accordance with the conditions applying to its registration.
Learn about Nuvivo’s registration
How quickly will I receive my results?
Most routine results are available within approximately 2 to 4 working days after the laboratory receives a suitable sample.
Some results may be available sooner, while specialist tests can take longer. The estimated turnaround time should be displayed on the relevant product page.
Turnaround times are estimates and can be affected by transportation, sample quality, repeat analysis and specialist processing requirements.
When does the turnaround time begin?
The turnaround time begins when the laboratory receives a correctly labelled sample that is suitable for analysis.
It does not begin when the order is placed, the kit is dispatched or the sample is collected.
How will I receive my results?
Your results will be delivered securely through Nuvivo’s patient system. You will be notified when they are available.
You may be required to verify your identity or use a password to access your documents.
Will my report show my actual results?
Most blood test reports show:
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Your measured result
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The unit of measurement
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The laboratory reference range
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Whether the result is inside or outside that range
Some specialist tests may use a different reporting format.
Are my results reviewed by a doctor?
Yes. Nuvivo blood test results are reviewed and signed off by a GMC-registered doctor.
Where included with your selected test, you will also receive written clinical comments explaining important findings and appropriate next steps.
The exact reporting and interpretation included with each test will be explained on its product page.
Can I discuss my results with a GP?
Yes. You can book an optional online GP appointment to discuss your results.
During the appointment, you can:
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Discuss your results with a GP
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Ask questions about unexpected findings
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Provide relevant information about symptoms and medical history
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Discuss possible next steps
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Discuss whether repeat testing or further investigation may be appropriate
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Understand when follow-up with your own GP or a specialist may be advisable
The online GP appointment is a separate paid service unless the selected package specifically states that it is included.
Request an online GP appointment
Is a GP appointment included with every test?
No. Doctor review of your laboratory results and a live GP appointment are different services.
Your test includes the reporting and clinical review described on its product page. A separate online GP appointment can be booked if you want to discuss your results in more detail.
Can the GP prescribe medication?
Whether prescribing is available or clinically appropriate depends on the consultation service and the GP’s individual assessment.
Medication is never guaranteed. The GP may recommend that you contact your usual NHS GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
What happens if a result is outside the reference range?
Your report will identify results that fall outside the laboratory reference range.
An abnormal result does not automatically mean that you have a medical condition. Results should be considered alongside your symptoms, medical history, medication, lifestyle and other findings.
Where appropriate, the reviewing doctor may recommend:
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Discussing the result with your GP
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Repeating the test
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Completing additional investigations
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Monitoring the result
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Seeking specialist assessment
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Obtaining urgent medical attention
What happens if a result requires urgent attention?
Nuvivo follows its clinical escalation procedures when a laboratory or reviewing doctor identifies a result that may require urgent attention.
Make sure your contact details are correct and monitor your telephone and email after testing.
Nuvivo is not an emergency service. If you are seriously unwell or believe you require immediate medical attention, call 999. For urgent medical advice that is not a life-threatening emergency, contact NHS 111 or your own GP.
Can a blood test diagnose a medical condition?
Blood testing can provide valuable clinical information, but results should not always be interpreted in isolation.
Some conditions require a clinical consultation, examination, repeat testing, diagnostic imaging or specialist assessment before a diagnosis can be made.
Can I share my results with my own GP?
Yes. Your results can be downloaded and shared with your GP, consultant or another healthcare professional involved in your care.
What should I do if I have not received my results?
Check the expected turnaround time for your selected test. Remember that the turnaround begins when the laboratory receives a suitable sample.
If the expected period has passed, email hello@nuvivo.co.uk with your full name, date of birth and order number.
Please do not include unnecessary medical information in an unsecured email.
Payments, cancellations and refunds
How much does blood testing cost?
Prices depend on the selected test, number of biomarkers, sample requirements and collection method.
The test price is displayed on the relevant product page.
