Experiences with private blood testing clinics in the UK – who’s actually good for a full health check?

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Ti dico la mia molto onestamente perché ci sono passato anche io più volte qui in UK. Ho provato sia Medichecks che Thriva e in generale funzionano, ma con qualche differenza. Thriva è super semplice, proprio pensato bene lato utente, il kit è facile da usare e i risultati arrivano abbastanza in fretta, di solito in un paio di giorni e spiegati in modo chiaro... Medichecks invece è più “serio” come approccio, hai molti più test tra cui scegliere e puoi andare più in profondità, però a volte è un po’ più macchinoso e ho visto anche gente lamentarsi per prenotazioni o piccoli problemi logistici.

In generale il processo è abbastanza easy... cioè... ordini online, fai il campione a casa oppure vai in clinica, mandi tutto e aspetti. I tempi di solito sono 2–3 giorni ma realisticamente possono anche allungarsi a una settimana, soprattutto con i kit finger prick o se qualcosa va storto. E il finger prick, te lo dico, non è sempre così “smooth” come lo vendono… a volte non esce abbastanza sangue e devi rifare tutto.

Sulla parte medica… sì, c’è sempre un commento di un dottore, ma non aspettarti una vera consulenza. È più tipo “questo è alto, questo è basso, parlane col GP se serve”. Non è una visita, è più una guida.

La cosa più importante secondo me è capire cosa vuoi ottenere. Se cerchi un check-up completo stile Italia, cioè qualcuno che ti prende tutto il sangue possibile e ti dice esattamente cosa non va, qui non funziona proprio così. Detto questo, secondo me hanno senso soprattutto perché il NHS è molto più restrittivo sugli esami, quindi se vuoi fare prevenzione o capire meglio cosa sta succedendo nel tuo corpo, il privato è praticamente l’unica strada.

Avete provato altri servizi oltre Medichecks e Thriva?

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit

Personally I wouldn’t do it as their business model is (obviously) in keeping you engaged in their services.

This seems ripe for exploitation eg

“Your result is on the high side of normal. It’s probably fine but “expensive test x” would let you know”

“It’s been 1 year since test y, did you know x percent of people change. Do you want to book it again”.

I would encourage everyone over 40 to request a free “NHS Health Check” (does a bunch of blood tests etc) through their GP, but otherwise, personally, I’m not engaging with the private market.

We all hear about the 1 or 2 people who found something early that was life changing, but not the (presumably) thousands hawking out my net for un-necessary tests and associated anxiety.

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OnyxWebb@reddit

This has never been my experience with private care, nor my partner's. They are very much happy to send letters and request further tests via your normal GP.

Lots of private companies understand why people choose that route instead of the NHS and really don't want to add to the frustrations of medical care by pushing products on to people.

In fact I paid a fair bit for a private diabetic appointment with a consultant who is now my NHS consultant after he recommended I have him as one on the NHS. My standard of care through him on the NHS vs private is the same.

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e_lemonsqueezer@reddit

This is completely different to you seeing consultant privately for a condition already diagnosed, or even for symptoms that could lead to a diagnosis.

These private ‘health checks’ prey on the worried well. They really are just there to make money. They’ll do a battery of unnecessary tests, and may flag something as ‘abnormal’ when it doesn’t actually have any clinical relevance.

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OnyxWebb@reddit

Do you actually have any basis in this or are you just speculating because private = for profit and therefore bad?

I requested a private blood test for something and wanted to get an additional test and the consultant speficially told me it was unnecessary but ultimately it was my money so they did it anyway.

Both me and my partner have gone private for a number of different things and never once has any person or company pushed further tests.

Now, if you're implying that a battery of general well-being blood tests always flags something and therefore further investigation is needed or medication and that this is bogus to sell people more tests then that's entirely unfounded. Possibly the majority of people have at least one marker off in their tests. They are not obliged to undergo any further testing if they don't want to and it's the practice's job to highlight results that may need further investigation. It would be malpractice if they didn't do this.

Also, NHS GP's already refer to private companies for specific things to improve care and waiting times.

I'd even argue that if it were not for private practices even more people would be ill, in pain, and without answers.

Just because something isn't "free" doesn't automatically make it evil.

FYI the NHS has targets too. One such target is lowering MRI referrals and wait times which invariably means a quick in and out appointment with subpar care.

