On the NHS, blood tests are arranged by a GP or other health professional when there is a reason to check your health or look into symptoms, and adults aged 40 to 74 without certain existing conditions are invited for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years. Private clinics also offer blood tests and health checks that you can book yourself. Whichever route you choose, make sure the results are explained by a qualified health professional and shared with your GP.
What blood tests are for
The NHS says blood tests can be used to check your general health, or to find out why you are having certain symptoms. Common blood tests include:
- Full blood count (FBC): measures the number of blood cells in your blood to check for blood conditions
- Blood glucose: measures your blood sugar to check for or manage diabetes
- Urea and electrolytes: checks levels of certain substances in your blood
- Lipid profile: measures your cholesterol levels to check your risk of conditions such as heart disease
- Total protein: can help show how well your liver and kidneys are working
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): checks for thyroid conditions such as an underactive thyroid
The NHS Health Check
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of the health of your heart and blood vessels. It is for people aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain conditions, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart failure or a previous stroke. You are also not eligible if you already take medicines such as statins to lower cholesterol.
If you are eligible, you should be invited by your GP surgery or local council every 5 years. If you have not been invited and think you qualify, contact your GP surgery. If your GP surgery does not offer the check, your local council can tell you where to go.
At the check, a health professional will:
- measure your height, weight and waist
- check your blood pressure and cholesterol, and possibly your blood sugar level
- ask about your family's medical history, and about smoking, alcohol and physical activity
- tell you your risk of getting heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes or kidney disease over the next 10 years
NHS or private
On the NHS
If you need a blood test, a health professional will tell you how to arrange it. Some GP surgeries and hospitals let you book a blood test online. Most NHS blood tests are done at a GP surgery or hospital.
Privately
Private clinics offer single blood tests, groups of tests and wider health checks or screening packages that you can usually book yourself. What is included varies a lot between providers, so compare what each test actually checks.
Before you book a private test or health check, ask:
- who will interpret your results, and whether a doctor or other qualified clinician will talk them through with you
- what happens if a result is abnormal, and whether follow-up care is included or you will be sent back to your GP
- whether the results will be shared with your GP
- which laboratory analyses the samples
- what the price includes
If you have symptoms that worry you, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 rather than relying on a private test package.
What happens at a blood test
Before the test
You will be told if you need to do anything beforehand. For some tests you may need to stop eating or drinking anything other than water for a while before the test (fasting). You may also be asked to stop taking certain medicines for a short time.
During the test
A blood test usually takes about 10 minutes. A health professional will take a small amount of blood, usually from the inside of your elbow, using a needle. Sometimes blood is taken from the wrist or with a finger prick.
If you are nervous about needles, tell the person taking your blood. You may have a small bruise afterwards, which should fade within a few days.
Results
The NHS says you may get blood test results after a few days, and usually within a few weeks. If you have not heard anything after a few weeks, contact the person who arranged the test.
How to check a provider is registered
In England, diagnostic and screening procedures are a regulated activity, so most private clinics that carry out blood tests and health screening must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
CQC guidance includes some exceptions, for example simple finger prick or blood tests where the sample is not sent to a laboratory for analysis. You can search for a provider and read its latest inspection rating on the CQC website.
If a doctor will review your results, you can check they are registered and licensed on the General Medical Council (GMC) medical register.
Find a clinic
Our private GP guide lists private GP clinics by city, including providers that offer blood tests and health checks.
Sources: NHS: Blood tests | NHS: NHS Health Check | CQC: Diagnostic and screening procedures (scope of registration) | GMC: The medical register.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice call NHS 111.