If you are an NHS bariatric patient with Phoenix Health, you may receive a text message followed by a phone call about arranging a blood test.
We understand that receiving a message or call from an organisation you may not immediately recognise can raise questions about whether the communication is genuine.
Phoenix Health is working with INUVI to help arrange blood tests for relevant NHS bariatric patients. If you have received a message relating to a blood draw, here is what you need to know about the service and what happens next.
Who is INUVI?
INUVI is a UK provider of health assessments, phlebotomy (blood collection) and laboratory testing services. Its medical laboratory is based in Gloucester, where it provides testing services for organisations across healthcare and other sectors.
As part of its work with Phoenix Health, INUVI helps arrange blood draws for relevant NHS bariatric patients when blood testing is required as part of their care.
This means that although your bariatric care is being provided by Phoenix Health, you may see the INUVI name in information relating to your blood test.
Why are blood tests important after bariatric surgery?
Regular blood tests can be an important part of follow-up care after bariatric surgery.
Bariatric treatments such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass can affect nutritional intake and, depending on the procedure, how certain nutrients are absorbed. Blood tests allow your healthcare team to monitor your nutritional health and identify potential deficiencies or other areas that may need attention.
The blood tests you require and how frequently you need them will depend on your procedure, individual health, and stage of recovery. Always follow the monitoring and supplementation advice provided by our bariatric team.
What happens when INUVI contacts me?
If a blood draw is required as part of your care, you may first receive a text message explaining that you are being contacted to arrange a blood test.
The message includes a link to an INUVI guide with further information about your blood test, including what the appointment involves, how to prepare and what to expect afterwards.
One of INUVI’s Health Practitioners will then contact you to arrange a convenient date, time and location for your appointment.
Can my blood test be carried out at home?
Yes, INUVI advises that appointments can typically be arranged at your home or another convenient location. This can make ongoing blood monitoring more convenient by reducing the need for additional travel.
At your appointment, an INUVI Health Practitioner will take the required blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm or the back of your hand. The appointment will usually take around 10–15 minutes, although this may vary depending on the tests requested.
Your INUVI guide will provide further information about preparing for the appointment and what to do afterwards.
Is the INUVI message genuine?
Yes. If you are a Phoenix Health NHS bariatric patient and receive a message from INUVI about arranging your blood draw, please be reassured that this is a genuine service being provided as part of your care with Phoenix Health.
You may receive a text containing information about your blood draw, followed by contact from the INUVI team to arrange your appointment.
There is no need to be concerned if you see the INUVI name in relation to your blood test. INUVI is supporting Phoenix Health with arranging these blood draws, helping to make the process straightforward and convenient for our patients.
Where can I find more information about my appointment?
The link included in your text message takes you to INUVI’s patient guide, which provides more detailed information about:
- How your appointment is arranged
- What happens during the blood draw
- Preparing for your appointment
- Fasting, where required
- What to do after your blood sample is taken
- Rearranging or cancelling an appointment
Please read this information before your appointment and follow any specific instructions you are given.
For questions relating to your wider bariatric care with Phoenix Health, our team is here to help.