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e_lemonsqueezer@reddit

Your example was of seeing a consutlant privately for a condition. You were seen, by someone with expertise in that field, who performed appropriate tests that they were able to interpret because they are trained to do so. That is absolutely fine and I have no issues with private practice in that way.

Likewise additional tests that you chose to pay for that may help you treat a condition or give you more information about your condition, that wouldn’t normally be required - slightly less clear cut but I can understand why you may choose to do that. Everything that the NHS does has to be evidence based and, crucially, cost-effective. So there are often things available privately that may benefit someone on an individual level that wouldn’t be offered on the NHS. Again, this is absolutely fine.

Your experience of the private health sector is not the same as what OP is asking about. The ‘full health check’ blood test is, categorically, not a full health check. For example could have crap kidneys but have a normal kidney function. Conversely your kidney function could be abnormal on their tests because you did a work out the day before and didn’t rehydrate well.

No, I am not implying that they are pushing for more investigations.

You are correct that most people will have at least one thing out of normal range on their tests. If they aren’t adequately counselled (which quite frankly they can’t be because it’s all done with no interaction), and there’s no clinical acumen in deciding what tests might be necessary, it causes unnecessary worry for someone that may well be completely healthy. Then they go to the GP with a list of bloods that may or may not even be interpretable by the GP. Patient feels that the private service gave them something that their GP won’t offer, and patient gets upset that the GP won’t/can’t investigate further. You suggest it would be ‘malpractice’ if they don’t highlight results that may need further investigation, but in my experience, that is exactly what happens. The results come with very little interpretation/explanation, and the workload of the GP is increased because of this.

I have no problem with private healthcare. I have a problem with private companies offering something that actually can’t be delivered- it’s essentially an elaborate con preying on the worried well. Years ago it was ‘whole body MRIs’, now it’s ’health check blood tests’. For the vast majority of people they are entirely unnecessary. In particular for the people that actually go ahead and use them - as they are already one category of person

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Naive_Branch6074@reddit

The nhs over 40s check is very basic and doesn't test much. Since turning 40 I get a full health screen every year to track ensure my cholesterol, hba1c, and full blood count, nutrition is in check. This is preventative medicine and if you can afford it, go for it. Nothing more valuable than your health and staying well. I also book with a clinic thats run by doctors so they give me the time to review my results based on my symptoms and lifestyle. I think let people make up their own mind. We all have different experiences and you could do a lot worse than monitor yout own health. Its the chronic diseases that cost the NHS. Health checks are being proactive.

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OnyxWebb@reddit

Well to be fair OP said private blood test/full health check. We don't actually know what they're wanting the test for and it's a bit presumptuous to assume OP wouldn't take any slightly abnormal test with a pinch of salt.

I notice you still haven't provided facts and are just going off assumptions.

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e_lemonsqueezer@reddit

I’m not going off of assumptions, I’m going off 10+ years of experience. I don’t have a source other than experience.

You may not know what OP means by ‘private blood test/full health check’, but I do. It’s a collection of tests done with no history or examination to guide it and the chances of it picking up anything of any importance is incredibly low.

I’m not saying OP wouldn’t take it with a pinch of salt, but I’m saying in general the test doesn’t actually do what it says it does, they are either generic tests that provide minimal information about your health (you can be incredibly unhealthy with normal bloods) or they’re more specialised tests that have a false positive rate which is particularly important when doing without the symptom that indicates it.

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Empty-Radish9595@reddit

I’m considering Thriva, they look really good and easy to use but visiting my private clinic is roughly the same cost, so I’m really not sure which one to go for. Surely the clinic can offer a better patient experience and more in depth results?

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Candid_Bench3824@reddit (OP)

In my case I’m under 40 so I don’t qualify for the NHS Health Check, and my experience with the NHS has been that you only really get blood tests once something is clearly wrong. I’ve tried going through my GP before and couldn’t get any baseline testing done, which is what’s pushed me to look privately.

I’m more interested in establishing a baseline and tracking trends than constantly chasing extra tests. I agree unnecessary testing and anxiety is a real risk

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Naive_Branch6074@reddit

The nhs over 40s check is very basic and doesn't test much. Since turning 40 I get a full health screen every year to track ensure my cholesterol, hba1c, and full blood count, nutrition is in check. This is preventative medicine and if you can afford it, go for it. Nothing more valuable than your health and staying well. I also book with a clinic thats run by doctors so they give me the time to review my results based on my symptoms and lifestyle.

