A blood test is often done to check your health, or to find out why you’re having certain symptoms. It involves having a small amount of your blood taken for testing.
Why might I need a blood test?
There are lots of reasons why you may need a blood test.
A blood test may be done to:
- check your general health
- find out if symptoms you’re having are caused by certain conditions
- find out if you’re more likely to get a condition
- find out how well a condition is being treated or managed
How can I get a blood test?
If one of our clinicians thinks you need a blood test, they will have you book an appointment with our treatment room to have a blood test. We only do blood tests if one of our clinicians has requested it.
Types of blood tests
Blood tests can check for different things depending on your symptoms, any conditions you have, and any medicines you’re taking. Below are some common blood tests:
| Type of Test | Why it’s done |
| Full blood count (FBC) | Measures the number of blood cells in your blood to check for blood conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia |
| Blood glucose | Measures your blood sugar levels to check for or manage diabetes |
| Urea and electrolytes, or renal panel | Checks if the amount of certain substances in your blood may be causing your symptoms |
| Lipid profile | Measures your cholesterol levels to check your risk of getting conditions like cardiovascular disease and stroke |
| Total protein test | Measures protein in your blood to check for problems with your liver or kidneys |
| Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) | Measures thyroid hormones to check for conditions like underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) |
How do I get my blood test results?
You may get your blood test results after a few days, and usually within a few weeks.
Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, you can view them:
- in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- in your Patient Access account
- complete our test results request form
For more information, visit our test results page.