Help & FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about our laboratory services, sample collection, and test results.
Getting Started
You can book by calling +44 (0) 7443 211 896 or by visiting us at Withington Works, 30 Burton Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3EB. No appointment is required for most routine tests — walk-ins are welcome during our operating hours.
Most tests can be ordered directly without a doctor's referral. However, certain specialised panels may require a physician's request form. Contact our reception and our staff will advise you on what is needed.
We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before closing time to ensure your sample can be processed on the same day.
We are located at Withington Works, 30 Burton Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3EB. Parking is available nearby. You can reach us by calling +44 (0) 7443 211 896 for directions.
Yes. Our staff are experienced in handling paediatric samples. We offer dedicated panels specifically designed for younger patients. A parent or guardian must accompany children under 18.
Home sample collection services are available for certain tests. Please contact us at +44 (0) 7443 211 896 or email info@mayfairlabs.co.uk to enquire about availability and scheduling.
Sample Collection & Preparation
Fasting for 8–12 hours is required for glucose, lipid profile, and triglyceride tests. Plain water is permitted during the fasting period. Tests such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood group, and most hormone tests do not require fasting. Your doctor or our reception will advise you.
Use the midstream clean-catch method: clean the genital area, begin urinating, then collect the mid-portion of the stream into the provided container. First-morning urine is preferred as it is most concentrated. Do not touch the inside of the collection container.
In most cases, yes. However, some medications can affect test results — particularly for coagulation tests (warfarin, aspirin), hormone panels (oral contraceptives, steroids), and thyroid tests. Always inform our staff of all medications and supplements you are currently taking.
The blood draw itself takes only 5–10 minutes. Please allow an additional 10–15 minutes for registration if it is your first visit. You may experience mild bruising at the puncture site, which is normal and resolves within a few days.
For fertility assessment, FSH, LH, and Estradiol are best measured on Day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is typically measured around Day 21. Always follow your gynaecologist's specific timing instructions for accurate results.
Blood-based specific IgE allergy tests do not require any special preparation and do not require you to stop antihistamines beforehand. No fasting is needed. Simply come at your scheduled time.
Results & Reporting
Most routine results (CBC, biochemistry, urinalysis) are available within 2–4 hours of sample receipt. Specialised tests such as hormones, oncology markers, and allergy panels may take 1–2 business days.
Results can be collected in person at our lab. Email delivery is available upon request — contact info@mayfairlabs.co.uk or speak to reception to arrange this. We do not share results with third parties without your explicit consent.
Reference ranges represent values expected in a healthy population. A result outside the range does not always indicate disease — many factors including age, sex, hydration, and medications affect values. Always have your results interpreted by your physician in the context of your clinical history.
Yes. All patient data is stored securely and is never shared with third parties without your written consent, in full compliance with UK GDPR and applicable data protection regulations. Your privacy is our priority.
For questions about your report or test methodology, contact our reception at +44 (0) 7443 211 896 or email info@mayfairlabs.co.uk. For clinical interpretation of your results, please consult your treating physician.
No. Not all cancers produce detectable tumour markers, and markers can be within normal range in early-stage disease. Tumour marker tests are used for monitoring and screening alongside clinical evaluation — they are not standalone diagnostic tools. Always discuss results with your oncologist.