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e_lemonsqueezer@reddit

What is it that you’re looking for in particular?

Your blood results for ‘kidney function’ for example only start changing significantly after you’ve lost half of your actual kidney function. But equally could be flagged as ‘abnormal’ on a one off test if you’re dehydrated.

The reason the NHS won’t test for things unless there is a clinical indication is because not every abnormal result means there’s something wrong and not every normal result means there’s not.

Blood tests are rarely looked at on their own - except perhaps for cholesterol/lipids, everything is taken in conjunction with a history and examination.

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Uarenotalone@reddit

This 👆🏻 I know NHS struggles but this is the first step in the end of the NHS.

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Naive_Branch6074@reddit

The nhs over 40s check is very basic and doesn't test much. Since turning 40 I get a full health screen every year to track ensure my cholesterol, hba1c, and full blood count, nutrition is in check. This is preventative medicine and if you can afford it, go for it. Nothing more valuable than your health and staying well. I also book with a clinic thats run by doctors so they give me the time to review my results based on my symptoms and lifestyle.

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blackeyedangel_@reddit

TrueVitals.co.uk come to your house. The interpretation is phenomenal

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TruffleHunter3000@reddit

I have used Medichecks, privatebloodtests.com, randox health, others. I've done them with doctors comments, doctors phone consults, and without doctors notes. Some of them send a pdf of results, some of them put it on their own internet system that you have to log in to see results.

All these companies are much of a muchness.

When I want a new blood test now I just compare a bunch of them for what's included in a test and how much is it vs the competition. And go with the cheapest or the most convenient / closest to me if I need to get a venous blood draw by a nurse as opposed to a finger prick test which is just for small tests.

They are getting more expensive though (they say it's inflation of course, but I think it's price gouging on top). so I generally hunt around for the lowest price on a test I want every single time and only get a test done if I can find a deal / valid discount code.

Right now (March 2026) Medichecks want £249 for a full blood test with 56 biomarkers that includes Lipoprotein A & Apolipoprotein B. None of their others include that. + they want £35 for a nurse to draw the blood. And more if you want doctors comments. I dont bother with those now, I just look it up online / AI which seems to be better. I cross reference 2 ais to be sure. So that's £284 + a visit to a nurse somewhere. And I cant find a decent discount more than 10% off.

Mosf other companies dont include the Lipoprotein A & Apolipoprotein B which supposedly are more accurate markers for cardiovascular health than standard cholesterol test.

The only other one (near me, south Manchester) which looks ok right now is Randox Health. They're doing a deal on an everyman test (tests up to 150 biomarkers) where you get 2 tests 6 months apart. It's £399 and you have to go to their clinic but then no charge for nurse to do a venous blood draw. so that's £200 a test then IF you're a regular tester or want a baseline test then improve your life and then test again in 6 months to see if it worked etc.

There looks like there might be a 10% off discount code as well. So that would bring it down to £180 for each test & a visit to thier clinic which is a train ride to Manchester for me which is about £10 return if I stay over at my brothers house and go from there and Randox will do blood draws on Saturday mornings so I can get some shopping done as well so £190 total.

I reckon I'll do that one. I've done them before. It was fine but they want a pee test when you go for the blood draw so you have to drink a lot of water before hand but not too far beforehand so that you're not desperate to go before the test time or need to hold some back. I get a bit anxious about that. I asked if I could just pee in a bottle and bring it with me and they said no, has to be fresh pee. Oh well, the price is worth it I suppose.

This isn't a promo, i dont work for them or get anything from them. The point is you have to hunt around for the best deal NEAR YOU (if you need a venous blood draw) that works for you. All the companies are similar and their actual testing normally gets outsourced to 1 giant testing lab so all things being equal, I'd go with the best price.

Cheers.

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Single_Classroom_448@reddit

i use medichecks cus im on steroids and these are my thoughts:

booking at my local clinic is piss easy, and sample collection is straight forwards it maybe takes me 40 minutes from door to clinic to back home with sample posted. results are exactly what you'd expect, and you can opt to have a doctor explain results that are out of range (i dont opt into this). I've run into no issues, all the price and shit was up front and it fits what i look for

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Underwritingking@reddit

Retired now but worked in medicine and allied areas all my working life. Neither I nor anyone I worked with have bothered with "full health checks".

