Booking a private blood test sounds simple until you actually start looking at the options.
Full blood count.Ferritin.Thyroid function.Vitamin D.HbA1c.Testosterone.Hormones.Liver function.Kidney function.
Suddenly, something that was supposed to give you answers can leave you with another question:
Which blood test do I actually need?
The answer depends on what you are trying to find out.
You might be investigating persistent tiredness, changes in weight, hormonal symptoms or reduced exercise performance. Perhaps you want to check your cholesterol or diabetes risk. You may already know the exact biomarker you need, or you might simply want a broader overview of your current health.
At our private clinic in Edgbaston, Birmingham, we offer both ready-made blood-test profiles and personalised blood testing, allowing tests to be selected according to your symptoms, medical history and health goals.
You do not need to arrive knowing the names of every biomarker.
Our personalised testing pathway begins with a video consultation so that we can understand what you would like to investigate, discuss which tests may be clinically useful and confirm the cost before your blood-draw appointment.
The NHS similarly explains that blood tests can be used to assess general health, investigate symptoms, estimate the likelihood of certain conditions and monitor existing health problems or treatment.
This guide explains the different types of private blood tests available in Birmingham, which tests may be useful for common symptoms, how personalised testing works and exactly what happens when you book with our clinic.
Key Takeaways
There is no single blood test that checks for every medical condition.
The most useful blood tests depend on your symptoms, medical history, medication and reason for testing.
Common tests include full blood count, iron and ferritin, thyroid function, HbA1c, cholesterol, vitamin levels and hormone testing.
You do not need to know which biomarkers you need before booking with our clinic.
Our personalised blood-testing pathway begins with a video consultation to help determine which tests may be appropriate.
We also offer ready-made profiles including fatigue, hormonal health, iron, thyroid, vitamin, allergy, sports-performance and Full Health MOT testing.
Blood tests can provide important information, but they do not diagnose most conditions on their own.
Results need to be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history and other clinical information.
Some blood tests require preparation such as fasting or timing the sample at a particular point in the day.
Our ready-made blood-test package prices include phlebotomy and analysis.
Personalised testing has a fixed £120 phlebotomy and analysis fee, plus the cost of the biomarkers selected.
Results are reviewed with you so that you understand what they mean and what, if anything, should happen next.
Why Might You Have a Private Blood Test?
Common reasons people come to our clinic for private blood testing include:
Persistent tiredness
Reduced energy
Hormonal symptoms
Menopause or perimenopause concerns
Reduced libido
Testosterone concerns
Hair changes
Iron-deficiency symptoms
Thyroid concerns
Vitamin deficiencies
Diabetes risk
Cholesterol monitoring
Sports performance
Allergy concerns
General preventative health
The NHS explains that blood testing can help clinicians investigate symptoms, assess general health and monitor how well a condition is being treated.
A Blood Test Should Answer a Question
Having more biomarkers tested does not automatically mean receiving better healthcare.
Imagine two people.
One says:
"I have been exhausted for six months."
The other says:
"I want to understand my cardiovascular risk."
They may need completely different blood tests.
The first person's assessment might lead us to consider areas such as:
Full blood count
Ferritin and iron
Thyroid function
Vitamin B12
Folate
Vitamin D
HbA1c
The second person's assessment might place much more emphasis on:
Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Blood glucose
HbA1c
Kidney function
Wider cardiovascular risk factors
The test should follow the clinical question and not the other way around.
How Do You Know Which Blood Test You Need?
Start With the Symptoms
Blood tests and markers can be very confusing, especially if you’ve never heard of them before. If you know what you are looking to track, then some clinics will be able to order that individual test for you, if you’re unsure what would work best for you, then having an initial consultation can definitely help you make the right decision.
During an initial consultation you can discuss:
What symptoms you are experiencing
How long they have been present
Your medical history
Medication
Previous blood results
Family history
Relevant lifestyle factors
What you are hoping to understand
From there, clinicians can identify which biomarkers may be relevant.
At Complete Clinical Care, our current personalised blood-testing service specifically allows patients either to request known biomarkers or ask us to help build a test around their symptoms and health goals.
Blood Tests for Fatigue and Low Energy
Persistent fatigue is one of the most common reasons people request blood testing and it is also one of the best examples of why a single test may not be enough.