Additional collection charges are:
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Partner clinic collection: £35
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Nurse home visit: £63
Collection at the Livingston clinic is included in the test price unless stated otherwise.
Can I pay in instalments?
Eligible payment options will be displayed during checkout.
Availability is determined by the payment provider and may depend on the order value and the provider’s eligibility requirements.
What happens if I cancel or reschedule a partner clinic appointment?
Contact Nuvivo as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.
If you cancel or reschedule with at least 24 hours’ notice, the appointment can normally be moved without a late-cancellation collection charge, subject to availability and the applicable booking terms.
If you cancel or reschedule less than 24 hours before the appointment, or do not attend, the full £35 partner clinic collection charge will apply.
This reflects the collection-provider cost that Nuvivo may still be required to pay. A new £35 collection charge may be required before another partner clinic appointment is confirmed.
What happens if I cancel or reschedule a nurse home visit?
Contact Nuvivo as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule.
If you cancel or reschedule with at least 24 hours’ notice, the visit can normally be moved without a late-cancellation collection charge, subject to availability and the applicable booking terms.
If you cancel or reschedule less than 24 hours before the visit, or are unavailable when the nurse arrives, the full £63 nurse home-visit charge will apply.
This reflects the nurse-provider cost that Nuvivo may still be required to pay. A new £63 home-visit charge may be required before another visit is confirmed.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
A missed appointment is treated as a cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice.
The full applicable collection charge will apply:
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£35 for a partner clinic appointment
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£63 for a nurse home visit
A new collection charge may be required before a replacement appointment can be booked.
What happens if my Tasso device has already been dispatched?
Once a Tasso device has been prepared and dispatched, a £35 Tasso dispatch and device charge will apply if you cancel the test.
The £35 reflects the cost of the device and fulfilment after dispatch. Where a refund is otherwise due, this amount will be deducted from the refundable balance.
Do not return a used Tasso device or biological sample unless Nuvivo specifically instructs you to do so.
This does not affect your statutory consumer rights, including where an item is faulty, damaged or not supplied as agreed.
Can I cancel before my Tasso device is dispatched?
Contact Nuvivo as quickly as possible.
If the Tasso device has not yet been prepared or dispatched, the £35 Tasso dispatch and device charge will not normally apply. Any refund remains subject to the applicable booking and refund terms.
What happens if a finger-prick kit has already been dispatched?
Contact Nuvivo as soon as possible.
If a finger-prick kit has already been prepared or dispatched, some fulfilment or delivery costs may no longer be refundable. Any refund will be handled in accordance with the Refund Policy and your statutory consumer rights.
What happens if Nuvivo or the collection provider cancels?
If Nuvivo or the collection provider needs to cancel your appointment, you will not be charged a cancellation fee.
We will offer to rearrange the collection or refund the affected collection charge where a suitable replacement appointment cannot be provided.
What if exceptional circumstances prevent me from attending?
Contact Nuvivo as soon as possible and explain what happened.
Where exceptional circumstances apply, we will review the situation individually and fairly. Any decision will depend on the circumstances and any costs already incurred by Nuvivo or the collection provider.
Privacy and support
Is my medical information confidential?
Yes. Nuvivo processes patient information confidentially and uses secure clinical systems to manage registration, consent, results and clinical communications.
Information is only shared where necessary to provide the service, meet legal or regulatory requirements, protect patient safety or where you have authorised the disclosure.
Does Nuvivo sell patient health information?
No. Nuvivo does not sell patient health information.
How can I contact Nuvivo?
For help choosing a test, arranging sample collection or understanding your options, email:
Nuvivo is not an emergency service. Do not use email if you require urgent medical assistance.
Still unsure which test to choose?
Tell us what you would like to investigate and we will help you understand the available tests, biomarkers and collection options.
Nuvivo can also arrange individual biomarkers and tailored testing packages where available.
Find your nearest collection location
Request an online GP appointment