There are some. specific tests that are useful (Faecal Occult Bloods, screening for aortic aneurysm etc) that the NHS offer to everyone at a certain point and I always accept these.

Full health checks? Not worth it AFAIC

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AlGunner@reddit

After years of my GP's ignoring my medical issues I had one, then took it into the doctors who said they hoped I hadnt paid a lot for them as they could have done it for free. I had to remind them I had been asking for investigation but they hadnt done any so I got them myself. Before paying for one go to your GP with the details. lay it on thick why you are getting it and see if they will do it for free.

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e_lemonsqueezer@reddit

This is the way. If you can get through the door to the GP they will most likely do most tests that are actually of any use on the NHS. Being ‘tired all the time’ has a good range of tests to start with.

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Shittificated@reddit

For general health/blood markers - I think Thriva are excellent. The autodraw device is really solid, there’s a quick turnaround in delivery and processing and the GP’s who review the test results are very to-the-point.

I understand that a lot of people are skeptical. I also know someGPs and medics would prefer people didn’t do these “unnecessary” tests, however; they can be a useful tool for encouraging lifestyle changes.

Think about how often some do under the age of 60 gets bloods done to look at cholesterol, fasting glucose, etc? It’s it often, yet many people might be highly motivated to undertake exercise and eat better if they saw high levels of LDL, Triglycerides and similar in their blood at a young age from their lifestyle decisions.

Normally when these tests are done, people are already starting to have health problems that may have been preventable had action been taken earlier. I appreciate that a lot of people disassociate from what a blood test might say, but for the people who don’t - it’s another valuable tool.

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pajamakitten@reddit

As someone who is a biomedical scientist in the NHS, this would be a huge waste of time for people (and us). For every cancer we would find slightly earlier, we would just find mostly nothing in everybody else. For the small percentage of people with abnormal markers, they will most likely be explained by poor diet and exercise. Seriously, a lot of people just need more iron in their diet, to drink more water, exercise, and cut down on alcohol. A few people benefiting from earlier intervention is dwarfed by the expense caused by people not following health advice that everyone already knows (but many refuse to follow).

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Shittificated@reddit

As someone who is a biomedical scientist in the NHS, this would be a huge waste of time for people (and us).

This is why private services are offering it.

For the small percentage of people with abnormal markers, they will most likely be explained by poor diet and exercise. Seriously, a lot of people just need more iron in their diet, to drink more water, exercise, and cut down on alcohol.

The abnormal markers can sometimes be a highly effective tool and prompting people to take action. It’s very abstract and hard to convince people of the dangers of heavy alcohol consumption and carrying excess body fat. But when you can signpost them to the science from a blood screening:

“This level of cholesterol and Triglycerides is strongly associated with heart disease”

“This level of blood glucose is near the levels that can be seen in people with T2 diabetes and fatty liver disease”

It’s no longer an abstract idea.

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OnyxWebb@reddit

No idea why you've been downvoted, that makes perfect sense. Lots of people continue to drink, smoke, eat the wrong foods despite the warnings, despite the facts. Because most of these people think "but that won't happen to me" yet there are countless stories of people suddenly falling very ill and seeing the facts of their own biology (and how it's messed up) and change for the better.

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e_lemonsqueezer@reddit

The issue is that the people accessing these tests are usually not the ones that need a number of a blood test to change their behaviour. They know very well what healthy lifestyle is and usually follow it. They are the definition of the worried well.

The people who are wandering around with sky high cholesterol/lipids or borderline HbA1c are generally not accessing these private tests.

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit

I work in NHS commissioning and, as you say, it’s incredibly nuanced.

It’s why there’s currently no prostate cancer screening programme (not a clear cut decision…).

Whilst on the face of it an obvious thing to do, when you look at the actual effects it would give (a huge population of people with no cancer getting positive readings, being stressed and needing further clinical resource from the same people dealing with the people who actually have cancer) it would paradoxically possibly lead to WORSE prostrate cancer outcomes holistically (but this is still in debate).

