Fast Private TB Screening to Help Avoid Delays Starting Biologic Treatment

Have you been told you need TB screening before starting biologic treatment?

At Holden’s Chemist Express, we provide private Quantiferon Gold (IGRA) TB blood testing from our clinics in Newark and Doncaster.

If your consultant has asked for a Quantiferon Gold, IGRA or TB blood test, we can help you get it done quickly, professionally and without waiting around while your symptoms keep chewing through your week.

• Fast private appointments available
• Professional blood sample collection
• Samples sent to an accredited UK laboratory
• Clinics in Newark and Doncaster
• No GP referral required
• Suitable where a consultant has requested a Quantiferon Gold or IGRA test
• Easy online booking

Book your TB blood test online today and help keep your biologic treatment moving.

Do Not Let a Simple Blood Test Hold Up Your Treatment

When you are waiting to start biologics, every extra week can feel brutal.

The flare does not pause because the system is slow. The joint pain, skin plaques, gut symptoms, fatigue, swelling, stiffness or burning discomfort can keep grinding on while you wait for one box to be ticked.

Many patients are told they cannot start biologic therapy until TB screening is complete. That makes the blood test a gatekeeper.

Get it done properly. Get it done privately. Keep the process moving.

Why Do I Need TB Screening Before Biologics?

Biologic medicines affect the immune system. If you have been exposed to tuberculosis in the past, TB can remain inactive in the body as latent TB infection.

Before starting biologic treatment, many specialists request TB screening to help reduce the risk of latent TB becoming active during treatment.

TB screening may be requested before biologic treatment for conditions such as:

• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Severe eczema
• Other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions

Why Patients Choose Holden’s Chemist Express

NHS delays can be painful enough without a missing blood test dragging things out even longer.

If your consultant is ready to move forward but your screening is not complete, you need a service that is fast, professional and handled correctly from the start.

• Trusted pharmacy-led service
• Experienced clinical team
• Professional blood sample collection
• Samples handled correctly and sent for laboratory testing
• Clear appointment process from start to finish
• Fast access for patients trying to avoid treatment delays

Our job is simple. Take your blood sample properly, send it to the lab, and help you get the test completed without unnecessary delays.

What is a Quantiferon Gold IGRA Test?

The Quantiferon Gold test is a laboratory blood test used to help detect latent tuberculosis infection.

The test is also known as an IGRA, which stands for Interferon Gamma Release Assay.

The Quantiferon Gold test:

• Requires one blood sample
• Does not usually require a second appointment to read the result
• Is not usually affected by previous BCG vaccination
• Is commonly used in hospital, consultant and occupational health settings
• May be requested before biologic or immunosuppressant treatment

An IGRA test can help detect TB exposure, but it cannot confirm whether someone has active TB disease. If your result is positive or unclear, further medical assessment may be needed.

Biologic Medicines That May Require TB Screening

Your consultant may request TB screening before starting medicines such as:

• Adalimumab, including Humira and biosimilars
• Infliximab
• Etanercept
• Ustekinumab, including Stelara
• Secukinumab, including Cosentyx
• Ixekizumab, including Taltz
• Risankizumab, including Skyrizi
• Guselkumab, including Tremfya
• Vedolizumab, including Entyvio
• Other biologic or advanced immunosuppressant medicines

If your specialist letter asks for a Quantiferon Gold, IGRA or TB blood test, you can book privately with Holden’s Chemist Express.

Who Might Need This Test?

A private TB blood test before biologics may be useful for:

• Patients waiting to start biologic treatment
• Patients under dermatology, rheumatology or gastroenterology
• Patients whose consultant has requested TB screening
• Patients trying to avoid unnecessary NHS delays
• Patients wanting to prevent hold-ups before medication approval
• Patients needing evidence of private TB blood testing
• People starting immunosuppressant or advanced therapy medicines

Important Information Before Booking

Holden’s Chemist Express provides private Quantiferon Gold IGRA blood testing. We do not replace your consultant’s full pre-biologic assessment.

Your specialist team may still require:

• A chest X-ray
• Hepatitis B and C screening
• HIV testing
• Full blood count
• Liver and kidney function tests
• Vaccination review
• Clinical history and risk assessment

Please check your consultant letter or hospital instructions before booking so you know exactly which tests are required.

What Happens at Your Appointment?

1. Book your appointment online.
2. Attend your chosen Holden’s Chemist Express clinic.
3. A trained member of the team confirms your details.
4. A small blood sample is taken from your arm.
5. Your sample is sent to an accredited UK laboratory.
6. Your results are returned securely once available.

The appointment usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

Our Clinics

Newark Clinic

Holden’s Chemist Express
77 Eton Avenue
Newark
Nottinghamshire
NG24 4JH

Doncaster Clinic

Holden’s Chemist Express
Doncaster area clinic appointments are available through our online booking system.

Areas We Cover

Patients travel to our Newark and Doncaster clinics from across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire and the wider East Midlands region.

Nottinghamshire

• Newark
• Balderton
• Southwell
• Collingham
• Bingham
• Mansfield
• Retford
• Worksop
• Ollerton
• Nottingham

Lincolnshire

• Lincoln
• Grantham
• Sleaford
• Gainsborough
• Woodhall Spa

South Yorkshire

• Doncaster
• Rotherham
• Barnsley
• Sheffield

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a TB blood test before biologics?

Some biologic medicines suppress parts of the immune system. If you have latent TB, treatment may increase the risk of TB becoming active. Screening helps your consultant decide whether further assessment or treatment is needed before starting biologics.

Can NHS delays hold up biologic treatment?

Yes. If your consultant needs TB screening before approving biologic treatment, delays in completing the test may slow down the next step. Booking privately can help you get the required blood test completed sooner.

Is Quantiferon Gold the same as a chest X-ray?

No. Quantiferon Gold is a blood test used to help detect TB infection. A chest X-ray looks for signs of active disease in the lungs. Your consultant may request one or both depending on your circumstances.

Can I book without a GP referral?

Yes. You can book privately without a GP referral, but you should check your consultant letter to confirm exactly which test has been requested.

Will this replace my hospital pre-biologic screening?

No. This test may form part of your screening, but your consultant or specialist team remains responsible for deciding whether you are suitable to start biologic treatment.

How long does the appointment take?

The blood test appointment usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

Can I use this for psoriasis biologics?

Yes, if your dermatologist has specifically requested a Quantiferon Gold, IGRA or TB blood test before starting biologic treatment.

Can I use this for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis biologics?

Yes, if your gastroenterology team has requested a TB blood test before biologic or immunosuppressant treatment.

Can I use this for rheumatoid arthritis biologics?

Yes, if your rheumatology team has requested a Quantiferon Gold or IGRA blood test before treatment.

What happens if my result is positive?

If your result is positive, you may need further assessment with your GP, consultant, specialist team or another appropriate medical professional before starting treatment.

Where can I book?

You can book online using the form below.

Related Pages

• Private TB Blood Test
• TB Blood Test Before Immunosuppressants
• TB Blood Test for Healthcare Workers
• TB Blood Test for Employment
• TB Blood Test for Australia Visa
• TB Blood Test for New Zealand Visa
• Quantiferon Gold Blood Test
• IGRA Blood Test