Feeling tired can potentially be associated with:
Anaemia
Iron deficiency
Vitamin deficiencies
Thyroid problems
Diabetes
Sleep problems
Medication
Chronic illness
Mental health
Hormonal factors
Lifestyle factors
That means there is no single "fatigue blood test."
Instead, we look at the symptoms and decide which areas warrant investigation.
Our Tired All the Time Blood Test currently includes areas such as:
Full blood count
Iron markers
Vitamin B12
Folate
Vitamin D
Thyroid markers
Blood-sugar markers
and currently costs £250, including phlebotomy and analysis.
NICE similarly recommends considering investigations including full blood count, kidney and liver function, thyroid function, HbA1c and ferritin when clinicians are assessing persistent fatigue and excluding other potential diagnoses.
Blood Tests Cannot Explain Every Case of Fatigue
Poor sleep, stress, burnout, depression, sleep apnoea and other conditions may not be identified simply by ordering another laboratory marker. That is why when we review blood results, we look at the wider clinical picture rather than treating the laboratory report as the diagnosis.
Iron and Ferritin Blood Tests
Iron testing can be particularly useful when symptoms include:
Persistent tiredness
Weakness
Reduced exercise tolerance
Breathlessness
Poor recovery
Symptoms suggestive of anaemia
People often talk about "checking iron", but several different markers can be useful.
Ferritin
Ferritin reflects stored iron.
It can provide important information when assessing possible iron deficiency.
Serum Iron
This measures iron circulating in the blood at that point in time.
Transferrin
Transferrin is a protein involved in transporting iron.
Transferrin Saturation
This gives information about how much of the available transferrin is carrying iron.
Total Iron-Binding Capacity
This can provide additional information about iron transport and availability.
Our current Iron Levels Blood Test costs £155 and includes ferritin, iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation and total iron-binding capacity.
These results are generally more useful when interpreted together than when one number is viewed in isolation.
Thyroid Blood Tests
Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that produces hormones involved in regulating metabolism and many other bodily functions.
Thyroid problems can sometimes contribute to symptoms such as:
Fatigue
Changes in weight
Feeling unusually cold or hot
Changes in heart rate
Changes in bowel habits
Changes in mood
Menstrual changes
A thyroid blood test commonly looks at hormones involved in the thyroid system.
Our Thyroid Function Blood Test currently costs £155 and is intended to assess thyroid hormone levels in the context of symptoms and medical history.
Thyroid results should be considered alongside:
Symptoms
Medication
Previous results
Pregnancy where relevant
Existing thyroid conditions
If a thyroid result is abnormal, further testing or repeat testing may sometimes be required.
Vitamin D, B12 and Folate Testing
Vitamin deficiencies can sometimes contribute to symptoms and health problems.
Two commonly requested tests at our clinic are vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Our current Vitamin D and B12 Blood Test costs £180.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 has important roles in:
Red-blood-cell formation
Normal neurological function
DNA production
Deficiency can sometimes contribute to symptoms such as:
Fatigue
Weakness
Pins and needles
Neurological symptoms
Folate
Folate is also involved in normal blood-cell production.
Depending on your symptoms, folate may be considered alongside B12 and full blood count.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle health among other functions.
Blood testing measures your current vitamin D level and can help identify deficiency.
Again, testing should be interpreted according to your symptoms and clinical circumstances rather than assuming every symptom is caused by a vitamin deficiency.
Diabetes and HbA1c Testing
Blood testing can also help assess diabetes and prediabetes.
One commonly used test is HbA1c. HbA1c provides information about average blood glucose over the preceding months rather than showing your blood sugar at only one moment.
It may be useful when:
Investigating possible diabetes
Assessing diabetes risk
Monitoring existing diabetes
Assessing metabolic health
Your clinician may particularly consider testing if you have symptoms or risk factors such as:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Unexplained weight change
Family history of diabetes
Excess weight
Previous high blood sugar
High blood pressure
Blood glucose and HbA1c are also included within wider preventative and metabolic-health assessments where clinically appropriate.
Cholesterol and Heart-Health Blood Tests
Cholesterol testing can help us understand one part of your cardiovascular risk.
A lipid profile may include:
Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides
More detailed profiles may also include additional lipid-related biomarkers.
