General Health
Why This General Health Test Matters
This general health blood test at home uses a professional venous blood sample to check key markers across your kidneys, liver, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood cells, giving you a clear baseline of how your major organs are coping with your current lifestyle and risk factors.
General Health Blood Test For Early Organ And Lifestyle Risks
Your kidneys, liver, cholesterol and blood sugar work together quietly in the background, keeping you energised and well – but problems often build up slowly with very few early warning signs. By the time fatigue, breathlessness, swelling or pain appear, changes in your blood markers may have been present for some time.
This at-home general health blood test is designed for people who want a clear, medical-style overview of their key organ function without long waiting lists. A trained nurse visits you at home to take a venous blood sample (not a finger-prick kit), and your sample is analysed in accredited UK laboratories to standards comparable with hospital testing. Your report typically includes kidney markers (such as creatinine and urea), liver enzymes, cholesterol profile and a full blood count, giving you a reliable baseline to track lifestyle changes or discuss with your GP.
General health checks like this are often recommended if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight, high alcohol intake, a family history of heart or liver disease, or if you are starting a new fitness or weight-loss programme. Results are presented with clear ranges and explanations, so you can see where you stand now and when it may be sensible to re-test or seek medical advice.
Key Benefits Of A General Health Blood Test
This test is designed to act as your overall health “check-in”, combining multiple organ and blood markers into one nurse visit. It is particularly useful if you are making lifestyle changes, have several risk factors, or simply have not had a health check for a while.
- One Test, Multiple Organ Checks: Assess kidney, liver, cholesterol, blood counts and other key markers in a single appointment instead of booking separate tests.
- At-Home Convenience With Venous Accuracy: A trained nurse visits you at home to take a venous blood sample, which is the same method used for hospital and NHS blood tests.
- Early Warning For Silent Problems: Pick up imbalances that may not yet be causing symptoms, such as raised liver enzymes, altered kidney function or abnormal blood counts.
- Motivation For Lifestyle Change: Use your results as a “before” snapshot and re-test after changes in diet, exercise, alcohol intake or weight to see objective progress over time.
- Useful For GP And Specialist Discussions: Results are produced in UK laboratories to medical standards, so you can share them with your GP or consultant as part of ongoing care.
- Flexible For Different Life Stages: Helpful whether you are starting a new fitness programme, managing long-term conditions, or simply want reassurance that your organs are coping well.
Why Choose Blood Test UK For Your General Health Test?
| Feature | DIY Kits | GP/NHS | Blood Test UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ❌ Inconsistent samples | ✅ Lab-grade accuracy | ✅ Lab-grade accuracy (venous draw) |
| Convenience | ✅ Post it yourself | ❌ Long wait times | ✅ Nurse visits your home |
| Speed | ⚠️ Postal delays | ❌ Variable | ✅ Results within 2–3 days |
| Coverage | ⚠️ Limited markers | ✅ Comprehensive | ✅ Multi-organ panel (kidney, liver, cholesterol, FBC) |
| Comfort | ❌ Self-prick | ⚠️ Clinic visit required | ✅ Professional at-home service |
| Trust | ❌ Limited support | ✅ Professional | ✅ GP-shareable PDF report |
Who Should Take This General Health Blood Test
If you are concerned about your overall health or want to check multiple organ systems at once, a general health blood test at home is particularly useful if you:
- Have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or a family history of heart, liver or kidney disease
- Are overweight or obese and want to check how this may be affecting your organs, blood sugar and cholesterol
- Drink alcohol regularly or have a history of heavy drinking and want to assess liver health
- Smoke or have a history of smoking, which increases cardiovascular and kidney risks
- Are over 40 and have not had a comprehensive health check recently
- Have a sedentary lifestyle or poor diet and want a baseline before making changes
- Are starting a new fitness programme, weight-loss plan or significant lifestyle change and want a “before” snapshot
- Take medications long-term (such as statins, blood pressure tablets or painkillers) and want to monitor organ health
- Have symptoms such as persistent fatigue, breathlessness, swelling, digestive issues or unexplained weight changes
- Have had abnormal results in the past and want to follow up or track trends over time
- Want annual health monitoring as part of proactive wellness and early disease detection
- Are planning a major life change (new job, pregnancy planning, house move) and want reassurance about your health status
- Have made lifestyle improvements (stopped smoking, lost weight, changed diet) and want to see if markers have improved
General health blood tests are designed to catch silent problems before they cause symptoms, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions about your health and discuss any concerns with your GP or healthcare provider.
