Key Takeaways
- The NHS does not offer routine annual blood tests for everyone, but the NHS Health Check is available every 5 years for adults aged 40–74.
- Key annual tests to consider include FBC, lipid profile, blood glucose/HbA1c, liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and vitamin D.
- Your ideal testing panel depends on your age, sex, family history, and existing health conditions.
- Private blood testing makes annual screening accessible without needing a GP referral.
Does the NHS Offer Annual Blood Tests?
The short answer is: not routinely. The NHS takes a targeted approach to blood testing, ordering tests when there is a clinical indication (symptoms, risk factors, or monitoring of a known condition). The main exception is the NHS Health Check, a free check-up offered every 5 years to adults aged 40 to 74 who do not already have a diagnosed cardiovascular condition. This includes a blood test for cholesterol and blood sugar.
If you want more frequent or comprehensive testing, you will likely need to arrange private blood tests. Many people are now choosing to do this annually as part of a proactive approach to health management.
Recommended Annual Tests for Most Adults
The following tests provide a solid baseline picture of your overall health. They are widely recommended by private health providers for annual screening:
Full Blood Count (FBC)
The full blood count is the foundation of most blood test panels. It measures red cells, white cells, haemoglobin, and platelets, providing a snapshot of your general health and flagging potential issues like anaemia, infection, or blood disorders.
Lipid Profile (Cholesterol)
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the UK. A lipid profile measures total cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides. High LDL and low HDL are significant risk factors for heart attack and stroke. This test requires fasting for accurate triglyceride results.
Blood Glucose / HbA1c
Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 4.3 million people in the UK, with an estimated 850,000 undiagnosed. An HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar over the previous 2 to 3 months and does not require fasting. It can detect both diabetes and pre-diabetes. For more detail, see our guide on blood tests for diabetes.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
LFTs measure enzymes and proteins produced by the liver, including ALT, AST, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and bilirubin. Elevated liver enzymes can indicate fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver damage, hepatitis, or medication side effects. Fatty liver disease is increasingly common and often has no symptoms until it is advanced.
Kidney Function (U&Es)
Urea and electrolytes (U&Es) measure how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Key markers include creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Chronic kidney disease is often silent in its early stages and is more common in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Thyroid Function (TSH)
Thyroid disorders are common in the UK, particularly in women. A TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test can detect both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are often vague — fatigue, weight change, low mood — and easily attributed to other causes.
Vitamin D
Public Health England estimates that 1 in 5 people in the UK have low vitamin D levels. This is particularly common during autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is insufficient for adequate vitamin D synthesis. Deficiency can cause fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Iron Studies / Ferritin
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and is particularly prevalent in women of reproductive age, vegetarians, and people with heavy periods. A ferritin test measures your iron stores and can detect deficiency before it progresses to full anaemia.
Additional Tests by Age Group
Under 40
The core panel above is generally sufficient. If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, consider starting lipid and HbA1c testing in your 20s or 30s.
40 to 50
Add PSA testing (for men, in discussion with your GP), and consider more frequent lipid testing if your cholesterol is borderline. This is also the age group where the NHS Health Check becomes available.
Over 50
Consider adding vitamin B12 and folate (absorption decreases with age), more frequent kidney and liver monitoring, and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR). Discuss cancer screening markers (PSA, CA-125) with your GP based on your risk profile.
How to Get Annual Blood Tests in the UK
- Ask your GP — if you have risk factors or a family history, your GP may be willing to order annual tests on the NHS.
- NHS Health Check — if you are 40 to 74, accept the invitation when it arrives (every 5 years).
- Private health screening — services like Medichecks, Forth, and Thriva offer postal and clinic-based testing.
- Mobile phlebotomist — book a qualified phlebotomist through Lola Dispatch to collect venous blood at your home, then have samples sent to a partner laboratory for analysis.
Need a blood test at home?
Lola Dispatch connects you with qualified, DBS-checked phlebotomists across the UK. Skip the waiting room and book a convenient home visit.