The important point is that cholesterol should not normally be interpreted as:
high number = bad
or
normal number = no cardiovascular risk.
A clinician may also consider:
Age
Blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Family history
Existing medical conditions
Blood results form one part of the overall assessment.
Hormone Blood Tests
Hormone testing is another popular reason patients come to our clinic.
Symptoms that may prompt discussion of hormone testing include:
Changes in menstrual cycles
Menopause or perimenopause symptoms
Fertility concerns
Reduced libido
Erectile difficulties
Changes in energy
Testosterone concerns
Other symptoms suggestive of a hormonal problem
Our current Hormonal Health Blood Test costs £170 and can be used for both men and women, with markers selected according to factors such as age, sex, symptoms and life stage.
Hormone biomarkers include:
Testosterone
SHBG
LH
FSH
Oestradiol
Prolactin
The exact combination depends on what we are investigating.
Timing Can Matter
Some hormones vary according to:
Time of day
Menstrual-cycle stage
Medication
Hormonal contraception
Menopause status
Testosterone in men, for example, is generally most useful when tested at an appropriate time in the morning when investigating possible deficiency, so make sure to ask a clinician when the best possible time to test is.
Liver and Kidney Function Tests
Liver and kidney blood tests are commonly included in broader health profiles and may also be requested for specific clinical reasons.
Liver Function
Liver-related markers may include:
ALT
AST
ALP
GGT
Bilirubin
Albumin
The pattern of results can provide information that may warrant further investigation and a mildly abnormal result does not necessarily mean that you have liver disease.
Kidney Function
Kidney-related testing may include:
Creatinine
eGFR
Urea
Sodium
Potassium
Other electrolytes
Kidney function may be particularly relevant when:
Monitoring certain medication
Assessing cardiovascular health
Investigating particular symptoms
Monitoring known kidney disease
Assessing general metabolic health
Both kidney and liver markers are included within our broader Full Health MOT profile.
Full Blood Count
A full blood count, usually shortened to FBC, is one of the most commonly requested blood tests.
It measures several components of the blood, including:
Red blood cells
White blood cells
Haemoglobin
Platelets
The NHS explains that FBC testing can be used to assess blood cells and help investigate conditions including iron-deficiency anaemia.
Our current Full Blood Count costs £150, including phlebotomy and analysis.
What Can an FBC Tell You?
It can provide useful information when investigating areas such as:
Anaemia
Certain infections
Some blood abnormalities
Persistent fatigue
However, an FBC is not a universal health screen.
If you are tired because of thyroid disease, for example, the FBC itself may not identify the cause.
Allergy Blood Tests
We also offer targeted allergy blood testing.
Allergy blood tests commonly measure IgE antibodies associated with particular allergens.
Depending on the panel, testing may look at allergens such as:
House dust mites
Cat or dog allergens
Grass and tree pollen
Egg
Milk
Peanut
Fish
Shellfish
Other foods or environmental allergens
Our current allergy-testing options are:
Basic Allergy Panel — £250
Enhanced Allergy Panel — £300
Complete Allergy Panel — £500
The exact allergens included vary significantly between the three profiles.
Allergy Testing Is Not the Same as Food-Intolerance Testing
This distinction is important.
IgE allergy testing investigates allergic sensitisation.
It does not automatically diagnose every digestive symptom, sensitivity or food intolerance.
The results therefore need to be considered alongside:
Your symptoms
The timing of reactions
Clinical history
Relevant exposure
A positive laboratory result does not replace clinical assessment.
Sports-Performance Blood Tests
Blood testing is not only used when someone feels unwell.
Athletes and physically active patients may also want to understand factors potentially affecting:
Energy
Recovery
Hormonal health
Nutritional status
Training response
Our current Sports Performance + Hormonal Health Blood Test costs £299 and combines performance, recovery, nutrient, inflammatory and hormone markers.
For patients who want to track changes over time, we also currently offer:
Sports Performance Retest Package — £449
12-Month Sports Performance Package — £699
The longer package includes repeated monitoring throughout the year.
Why Repeating Tests Can Sometimes Be More Useful
One blood test is a snapshot.
For athletes making changes to:
Training
Recovery
Nutrition
Supplementation
retesting certain clinically relevant biomarkers may help show how things have changed.
What Is a Full Health MOT?