Choosing The Right General Health Blood Test For Your Needs
Blood tests vary in scope and detail, and choosing the right one depends on your health goals, risk factors and budget. This guide helps you understand what to look for and when a general health test is the right choice.
What Makes A Good General Health Blood Test?
A comprehensive general health test should cover multiple organ systems in one appointment, rather than forcing you to book separate tests for kidney, liver, cholesterol and blood count. Look for tests that include:
- Kidney markers (creatinine, urea, eGFR, electrolytes) to assess waste filtering and fluid balance
- Liver markers (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin) to check for inflammation, fatty liver or alcohol-related strain
- Cholesterol profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) for heart disease risk assessment
- Full blood count (red cells, white cells, platelets) to identify anaemia, infection or clotting issues
- Blood sugar markers (glucose or HbA1c, depending on panel) if diabetes risk is a concern
Venous Sample Vs Finger-Prick Kits
Venous blood tests are taken from a vein in your arm by a trained nurse and are the gold standard for laboratory testing. They provide larger sample volumes, reduce contamination risk and deliver more accurate, consistent results compared to finger-prick capillary samples. If you plan to share your results with your GP or use them for medical decisions, venous testing is the better choice.
Finger-prick kits are convenient for postal testing but can be affected by poor sample quality, clotting, or haemolysis (red blood cell breakdown), which may require re-testing. For comprehensive multi-marker panels like general health profiles, venous testing is more reliable.
When To Choose A General Health Test
A general health blood test is ideal if you:
- Want a broad overview of multiple organ systems rather than focusing on one specific area
- Have several risk factors (such as weight, blood pressure, alcohol intake, family history) and want to check everything at once
- Are starting lifestyle changes and want a baseline to track progress over time
- Haven’t had a health check for a while and want reassurance or early warning of potential issues
When To Consider More Specific Tests
If you have a known condition or specific symptoms, you may benefit from a more targeted test:
- Kidney blood test – if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease and want detailed eGFR, creatinine and electrolyte monitoring
- Liver blood test – if you drink alcohol regularly, have fatty liver concerns or take medications that affect liver function
- Diabetes blood test (HbA1c) – if you have diabetes, pre-diabetes or want to assess blood sugar control over the last 2–3 months
- Cholesterol blood test – if you have a family history of heart disease, are on statins or want detailed cardiovascular risk assessment
- Well person blood test – if you want an even broader health MOT including hormones, vitamins and additional markers
What To Expect From Your Test
Your general health blood test appointment typically takes 10–15 minutes. A trained nurse visits your home, takes a venous blood sample from your arm, and sends it to an accredited UK laboratory. Results are usually available within 2–3 days and are sent to you as a professional PDF report with clear reference ranges and explanations.
You can share this report with your GP, use it to track health changes over time, or discuss results with a private consultant. If any markers fall outside normal ranges, your GP may recommend follow-up tests, lifestyle changes or medical treatment depending on your circumstances.
What This General Health Blood Test Includes
This general health profile is a single venous blood test taken by a trained nurse at home, then analysed in UK laboratories. It brings together multiple panels in one visit, so you can check several organ systems and blood markers at the same time rather than booking separate tests.
Kidney Function Markers
Includes creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate to see how well your kidneys are filtering waste, balancing fluids and handling minerals. Changes here can be linked with dehydration, early kidney strain or conditions such as gout.
Liver Health Markers
Measures liver enzymes and proteins such as ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, total protein, albumin and globulin, which help assess inflammation, alcohol-related stress, fatty liver risk and how well your liver is performing its many metabolic and detoxification roles.
Cholesterol And Heart Health Markers
Checks your cholesterol profile, typically including total cholesterol, HDL (“good”), LDL (“bad”), non-HDL and triglycerides, to give insight into long-term cardiovascular risk and how your diet, exercise and weight may be affecting your heart health.
