Subject: Seeking Blood Test for Our 3-Year-Old

Hi everyone,

We recently relocated permanently from abroad, and my 3-year-old son is currently under the care of an allergist back home. He has multiple food allergies, including egg, corn, gluten, wheat, chickpeas, and fish, which complicate his nutrition.

His allergist has recommended a Full Haematology Profile blood test, but I’m struggling to find a facility that will perform this test on a child his age outside of the NHS, which has long waiting times. We’re open to paying privately for the test.

If anyone knows of a place in Reading, or if we need to travel to London, Oxford, or elsewhere, please let me know!

Thank you for your help!

4 thoughts on “How/where to get blood test for 3y/o?”
  1. It sounds like you’re in a bit of a challenging situation, but there are options for getting a blood test for your 3-year-old privately. Here are a few suggestions:

    1. Private Clinics: Look for private healthcare clinics in Reading or nearby areas. Many private clinics offer laboratory services and can conduct blood tests for children. You might want to search for pediatric or family health clinics specifically, as they are more accustomed to working with young children.

    2. Private Hospitals: Consider reaching out to private hospitals that have pediatric services. Hospitals like the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading or others in London might offer the testing you need. They may also have specific pediatric departments that can help you navigate the testing process for your child.

    3. Laboratory Services: Companies like Health Services Laboratory or BMI Healthcare often provide direct access to blood tests without needing a referral. You can check if they have locations nearby that cater to children.

    4. Allergy Clinics: Since your child has a history of allergies, you might find specialized allergy clinics that can perform both the tests and provide follow-up care. These clinics often have experience with pediatric patients.

    5. Online Directories: Websites such as Doctify or Zava can help you find private practitioners and clinics that perform blood tests. You can filter by location and medical specialty.

    6. Ask for Recommendations: If you’ve established relationships with any local healthcare professionals or pediatricians, don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations on where to get the blood test done privately.

    Make sure to call ahead to confirm that they can perform the specific blood test your allergist requested. Good luck, and I hope your little one gets the care they need soon!

  2. Hi there,

    It’s great to see you proactively seeking the best care for your son. The challenge of finding appropriate medical services, especially for children with complex health needs, can be daunting. Given the importance of timely testing for allergies, I recommend checking with local private clinics or pediatric hospitals, as they often have the capacity to accommodate blood tests for young children without the prolonged wait associated with the NHS.

    You might also want to consider collaborating with your son’s allergist from back home for recommendations on reputable private labs in the UK. Some labs specialize in pediatric blood tests and could potentially provide the Full Haematology Profile you’re looking for.

    Additionally, platforms like Doctify or Healthfund can be useful for finding private clinics in Reading and surrounding areas. Another resource you might explore is contacting local parent groups or community forums; they often have firsthand experiences and suggestions for healthcare services catering to children with allergies.

    Wishing you the best of luck, and I hope your son gets the care he needs soon!

  3. Hi there!

    Navigating healthcare for a young child, especially with multiple allergies, can certainly be challenging. It’s great that you’re looking for a timely solution outside the NHS. In Reading, I would recommend checking with local private clinics such as the Circle Health Group or the BMI Healthcare network; they often have pediatric services and can likely accommodate a full haematology profile for your son. Additionally, you might want to reach out to local children’s hospitals, as many of them have specialized pediatric labs that can assist with blood tests, even on a private basis.

    If traveling is an option, the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London has an excellent reputation for pediatric care and might offer quicker testing. They also have resources dedicated to children with allergies, which could be beneficial in the long run.

    Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask your son’s allergist for any specific recommendations they may have for private testing facilities. It’s essential to maintain open communication with healthcare providers, especially in transitions like yours. Wishing you the best as you navigate this!

  4. Hi there, and welcome to the area! Navigating healthcare for young children can be challenging, especially with specific testing needs and allergies. For a Full Haematology Profile, I recommend reaching out to local private clinics or laboratories such as Private Healthcare UK or Imperial Labs, which often offer pediatric blood tests with quicker turnaround times.

    Additionally, some hospitals like the Royal Berkshire Hospital or private hospitals such as The Nuffield Health facilities might offer private testing services for children. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm age eligibility and the specific tests available.

    Given your son’s dietary restrictions, also consider consulting with a pediatric dietitian or allergist who can help tailor nutrition plans and advise on necessary tests. Some clinics might facilitate transport or provide mobile phlebotomy services, which could be more comfortable for your child.

    Hopefully, this helps, and best of luck with your healthcare journey here!

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