For convenient, reliable and cost effective home blood tests, think Medichecks.
Medichecks is a popular provider of blood tests in the UK, allowing patients to take control of their own health by ordering tests online. These can be done from the comfort of you own home, though options to have the sample drawn at a clinic or for a nurse to visit you at home are also available for many tests.
Medichecks have amassed a wealth of experience in their 15+ year span, processing over 3 million results. They make use of the best pathology labs in the UK alongside qualified clinicians to interpret results so that patients can have confidence in the top-quality service.
Medichecks have a highly positive reputation with many happy customers. They’ve also been featured in numerous media, including like the likes of Women’s Health, The Guardian and The Telegraph.
I was previously gifted the Medichecks thyroid test kit and can honestly say I was highly impressed by the experience from start to finish. As such, it’s a service that I consider to be incredibly helpful and I would personally recommend.
Why Use A Home Blood Test Provider?
There are various reasons why you may want to order your own blood test. You might find that your doctor or specialist isn’t sympathetic to your health concerns. They may be unwilling, or unable, to put in the requests for certain tests. If you’re in the UK and have struggled to get the help and testing you need, you’re not alone.
Tests available on the NHS can be limited in both range and accessibility, which can make getting a diagnosis for different conditions exceptionally difficult. In the case of thyroid health, for instance, patients often find it difficult to get repeat tests as needed or the range of thyroid measures beyond TSH that are required for an adequate overview of their thyroid functioning.
Whatever the reason, the public can access their own tests online. It’s important to go with a provider that’s recognised within the NHS, trustworthy and reliable, with quality sample analysis for accurate results. Medichecks has become one of the biggest providers in the UK and it’s a cheaper alternative to seeking private medical care with a private doctor for the sake of ordering a blood test. Once you have your results from Medichecks, you can present them to your doctor or specialist for discussion.
THE TESTS
There are over 900 test variations available via Medichecks. The website makes it easy to browse all tests, such as by the A-Z listing or via category. You’ll notice there are some more general and other more specialised tests, giving you a large range of options to find something suited to your needs. To give you an idea of what’s available :
THYROID
- Thyroid Check (standard test, includes TSH & FT4)
- Free T3 (testing free & unbound T3, the active form of T3)
- Thyroid monitoring (general snapshot of thyroid function, including TSH, FT4 and FT3)
- Thyroid Check Plus (intermediate test, includes TSH, FT4, FT3, TGAb & TPOAb)
- Thyroid Check UltraVit (advanced test, includes all of the former, plus active vitamin B12, folate, Vitamin D, ferritin/iron, and CRP-hs inflammatory marker)
HORMONES
- Testosterone / Testosterone & cortisol / Testosterone & estradiol
- Day 3 fertility check
- Male hormones – Comprehensive profile
- Female hormones – Comprehensive profile
- Oestradiol test
- Hair loss check advanced
- Male / Female Hormone mini & advanced checks
- Prolactin
- Hair loss test
- Estradiol progesterone & prolactin
- Progesterone
- Menopause check
- Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
- HRT check (including oestrogen, progesterone & FSH for those taking hormone replacement) Polycystic ovary syndrome check standard & advanced
- IGF1
- FSH & LH
SPORTS HORMONES
Baseline Fit (16 tests) / Endurance Fit (50 tests) / Sports Hormone Check (38 tests) / Advanced Fit (30 tests) / Sports Hormones Check Plus (43 tests) / Sports Hormone Check UltraVit (52 tests) / Ultimate Performance (58 tests).
OTHERS
- CRP (high sensitivity)
- Health & Lifestyle Check
- Gut & Bladder tests
- H Pylori Antigen
- Coeliac Check
- Candida Antibodies
- HIV & STDs
- Fertility & Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Adrenals
- Antinuclear Antibodies
- Allergy Checks
- Lyme Disease
- and more…
CORONAVIRUS ANTIBODY TEST UK
Update: In May 2020, Medichecks released a Coronavirus Antibody Blood Test. At present, the fingerprick at-home option isn’t available while the MHRA continue their validity assessment of fingerprick testing. However, the clinic-based test is available now for purchase for those in the UK who believe they may have had, or would like to know out of curiosity whether they’ve had, the coronavirus.
This is the newer, accredited test for quality and accuracy, with results in 3 working days. At present, no other rapid detection tests have stood up to scrutiny of validation and accuracy like this test has. This is a CE-marked IgG test that can be done in clinic with a venous blood sample. Clinics can be found on the Medichecks website. Alternatively, you can order the kit option where a nurse will visit you to collect your blood sample. Your sample will then be sent for analysis at a UK-based UKAS-accredited laboratory & you’ll be able to view your results online. The turnaround time is anticipated at 3 days from the point where the sample reaches the lab.
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You can save 10% on your blood test order by using this link & the code INVISME10 at the checkout.
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The Medichecks Blood Test Process
The Medichecks website is user-friendly and the experience from browsing tests to obtaining results is smooth and convenient.
You can browse or search for specific tests and conditions. Each test has detailed information on what it includes and why the element being measured is important.
The prices are very reasonable and provide excellent value for money when considering they include delivery of the test kit, return postage, customer service support, reliable lab analysis, the online account system, and a qualified doctor to interpret results. You can get a further 10% off your blood test order by using this link & the code INVISME10 at the checkout.
Different test formats are possible. The standard is the finger prick test that you can do from home. This is the Medichecks bread and butter service. It’s also possible to visit a clinic to have a venous sample taken, for instance if the test requires it, if you have circulatory issues that may make it harder to obtain adequate blood from a finger prick, or if you simply feel more comfortable having someone else take the sample. In some cases a nurse home visit is also possible.
I found the finger prick test straightforward to use but I’ve also used the clinic option, conveniently visiting my local NHS hospital. NHS service providers and other clinics can be found on the website. NHS outlets will be aware of Medichecks and the process for performing and invoicing private testing on behalf of Medichecks. You need to select finger prick, nurse home visit or clinic at the time of test purchase. If you have any problems or queries, the Medichecks team are on hand to help. The customer service is both friendly and efficient so that you can feel supported each step of the way.
Customers are kept updated of test progress, so you know when samples have been safely received and you’ll be informed as soon as the results are ready. You’ll be able to view results and a doctor’s note of interpretation on your online account. Results can be downloaded as a PDF for saving or printing.
Medichecks use partner clinics that adhere to the highest standards for analysing results, with stringent quality control procedures in place alongside peer assessment to ensure peak performance and analysis accuracy.
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Take control. Learn about your body. Advocate for your health.
Find out more and browse the Medichecks tests here. Use the code INVISME10 for 10% off.
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Further Reading :
- Full Medichecks Blood Testing Review
- Medichecks Thyroid Test Kit Review
- Get The Low Down On Lyme, Including Symptoms, Prevention Tips, Testing & Treatment
(This post contains affiliate links)