Blood Count And General Health Markers
A full blood count (FBC) looks at red and white blood cells and platelets, helping to identify issues such as anaemia, infection, inflammation or some clotting problems that may explain symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness or frequent illness.
Diabetes And Metabolic Risk Markers
Depending on the exact panel selected, your general health test may also include markers linked with diabetes risk or blood sugar control, which can be useful if you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, or are monitoring lifestyle changes.
Evidence Behind Our General Health Testing
Our at-home general health blood test service is aligned with UK clinical guidelines and modern laboratory standards, ensuring your results are suitable for monitoring multiple organ systems and sharing with healthcare professionals.
- Multi-organ screening for early detection: UK health guidelines recommend checking kidney, liver, cholesterol and blood count markers in at-risk populations to detect silent problems before symptoms develop, allowing early lifestyle or medical intervention that can prevent disease progression.
Source: NHS Health Check programme, NICE cardiovascular disease prevention guidance - Kidney markers for CKD detection: National guidance recommends eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate), creatinine and urea as primary markers for assessing kidney function, with eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73m² sustained over three months used to diagnose chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5.
Source: NICE chronic kidney disease guidance, Kidney Research UK - Liver function testing for early disease: Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) and bilirubin are used in UK clinical practice to detect liver inflammation, fatty liver disease and alcohol-related damage, with regular testing recommended for people at risk from obesity, diabetes or high alcohol intake.
Source: NHS liver disease overview, NICE non-alcoholic fatty liver disease guidance - Cholesterol monitoring for cardiovascular risk: Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides are recommended for assessing cardiovascular disease risk, with NICE guidelines advising regular lipid testing for adults over 40 and those with diabetes, high blood pressure or family history of heart disease.
Source: NICE cardiovascular disease risk assessment, NHS cholesterol guidance - Full blood count for anaemia and infection: FBC testing measures red cells, white cells and platelets to identify anaemia, infection, inflammation and some blood disorders, with regular monitoring recommended for people with chronic conditions or unexplained fatigue.
Source: NHS blood test information, NICE clinical guidance - Venous sampling as the laboratory standard: Venous blood collection from the arm is the reference method used by hospital and accredited private laboratories for comprehensive health testing, providing sufficient sample volume and consistent quality for accurate multi-marker analysis.
Source: Royal College of Pathologists guidance - Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories and covers everything from sample handling to result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your results are reliable and reproducible.
Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview
These guidelines and standards shape how we design our general health tests, choose venous blood collection, and partner with UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited laboratories, so your results are produced to the same quality benchmarks used for decision‑making in NHS hospital care.
Preparing For Your General Health Blood Test
Most general health blood tests require some simple preparation to ensure accurate results, particularly for cholesterol and blood sugar measurements. Your booking confirmation will specify the exact requirements for your panel.
- Fasting may be required: If your test includes cholesterol or glucose measurements, you will typically need to fast for 8–12 hours beforehand. This means no food, but you can drink plain water. Your booking confirmation will tell you whether fasting is needed for your specific panel.
- Continue your usual medications: Unless your doctor or nurse advises otherwise, take your regular medications including blood pressure tablets, diabetes treatments, statins and supplements. If you are unsure whether a specific medication might affect your results, mention it to your GP or the nurse during your appointment.
- Stay well hydrated: Drinking water before your appointment makes the blood draw easier and more comfortable. Good hydration also helps ensure kidney markers like creatinine and urea reflect your true kidney function rather than temporary dehydration.
- Avoid strenuous exercise beforehand: Intense physical activity in the 24 hours before your test can temporarily affect some blood markers, including creatinine, liver enzymes and muscle-related proteins. Light activity is fine, but avoid heavy workouts immediately before your appointment.
- Limit alcohol intake: Try not to drink alcohol in the 24–48 hours before your test, as it can temporarily affect liver enzyme levels and give a less accurate picture of your liver health.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample to be taken from your arm.
- Bring any previous results: If you have had blood tests before, bringing previous reports can help you and your GP track changes over time and see whether your health markers are improving, stable or declining.
- Plan your timing: If fasting is required, many people find it easier to book a morning appointment so they can fast overnight and have their blood taken before lunch.
