This blood test detects Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) - the hormone produced by the placenta shortly after fertilisation. It can confirm pregnancy earlier than many home tests, with hCG typically detectable in blood around 10 to 11 days after conception.
For the most accurate results, we recommend testing from the first day of a missed period or at least 21 days after unprotected sex if your cycle is irregular.
hCG plays a vital role in early pregnancy:
• It supports the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.
• Rising levels indicate a progressing pregnancy.
• Abnormal levels may signal concerns such as ectopic pregnancy or potential miscarriage.
Who it's for
You think you might be pregnant and want to know now — no waiting around for a missed period or second-guessing a faint line on a test.
You want extra confirmation because peeing on a stick doesn’t quite cut it, or your fertility clinic has recommended a more accurate result.
You’re experiencing symptoms or concerns that warrant monitoring, in which case a follow-up blood test 48 hours later may be advised. This helps assess whether hCG levels are rising as expected and that the pregnancy is progressing normally.
Important: Avoid biotin supplements before your test, as they can interfere with results. Biotin is often found in hair, skin, and nail supplements - check your labels just to be safe.
What happens
We’ll start by taking a few details about you, including any relevant medical history. You’ll have the chance to talk through your current situation and any concerns, so we can make sure this is the right test for you.
A qualified clinician will then take a blood sample, usually from your arm, though occasionally from your hand. We aim to make the process as quick, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
Preparation
Eat beforehand and stay well hydrated, it really does make a difference to your blood draw. Keeping warm can help too, so layer up if it’s chilly.
You're very welcome to bring a partner, family member, or trusted friend along for support.
When results are ready
If your appointment is before midday Monday to Friday, your results will usually be ready within 24 hours.
For tests taken after midday during the week, results are typically available within 36 to 48 hours.
Weekend appointments? You can expect your results by the following Tuesday.
On the day
To make your blood draw as smooth as possible, come well-hydrated and don’t skip breakfast - it really does make a difference. Staying warm helps too, so wrap up before you arrive.
If your appointment is between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, head into Main Reception at Greetwell Place. The reception team will let us know you’ve arrived.
If you’re booked outside of those hours, when reception is closed, follow the road to the right of the building, past the 5mph sign. Park near the ScanLinc sandwich board sign - that’s our private entrance. Please note there’s no access to the building before your appointment if reception is closed.
We kindly ask that you wait in your car or nearby at a respectful distance until we come to meet you. Some visitors prefer to keep their appointments private, and we like to honour that.
PEAK PRICE
£45
ON THE DAY
Meet Your Team
You won’t see a different face every time you walk through the door.
ScanLinc is run by just three of us - Sam, Hannah and Megan - and between us, you’re always in safe hands.
Megan Evans
Megan is a qualified, HCPC-registered Sonographer who also works within the NHS as an Obstetric Sonographer. That dual perspective means she’s not only clinically brilliant, but always in the loop with evolving NHS practices, bringing the best of both worlds to your care.
Sam Nicholls
Sam is our Clinic Director and Advanced Practitioner Sonographer. With postgraduate training in gynaecology, fertility and early pregnancy, and over two decades of NHS experience, she brings a calm, expert presence to every scan. She’s also our CQC lead and maintains her Midwifery registration, so you can be sure your care is clinically sound, safe and current.
Hannah Sleight
Hannah is our Technical Director and a qualified Sonographer. She has a knack for turning complex tech into calm, seamless experiences, from streamlining operations to keeping us at the cutting edge with the latest imaging innovations (like our 8K scan enhancements). She makes the clinic run like clockwork.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
20 minutes (whole appointment time including history and debrief)
Venepuncture Fee (charged once per appointment)
PRICE