What blood tests are done on NHS health check?

The NHS health check is an important preventive measure that can provide valuable insights into your overall health and monitor your health as you get older to reduce your risk of serious health problems. One of the key components of the health check is a blood test, which can provide crucial information about your body’s functioning. In this article, we will explore the different blood tests that are commonly done as part of a free NHS health check and what the results can reveal.

Where can you have a blood test?

You can have a blood test conducted at various healthcare settings but you’ll usually get your NHS Health Check blood test at a GP practice normally with a Health Care Assistant. However, if a more comprehensive analysis is necessary, you may be referred to a hospital for a full blood test.

Why are blood tests important?

Blood tests play a vital role in assessing your health and diagnosing various conditions. They can provide valuable information about your body’s functioning, including how well your organs are working, the presence of infections or inflammation, and the impact of medication. By analyzing the results of blood tests, healthcare professionals can gain insights into your overall health, identify potential issues, and recommend appropriate treatments or preventive measures.

The process of a blood test

When you undergo a blood test, a healthcare professional will collect a small sample of your blood for analysis. The process usually involves the following steps:

• Preparing for the Test: In some cases, you may need to fast before the blood test, but your doctor will inform you if this is necessary. It’s important to follow any instructions provided to ensure accurate results
• Taking the Sample: The healthcare professional will wrap a rubber strap called a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. They will clean the area with a sterile alcohol wipe and insert a small needle into a vein, typically in the inside of your elbow. The blood will flow into a collection tube, and once enough blood has been collected, the needle will be removed
• Post-Test Care: After the blood sample is taken, a piece of gauze will be placed over the puncture site, and you will be asked to apply pressure to stop any bleeding. You may also be given a plaster or bandage to cover the area.

Common blood tests in NHS health checks

Blood tests conducted as part of an NHS health check can provide valuable insights into various aspects of your health. Here are some of the most common blood tests performed during an NHS health check:

• Cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. A blood test can measure your total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. These results can help assess your risk of developing heart, circulatory and vascular diseases
• Blood glucose levels: Blood glucose levels indicate how effectively your body is regulating sugar. High blood glucose levels may indicate type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, while low levels can be a sign of hypoglycemia
• Liver function tests: These tests assess the functioning of your liver and can detect liver diseases or conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or liver damage from alcohol or medication
• Kidney function tests: These tests evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning and can identify conditions such as chronic kidney disease or kidney infections
• Full blood count: A full blood count measures the levels of different blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help detect conditions such as anaemia, infections, or blood disorders
• Thyroid function tests: These tests assess the functioning of your thyroid gland, which regulates various metabolic processes in your body. Abnormal thyroid function can lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
• C-Reactive protein (CRP) test: CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. Elevated levels of CRP can indicate infections, autoimmune disorders, or cardiovascular diseases
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This test is specific to men and measures the levels of PSA in the blood, which can help detect prostate cancer or monitor the effectiveness of treatment in individuals with prostate cancer
• Coagulation tests: These tests assess the blood’s ability to clot properly and are often performed for individuals taking anticoagulant medications or those at risk of bleeding or clotting disorders
• Vitamin D levels: A blood test can measure your vitamin D levels, which are essential for bone health. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis or rickets
• Medication monitoring: For individuals taking medications such as warfarin, blood tests are regularly performed to check the International Normalized Ratio (INR). This test helps ensure that the medication dosage is appropriate and maintains the desired anticoagulant effect

Understanding your blood test results

Once the blood sample has been analyzed, you will receive the results, usually within a few days or weeks, depending on the urgency of the test. It’s important to discuss the results with your doctor, who can explain what they mean and provide appropriate personalised advice. In some cases, abnormal results may indicate the need for further tests or investigations to determine the underlying cause.

It’s essential to remember that blood test results should be interpreted in the context of your overall health and medical history. Your doctor will consider various risk factors before making any diagnoses or recommendations for treatment.

Overcoming fear and discomfort

It is not uncommon to feel anxious or fearful about undergoing a blood test. However, open communication with the healthcare professional conducting the test can help alleviate these concerns. Informing them about your apprehensions allows them to provide support and make the experience more comfortable. You might also consider having a friend or family member accompany you for emotional support.

For those who experience vasovagal syncope (fainting at the sight of blood), techniques to manage blood pressure fluctuations can be learned to prevent such episodes. Some clinics may also offer numbing creams to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Conclusion

Blood tests are an integral part of an NHS health check, offering valuable insights into your overall health and helping identify potential issues or conditions. By analyzing blood samples, healthcare professionals can assess organ function, detect infections or inflammation, and monitor the impact of medication. Understanding the different blood tests performed during an NHS health check and their significance can empower individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining their health and well-being.

References:

• Blood tests – NHS
• Health tests that could save your life for over 50s – Age UK
• What happens during a blood test and what can the results show? – BHF