Blood Testing Clinic in Ardee
Finger prick blood tests carried out in the pharmacy, with your results explained in around 8 minutes.
Book a blood test online€45 per test
Simple finger prick sample
Results in 8 minutes
No fasting required
Fast, Accurate Blood Testing While You Wait
Waiting weeks for a blood test appointment and then longer again for results is frustrating, especially when you just want to know where you stand.
At Mark's Pharmacy we offer a range of point-of-care blood tests using KP Pharma Health screening technology. Every test needs nothing more than a finger prick sample, requires no fasting, and gives you results in around 8 minutes, all carried out by trained healthcare professionals right here in Ardee.
Book your appointment below, tell us which test you would like, and we will take care of the rest.
Why people book a blood test
People come to us for all sorts of reasons. Some want reassurance, others are following up on a symptom or keeping an eye on a known condition.
- Persistent tiredness or low energy
- Keeping an eye on cholesterol or blood sugar
- Checking vitamin D or iron levels
- Monitoring a condition between GP visits
- Family planning and fertility questions
- A general health MOT with no symptoms at all
A blood test is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. We always explain what your result means and when it is worth speaking to your GP.
Preparing for your appointment
Our tests need no special preparation. There is no fasting, and you can eat and drink as normal beforehand.
- Drink plenty of water beforehand, it makes sampling easier
- Keep your hands warm on the way in, warm fingers give a better sample
- Bring a list of any medicines or supplements you take
- Allow 30 minutes for your visit
Please tell us when you book if you take anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication, have a bleeding disorder, or tend to feel faint around blood tests.
When to see your GP instead
This service is designed for screening and monitoring. In some situations you should speak to your GP or seek urgent care rather than book with us.
- Chest pain, breathlessness or anything that feels like an emergency
- Symptoms that are new, severe or getting rapidly worse
- An abnormal previous result not yet reviewed by a doctor
- A specific test a doctor has requested that we do not offer
- You are under 18
If a result comes back outside the normal range we will tell you clearly and recommend you follow it up with your GP.
Blood tests available at Mark's Pharmacy
Every test below uses a simple finger prick sample and is analysed here in the pharmacy while you wait. Each test is €45. When you book, just tell us which test or tests you would like so we have everything ready for your appointment.
Vitamins, iron and energy
- Vitamin D - your vitamin D status, which affects bone health, immunity and energy levels.
- Ferritin - your iron stores, commonly checked when you have been feeling tired or run down.
- Folate - important for red blood cell production and in pregnancy.
Heart and metabolic health
- Cholesterol and blood lipids - your cholesterol profile for heart health.
- hs-CRP - a high-sensitivity marker used in cardiovascular risk screening.
- HbA1c - your average blood sugar over the last two to three months, used to screen for and monitor diabetes.
Inflammation, kidneys and joints
- CRP - a general marker of inflammation or infection in the body.
- Cystatin C - an indicator of how well your kidneys are filtering.
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) - a screening marker associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Hormones, fertility and pregnancy
- AMH - ovarian reserve level, often checked when planning a family.
- Progesterone - helps confirm whether and when ovulation has taken place.
- HCG+β - pregnancy indication.
- Cortisol - your main stress hormone.
Not sure which test you need? Call in or give us a ring and our pharmacy team will talk it through with you.
Your blood test appointment: what happens on the day
You are in safe hands. Every test is carried out in the pharmacy by trained healthcare professionals using KP Pharma Health point-of-care analysers.
- Please allow 30 minutes for your appointment.
- We start with a few short questions about why you are having the test, any medicines you take and any relevant medical history.
- We explain the test and what it does and does not tell you, and ask for your consent before taking a sample.
- We clean your fingertip and take a single drop of blood with a small sterile lancet. It feels like a quick scratch and is over in seconds.
- Results come back in around 8 minutes and we go through them with you there and then.
- You also receive your results by email, so you have a written record to keep or share with your GP.
- If anything is outside the expected range, we explain what it means and what to do next.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. Our blood tests are available directly to the public, so you can book online yourself without seeing a doctor first. If your results suggest something worth following up, we will recommend you speak to your GP and you will have a written copy to take with you.
Do I need to fast beforehand?
No. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
How quickly will I get my results?
Tests are analysed in the pharmacy while you wait and results are usually ready in around 8 minutes. We go through them with you there and then, and you also receive them by email.
Will it hurt?
A finger prick feels like a quick scratch and is over in a second. There are no needles in the arm and nothing to recover from afterwards. If you tend to feel faint, tell us when you book and we will make sure you are seated comfortably.
How accurate are point-of-care blood tests?
The analysers we use are clinical-grade systems designed for pharmacies and GP practices, and they are validated against laboratory methods. As with any screening test, a result outside the expected range should be confirmed and interpreted by a doctor alongside your symptoms and history.
Can I book more than one test at the same appointment?
In most cases yes. Please list every test you would like when you book so we can allow enough time and make sure we have the right kits in stock.
What if my result is abnormal?
We explain clearly what the result means and what the next step is. Usually that means taking your written result to your GP so it can be reviewed alongside your symptoms and history.
Who carries out the test?
All tests are performed by trained healthcare professionals in a private consultation area in the pharmacy. Your results and your visit are treated in the strictest confidence.
Is there an age limit?
Our blood testing service is for adults aged 18 and over. Anyone under 18 should speak to their GP, or contact us first so we can advise.
Can I speak to a doctor about my results?
Yes. If you would like to discuss what your results mean with a medical professional, we can point you towards an online GP consultation at a time that suits you.
Book your blood test
Choose a time that suits you and tell us which test you would like.