If you have any questions about preparing for your test, your nurse can answer these when they contact you to arrange your appointment, or you can check your booking confirmation email for specific instructions.
Other Questions
- Family history of gallstones
- Drinking excess alcohol
- Taken performance enhancing drugs
- Eating disorders
- Family history of liver disease
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chronic fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Reduction in urination
- Overweight
- Family history of heart disease
- Regular smoker
- Persistent thirst
- Increase in urination
- Dry mouth
- Itchy skin
- Pain or numbness in hands
This blood test is to check on:
- FBCs
- Cholesterol
- Kidney function
- Liver health
- Gout Risk
- Minerals
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 2-3 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Cholesterol
Your liver makes cholesterol and can be found in many foods you eat such as dairy, meats and fish.
There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein).
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods we eat (such as dairy, meat,oils) or made by our liver.
Any excess calories your body doesn’t need straight away is converted into Triglycerides and stored in your fat cells to be used when needed for energy.
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is known as the bad cholesterol as it can block up our blood vessels causing them to narrow. Sometimes a clot can form and get stuck in these narrow vessels leading to a heart attack.
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)
HDL is known as the good cholesterol as it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with lower risk of heart disease.
Non-HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol is your total cholesterol minus your HDL. The higher the number of the Non-HDL cholesterol may be indicative that you could be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Creatinine
Creatinine is usually passed out through urine. It is a breakdown of waste products made from the muscles.
A high level may be indicative of a kidney problem, however this does depend on muscle mass. Usually if a high muscle mass the creatinine may be higher. If levels are low it could be due to a low protein diet or reduced muscle mass.
Uric Acid
Uric acid is a normal waste product found in the body usually excreted through urine. If levels are too high in the blood may be indicative of gout.
Urea
Urea is usually passed out through urine. It is a waste product from the breakdown of amino acids found in proteins.
Higher than normal levels may be indicative of a kidney problem, low levels may be indicative of dehydration.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a key role in many of your body’s most important functions. It helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions — including those of the heart.
Sodium
A sodium blood test measures the amount of sodium in your blood and is commonly used to assess your hydration status, kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It’s a key biomarker in evaluating how well your body is managing fluid levels.
Calcium
A calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in your blood — a mineral that’s essential for healthy bones and teeth, muscle function, nerve transmission, and heart rhythm.
Phosphate
Phosphate, blood tests refers to the measurement of inorganic phosphate levels in the blood, which helps assess how well your body is managing minerals essential for bone health, energy production, and cell function.
Total Bilirubin
Bilirubin is the end product of the breakdown of red blood cells (haemoglobin) It is produced in bone marrow cells and the liver.
The blood test measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Aspartate Aminotransferase known as AST— is a liver enzyme and is used to assess liver health, but it’s also found in other tissues like the heart and muscles. Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage, but may also rise due to heart or muscle injury — so it’s often interpreted alongside ALT for a clearer picture of liver function.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Alkaline Phosphatase known commonly as ALP is an enzyme mainly found in the liver, kidneys, bones and digestive system.
The test measures the ALP in your blood.
Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
Alanine Transaminase known as ALT is an enzyme most commonly found in the liver. Damaged liver cells release ALT into the bloodstream.
The test measures the amount of ALT in the blood.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Gamma-glutamyl transferase commonly known as GGT is an enzyme found throughout the body however most commonly found in the liver.
The test will measure the amount of GGT in the blood.
Total Protein
Proteins are important building blocks for the health and growth of the body’s cells and tissues.
A total protein test measures the amount of albumin and globulin in your body.
Albumin
Albumin also known as ALB is a protein made by your liver. Albumin is used to carry hormones, vitamins and enzymes around the body and keep fluid in your bloodstream to avoid leaking into other tissues.
Globulin
Globulins are a serum protein needed for our growth and development and overall health. They are produced in the liver and immune system. Different proteins make up the globulin family and many bind with haemoglobin in the blood and some are involved in the transportation of metals such as iron whilst others are part of the immune system to help fight infections.
Full Blood Count (FBC)
A full blood count will measure the red and white blood cells along with platelets in your blood. The results give a good indication to general health and may detect certain conditions such as anaemia, infection or clotting disorders.
