Why have regular blood tests?
Regular blood testing is an important way of keeping track of your overall physical health. Getting tested at routine intervals allows you to see the way your body changes over time, and empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
Blood tests offer a good snapshot of your overall health. They are also a good way of catching the following illnesses early. All may be ‘silent’ (i.e. you feel well) in the early stages.
- Diabetes
- Anaemia (can be early sign of cancer)
- Kidney (CKD) and liver disease
- Heart attacks and strokes (later in life)
- Raised cholesterol
How often should I have a test?
From age 40 years, you are entitled to have an NHS Health Check every 5 years, which includes the blood tests below. If you have an underlying chronic health condition (e.g. diabetes, CKD or high blood pressure) or need testing for other reasons, you will be invited outside of this – we suggest once a year.
If you are Black or Asian, from age 30 years old, it may be advisable to also have a check every 12 months. This is because diabetes and kidney problems (and high blood pressure) are more common in these groups. These need to be discussed with a health care professional prior to having tests, you cannot just order your own.
The following tests are part of a normal package of bloods that may be requested.
Full Blood Count (‘FBC’; blood health)
- Haemoglobin (‘HB’) – a protein within the red blood cells that carries oxygen to organs and tissues, and carbon dioxide back to the lungs
- White cell count – immune system cells in the blood
- Platelets – clot the blood
Urea and Electrolytes (‘U&E’; kidney health and diabetes)
- Sodium – blood mineral
- Potassium – blood mineral
- Urea – raised in CKD (kidney dysfunction)
- Creatinine – raised in CKD (kidney dysfunction)
- Glucose – raised in Diabetes
Bone Biochemistry (bone health)
- Calcium – needed to keep the bones strong
- Phosphate – needed to keep the bones strong
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – an enzyme (a protein which speeds up chemical reactions in our bodies) found in the bones and liver – see below
Liver Enzymes (liver health)
- Bilirubin – a waste resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) or Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) – enzymes found in the liver
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – an enzyme found in the bones and liver
- Albumin
- Total protein
Lipids (fats)
- Total cholesterol
- HDL (or ‘good’) cholesterol
- LDL (or ‘bad’) cholesterol
- Triglycerides (TGs)
Getting the Results
Each GP surgery will have their own process in how you access your results. Some will have results available to view via your NHS App, or by logging in online. Others will ask you to ring at specific times, and usually 5-7 days after your test has been completed and viewed by a doctor. Do NOT assume that because you have not heard from your doctor or nurse, that they are OK. Check check check!
Blood Pressure
If you are having a blood test, you could have your blood pressure measured too, depending on who is completing the test. Some surgeries will have access to blood pressure machines in the waiting room. It should be: <120/70, if aged under 30 years; <130/80, if aged <60 years; and <140/90, if aged over 60 years. High blood pressure is another silent disease. Treating it early can prevent heart attacks and strokes later in life. A blood pressure over these levels does not necessarily need medication, but a discussion with a health care professional will guide you on this.
Summary
We have described why its a good idea to have regular blood tests, how often and which ones to measure. Its a good idea for have a blood pressure check at the same time.
Other resources
This is myHSN’s advice on where you can go for blood tests, and other ways of preventing cancer.
This video shows what having a blood test is like – not too bad, as you can see. Don’t forget though, a health care professional needs to order a test. You cannot turn up and request a blood test before this has been ordered.
