A blood test answers a specific question: is my iron low, how is my thyroid working, what is my cholesterol. We offer a wide range of private blood tests, from a basic check-up to detailed hormonal, metabolic and cardiovascular panels. The sample is taken at the clinic and the results are sent to you with a clinician's explanation of what they mean.
Tests people commonly ask for
- A general check: full blood count, kidney and liver function, blood sugar, cholesterol
- Thyroid function, when tiredness, weight change or feeling the cold has no obvious cause
- Vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and iron
- Hormone profiles for women and for men
- Diabetes checks, including HbA1c, which reflects your blood sugar over the last two to three months
- Heart-related markers as part of a wider review of cardiovascular risk
If you are not sure which test you need, start with a GP appointment. Choosing the right test matters more than choosing many.
What happens
A clinician takes a small sample from a vein in your arm. It takes a few minutes. You may feel a sharp scratch and have a small bruise afterwards. Tell us beforehand if you tend to feel faint, take a blood thinner or have a needle phobia, and it can be taken with you lying down, at your pace.
Preparing for your test
Some tests need you to fast, which means water only for eight to twelve hours beforehand. Some hormone tests are taken at a particular time of day or point in your cycle. We tell you what applies when you book. Take your usual medicines unless you have been told otherwise, and drink water: it makes the sample easier to take.
Understanding your results
A result outside the reference range is not automatically a problem, and one inside it does not always explain how you feel. That is why your results come with a clinician's interpretation. Where something needs following up, we tell you what and how soon: a repeat test, a prescription, a change you can make yourself or a referral.
Common questions
Can I share the results with my NHS GP? Yes. They are yours, and we encourage it.
Can a blood test show everything? No. It is one piece of information alongside your symptoms and an examination. A wider look is what a health screen is for.