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit

The thing is that’s literally what the NHS health check at 40 is for. An evidenced based country wide set of checks (including triglycerides, cholesterol etc) for the ENTIRE population, early enough to prevent a lot of major issues through changing lifestyle before they’re 60, regardless of wealth/ability to pay.

If they pick up an issue you go onto a pathway of care (I know this as it picked up high blood pressure which provoked a lifestyle change in me)

Not knocking people who want to fund extra private tests for their own reasons, but the standard NHS service is pretty good (just make sure you’re engaged)

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Shittificated@reddit

I agree with you broadly, it’s a great service from the NHS.

But I will also say that for some people 40 can be a few years too late for a wake-up call. There are a lot of people who are problematic drinkers in their 20s and 30s who would benefit from seeing what’s happening to them under the microscope.

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eyeoftheneedle1@reddit

I was looking at OAT tests but the costs are crazy

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Candid_Bench3824@reddit (OP)

What is an OAT test?

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yukyum@reddit

I've used Thriva quite a few times (the latest being this morning). I was able to pinpoint symptoms to my thyroid then give the reports to my GP. The GP did one confirmation test and started treatment. I'm now in the situation where my condition is OK on the NHS scale but not optimal for me so I'm using the latest Thriva test to back this up and request an increase in medication.

One thing to note is my GP mentioned the Thriva tests saved months of time waiting for NHS tests.

The actual tests themselves are simple enough - apart from this morning when I struggled to get enough blood out! The instructions are easy to follow and they have videos to help. A doctor explains the results and, for me at least, seems to review past results too for context. This will be the first test since starting medication so I'll be interested to see if they pick up on the notes I've added.

Turnaround is approx a week or a little less. No upselling but a decent amount of emails telling you what's available. I don't have regular tests, I just pause the subscription until I want one.

They've put the prices up consistently in the last 24 months but for the irregular tests I get it's worth it. I've scaled back on the "oooh, it'd be interesting to get that tested" and just focus on the thread now. That's because it's got too expensive for anything but absolutes.

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Flat_Development6659@reddit

I've used Medichecks a few times, they're decent but the doctors notes on the tests seem automated (or they don't take your notes into account). I've had things like high creatinine levels noted as possible kidney issues which need further testing even though I've written on the notes that I workout intensely 7 days per week so high creatinine is normal.

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pastsubby@reddit

consistently high creatinine is not normal and can destroy your kidneys over time

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Flat_Development6659@reddit

It's completely normal following muscle breakdown which is a pretty much consistent state of my life.

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Leather_Manager98@reddit

I've used medichecks for a few years. I get the money back through my work health insurance (comes under diagnostics). Never had any issues, results are quick, I've done both venous samples and finger prick. The finger prick takes some practice, it's not for everyone. The venous sample taking will depend on the clinic you go to. The interpretation of the results is usually quite basic - however if I left any notes on my account, the doctor would always address my concerns in the context of the results and suggest what to do next (which usually will be further testing with GP rather than upselling)

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seahorsebabies3@reddit

I would really go to the GP an lay it on thick as to why you need the tests. From the age of 40 onwards you should be able to get the well woman/man checks.

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piernut@reddit

I have used Medichecks for several years now. No complaints. I semi-frequently do the finger-prick ones, mainly to keep an eye on things like testosterone, as I am in my 40s now.

I have done a few that require a venous sample as well, but I get a nurse friend to do that rather than pay for a clinic/or at-home visit.

I do occasionally get some failed readings, which you then need to get a new sample sent out again.

I have noticed some negative reviews, but these are usually related to using a clinic to draw the sample rather than Medichecks themselves.

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Candid_Bench3824@reddit (OP)

That’s really helpful, thanks.

Out of curiosity, do you find that finger-prick tests cover most of the important health markers you care about, or have you found you still need venous samples for certain things?

I’m trying to understand where finger-prick genuinely works well versus where venous becomes necessary.

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piernut@reddit

Think I used Thriva once in the past, but prefered the range of options for Medichecks

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frankchester@reddit

I've used Thriva several times for a few years now and I love it. I'm terrified of needles and the blood collection device thing makes it a breeze. I went and got a blood test at the GP based on advice from Thriva. Not only was it a horrible experience for me, but the results aligned with what Thriva told me so I was happy at least that their capillary based blood tests are accurate.

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