Blood Tests in the UK: 5 Essential Tests for Diagnosing Health Conditions

Blood testing has become one of the greatest pillars of modern UK healthcare, giving clinical and diagnostic insights into an individual’s health status, revealing what kinds of conditions a person might have, as well as aiding doctors in the whole diagnosis and treatment process. When it comes to general health checks with a general practitioner or any other more specific tests, it is most useful to understand precisely what blood tests do. In this complete guide, we will describe the different types of blood tests and their importance and how they are done while answering some of the pertinent questions related to blood tests in the UK.

Why Blood Tests Are Crucial in the UK Healthcare System


Blood Tests Are Crucial in the UK Healthcare System
Blood tests serve to detect diseases and monitor ongoing health conditions in the UK. A blood test can therefore suffice for a range of problems from one person having a yearly check-up to so-called specialized laboratory investigations. For example, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, and infections are among them. They are also essential for monitoring treatment progress and management of chronic diseases.

Some blood tests are not that sweet; however, in monitoring ongoing illness or particularly when you’re simply checking for the sake of the establishment, blood tests turn out to be one of the easiest, simply non-invasive ways to collect critical data. Blood test screenings might carry potential early signs of medical conditions before it can worsen.

Common Types of Blood Tests in the UK


An image showing a blood test procedure, where a nurse takes a blood sample from a patient in the UK for diagnostic purposes.
Routine blood tests are those MRIs that make up for proper function and have a routine use of rising or treating certain health issues, while specialized blood tests are some other type of tests that do not have routine use in normal patients. Let’s get on some common varieties you will come across.

1. A complete blood count (CBC): What Is It?


Complete blood count is one of the most frequently conducted blood tests.  It determines how many red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are present in the blood.  Anaemia can be detected, infections can be checked, and several other ailments can be revealed with this test:

FBC Provides Key Information About:



  • Red blood cell count

  • White blood cell count

  • Hemoglobin levels

  • Platelet count


2. Lipid Profile


A lipid outline determines the stages of fats and cholesterol in your blood. Such important values are in measuring the threat of heart diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. It occur due to several kinds of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), otherwise known as “good” cholesterol while cholesterol counting LDL (low-density lipoprotein), defined as “bad” cholesterol.

This Lipid Profile provides the following important information:



  • Total cholesterol

  • LDL cholesterol

  • HDL cholesterol


3. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)


The LFTs are blood tests of enzymes and proteins that diagnose the present state of the liver. They are usually ordered by medical personnel to test the health of the liver when disease is suspected or when monitoring the state of known liver disease.

Other Key Information Given by the LFT:



  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

  • Levels of bilirubin

  • Levels of albumin


4. Kidney Function Tests


The kidney function tests that ascertain the health of the kidneys allow assessment of the organ’s various functions and need to be routinely conducted. The most common tests are Serum Creatinine test and GFR, which, when taken together, score how overall well you functioned.

Key Benefits of Kidney Function Tests:



  • Creatinine levels

  • Urea levels

  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)


5. Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)


Thyroid Function Tests assists to find the state of the illness, whether it be hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The blood’s hormone level will show in fact, the activity of the thyroid glands.

The TFTs provide information on:



  • TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone)

  • T3 (Triiodothyronine)

  • T4 (Thyroxine)


The Process of Getting a Blood Test in the UK


You shouldn’t be worried, as your GP (General Practitioner) may explain in what way having a blood test is a fast and easy procedure when it’s suggested. An outline of what to expect is given below:

  1. Consultation: Your GP or healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, check your medical history, and then determine which blood tests you should have.

  2. Booking: Blood tests are usually performed at a local clinic or hospital such as swift blood tests clinic in UK, swift blood tests clinic is best option in UK for all types of blood tests. Sometimes, you may be referred to a specialist or private laboratory.

  3. Taking a blood sample: The nurse or phlebotomist takes a blood sample often from one of the forearm veins. This procedure is rather quick and may give rise to a slight discomfort or pinching sensation.

  4. Laboratory analysis: A laboratory analyzes the blood sample for abnormal values or signs of disease.

  5. Results and follow-up: After the tests are conducted, results will be discussed with you by the GP, who depending on those findings, might refer you for other tests, treatments, or lifestyle changes.


How to Book a Blood Test swift blood tests clinic in UK?


An image showing a blood test procedure, where a nurse takes a blood sample from a patient in the UK for diagnostic purposes.
Bookings for blood tests are straightforward in the UK whether you go for NHS or private services.

  • Swift Blood Tests allows you to make appointments conveniently online from its website. However, other payment methods available for this appointment are not clearly stated on the site. For details on payment options, please contact Swift Blood Tests directly on 01277652067 or by email at [email protected].


Payment Booking a Blood Test Online.

Payment on the day with the Phlebotomist or in Clinic
Cash/ Card payments accepted

Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Tests in the UK


1. What types of blood tests can you have done in the UK?


Common blood tests in the UK are CBC, lipid profile, LFTs, KFTs and TFTs. They play different roles in the diagnosis or monitoring of health problems.

2. What is the significance of blood tests within the UK health system?


Blood work is important to determine diseases, evaluate chronic conditions, and understand general health. They can unveil early signs of diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems and infections, making that information crucial for diagnosing and managing treatment of these conditions.

3. How is blood test done in UK?


A blood test usually requires visiting your GP, who will then book the test at a nearby clinic or hospital, swift blood tests clinic is best option in UK for all types of blood tests. A nurse or phlebotomist will draw blood from you, typically from your arm, and send the sample to a lab for analysis. Your GP will discuss the results with you and prescribe next steps.

4. What health conditions do blood tests screen for?


Blood tests can reveal a range of issues — from anemia to infections, diabetes, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol),1 liver disease, kidney dysfunction, and thyroid disorders.

5. How long until I get my blood test results in the UK?


Blood test results can take a bit of time, in many cases from a few days to possibly a week. Your GP will explain and discuss the findings and the next steps if any are needed as a result of the findings.

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