What Blood Tests Are Done on an NHS Health Check? UK Health Guide

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What Blood Tests Are Done on an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check is a free check-up offered to adults in England aged 40 to 74 to assess their risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and certain types of dementia. One important part of this appointment involves blood testing, but many people are unsure exactly what gets checked.

So, what blood tests are done during an NHS Health Check—and what do they tell you?

What Blood Tests Are Included?

The NHS Health Check usually involves a finger-prick blood test or sometimes a blood sample from your arm, depending on what’s being measured and your personal health profile.

The two main tests are:

1. Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile)

This test measures the levels of different types of cholesterol in your blood, including:

  • Total cholesterol

  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – "good" cholesterol

  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – "bad" cholesterol

  • Triglycerides – a type of fat in the blood

These results help assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. High LDL or low HDL levels may indicate a need for lifestyle changes or, in some cases, medication such as statins.

2. Blood Glucose (Sugar) Test

You’ll also have a test to check your blood sugar level, often using a HbA1c test. This measures your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months and is used to:

  • Identify your risk of type 2 diabetes

  • Check for signs of pre-diabetes

  • Monitor blood sugar if you already have diabetes

Some NHS Health Checks may use a fasting glucose test, but HbA1c is more common as it doesn’t require fasting.

Will I Need to Fast?

No, fasting is usually not required for an NHS Health Check. Modern testing methods, especially for HbA1c and total cholesterol, are accurate without needing you to skip food beforehand.

However, if your results are borderline or unclear, your GP may request a follow-up fasting test to confirm your risk.

How Are the Results Used?

Your blood test results are combined with other information gathered during your health check, such as:

  • Blood pressure

  • Weight and BMI

  • Lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, diet, activity level)

  • Family history and ethnicity

This information is used to calculate your cardiovascular risk score (often using a tool called QRISK). If you're found to be at high risk, your GP or nurse may offer advice, support programmes, or medication to help lower that risk.

Are There Any Other Blood Tests?

Routine NHS Health Checks focus on cholesterol and blood sugar, as these are key indicators of future health problems. However, based on your health history or findings during the check, your GP might arrange further blood tests separately. These could include:

  • Liver function tests

  • Kidney function tests

  • Full blood count

  • Thyroid function tests

  • Vitamin levels

These are not part of the standard NHS Health Check but may be requested as part of follow-up care.

Final Word

During your NHS Health Check, the main blood tests include cholesterol levels and blood glucose (HbA1c). These simple tests help to assess your future risk of serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

The check is quick, free, and a great opportunity to catch health problems early—even if you feel fine. If you're aged 40 to 74 and haven't had a check in the last five years, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.