Red Blood Cells (RBC): Carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Low levels may indicate anaemia.
Haemoglobin (Hb): The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low haemoglobin can cause fatigue, weakness, or breathlessness.
Hematocrit (HCT): Measures how much of your blood is made up of red blood cells. It helps assess hydration levels and anaemia.
White Blood Cells (WBC): Help fight infection. Raised or lowered levels can point to infections, inflammation, immune conditions, or bone marrow problems.
Platelets (PLT): Essential for blood clotting. Abnormal platelet levels may affect how your blood clots and could signal bleeding disorders or other medical conditions.
Mean Cell Volume (MCV): Shows the average size of your red blood cells. Helps identify the type of anaemia you may have.
Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) & Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Show how much haemoglobin is in each red blood cell, helping further pinpoint anaemia type.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): Indicates variation in red blood cell size—useful in diagnosing different forms of anaemia.
Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils (WBC Subtypes): These white cell types help narrow down the cause of an immune response, such as infection, allergies, or inflammation.
How it Works
Read about Fingerprick VS Venous blood sample 
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
General Health Blood Test FAQs
Do I Need To Fast Before A General Health Blood Test?
It depends on which markers are included in your panel. Most general health tests check cholesterol and blood sugar, which may require fasting for 8–12 hours beforehand for the most accurate results. Your booking confirmation will specify whether fasting is needed. If fasting is required, you can drink water but should avoid food, caffeine, and alcohol before your appointment.
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
The nurse visit typically takes 10–15 minutes, including the blood draw and any questions you may have.
When Will I Get My Results?
Results are typically available within 2–3 days and sent to you by email as a PDF report.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS GP?
Yes. Your results are provided as a professional laboratory report in a format suitable for sharing with NHS or private GPs, specialists, or other healthcare providers. The report includes all necessary technical information and reference ranges used in UK clinical practice, so your GP can use them as part of your ongoing care.
What Should I Do If My Results Are Abnormal?
If any markers fall outside the normal range, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your results. Your GP can interpret the findings in the context of your full medical history, order follow-up tests if needed, and advise on lifestyle changes or medical treatment. Abnormal results don't always mean serious disease – they may simply indicate areas where lifestyle changes or monitoring would be beneficial.
Is Venous Blood Testing More Accurate Than Finger-Prick Tests?
Yes. Venous samples are the gold standard used by hospitals and provide more accurate, consistent results than finger-prick tests. See our buyer guide section above for a detailed comparison.
What Is The Difference Between A General Health Test And A Well Person Test?
A general health blood test typically covers kidney, liver, cholesterol and blood count markers to assess organ function and cardiovascular risk. A well person test is usually more comprehensive, adding hormones, vitamins, minerals and additional metabolic markers for a broader health overview. If you want detailed screening across more systems, a well person test may be more suitable.
How Often Should I Have A General Health Blood Test?
For healthy adults, testing every 1–2 years provides a useful baseline. If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity or a family history of disease, annual testing is recommended. After lifestyle changes (weight loss, dietary improvements, stopping smoking), re-testing every 6–12 months helps you see objective improvements and adjust your approach.
Can Dehydration Affect My Test Results?
Yes. Dehydration can cause temporary rises in kidney markers like creatinine and urea, and may also affect electrolyte levels. This is why we recommend drinking water normally before your appointment – it helps ensure your results reflect your true health status rather than temporary dehydration.
What If I Have High Blood Pressure, Diabetes Or High Cholesterol?
A general health blood test is particularly useful if you have these conditions, as it allows you to monitor how they may be affecting your organs and whether treatment is working. Consider also booking specific tests like a kidney blood test, diabetes (HbA1c) test, or cholesterol test if you want more detailed monitoring of a particular system.
Does The Test Cover Vitamins And Minerals?
Most general health panels focus on organ function and do not routinely include detailed vitamin or mineral testing. If you want to check levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron/ferritin or other nutrients, consider adding a vitamin blood test or mineral test to your order.
Can I Take Medications Before My Test?
Unless your doctor or nurse tells you otherwise, continue taking your usual medications including blood pressure tablets, diabetes treatments, statins and supplements. If you are unsure whether a specific medication might affect your results, ask your GP or mention it to the nurse during your appointment.
