Embarrassed to admit, reads like Greek to me

I've really tried reading (and rereading) the Defra website, but there is a dizzying amount of info there and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for (or I've got it all wrong in the first place)
In any case, I am trying to get our things in order before our move this summer. Our kitty has been microchipped and given a rabies vax (as of about 5 weeks ago) I know the next step is the blood work, but when should be do this?
We are moving in August, but we won't bring our cat over until we return at Christmastime. I don't want to start the bloodwork process too early since I know there's only a 4 month window to bring her into the UK once the final certificate issued.

How long does it take from the point that the bloodtest is done before you're given the o.k. to go?

It doesn't really matter if you do the bloodwork "too early". The bloodwork starts the minimum 6-month waiting period before your cat can travel, but that waiting period doesn't really end.*

The 4 month window starts when you get your state USDA vet to sign off on the EC 998 form. Then you have another 24-48 hour window directly before the flight where you need to do a final vet visit for tick/tapeworm treatment, and any paperwork the airline might require (health certificate, etc).

So, to recap...
Bloodwork to travel: minimum 6 months, theoretically no maximum (provided the rabies vaccination is kept up to date)
USDA signoff to travel: minimum 48 hours (for tick/tapeworm treatment), maximum 4 months

For what it's worth, I started the process May 2009, did bloodwork June 2009, got my EC 998 signed by the USDA January 2010, and my pets flew April 2010.

*Note: While, in theory, you can do your EC998 form with your USDA vet at any time, including years after the bloodwork, to start your 4-month travel window, you'll want to check with your USDA vet to make sure they're OK with that. Mine claimed I could only get my form processed within 2 years of completing the bloodwork.

Thank you!! That makes a lot more sense than I was getting out of rereading the documents a few dozen times!