Some patients are not investigating one particular symptom.
They want a broader review.
Our Full Health MOT currently costs £279 and brings together multiple areas of health within one larger profile.
It currently covers biomarkers relating to areas including:
Cardiovascular health
Metabolic health
Liver function
Kidney function
Thyroid function
Hormones
Vitamins
Inflammation
The advantage is breadth.
But it is important to understand what a health MOT can and cannot do.
A Blood MOT Is Not a Full-Body Scan
A comprehensive blood profile can provide a large amount of information.
It cannot rule out every medical condition.
Some diseases:
Do not reliably affect routine blood tests
Require physical examination
Require imaging
Require specialist testing
Produce normal blood results, particularly at certain stages
So if you have a particular symptom, tell us.
Do not rely on a broad blood panel to replace a proper medical assessment.
Can You Choose Individual Biomarkers?
Yes absolutely and it’s one of the main features of our personalised blood-testing service - If you already know what you need, you can request particular biomarkers.
Examples might include:
Ferritin
Vitamin D
Testosterone
HbA1c
Cholesterol
Thyroid markers
Liver markers
Kidney markers
How Personalised Pricing Works
For individual personalised blood testing, our current pricing structure is:
£120 phlebotomy and analysis fee
plus
the cost of the biomarkers you select.
The £120 fee applies once per blood-test appointment regardless of how many biomarkers are selected.
We provide a full quote before arranging the blood draw.
Our ready-made blood-test packages work differently.
Their advertised prices already include the phlebotomy and analysis fee.
Do You Need to Fast Before a Blood Test?
Whether you need to avoid food before you blood test depends on:
Which biomarkers are being measured
Why the test is being performed
Laboratory requirements
Similarly, certain tests may need to be performed:
In the morning
At a particular stage of the menstrual cycle
Before medication
After a specified preparation period
We will tell you about any relevant preparation when arranging your test.
What Happens During the Blood Test?
The blood draw itself is usually the simplest part of the process.
The NHS explains that most blood tests take around 10 minutes and usually involve taking a small amount of blood from a vein in the arm.
At your phlebotomy appointment, a healthcare professional will usually:
Confirm your details.
Explain the procedure.
Place a tourniquet around your upper arm.
Clean the area.
Insert a small needle into a vein.
Collect blood into the required tubes.
Remove the needle.
Apply pressure and a small dressing.
You may feel a brief scratch.
A small amount of bruising can occasionally occur afterwards.
What If You Do Not Like Needles?
If blood tests make you:
Nervous
Light-headed
Faint
let the person taking the sample know before they begin. The NHS similarly advises telling the healthcare professional if you are worried about needles so they can help make the procedure more comfortable.
How Long Do Results Take?
Turnaround time depends on what is being tested, but we usually expect the results to come back within a week. Specialist tests like the Nutrition and Lifestyle DNA blood test can take a lot longer, but we will notify you if this is the case.
How to Book a Private Blood Test at Our Birmingham Clinic
Our private blood-testing service is based at:
38 Harborne Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 3EB
You do not need a referral from your NHS GP to use our private blood-testing service.
Step 1: Book Your Video Consultation
If you are unsure on which blood test is right for you, then we would recommend booking a video consultation with us to check. If you decide to go ahead with the blood test afterwards then we will remove the cost of the consultation from the blood test fee.
During the appointment, we discuss:
What you want to investigate
Your symptoms
Medical history
Existing results
Health concerns
Relevant goals
Step 2: Choose Your Tests
You might choose one of our ready-made profiles, such as:
Tired All the Time Blood Test — £250
Hormonal Health Blood Test — £170
Full Blood Count — £150
Iron Levels Blood Test — £155
Vitamin D and B12 Blood Test — £180
Thyroid Function Blood Test — £155
Full Health MOT — £279
Sports Performance + Hormonal Health — £299
Allergy Blood Tests — from £250
Alternatively, we can build a personalised profile.
Our current personalised testing fee is:
£120 phlebotomy and analysis + individual biomarker costs.
We confirm the full price before arranging your appointment.
Step 3: Attend Your Phlebotomy Appointment
You attend our clinic for the blood draw.
Home phlebotomy may also be requested and is subject to location and availability. Additional fees may apply.
Step 4: Laboratory Analysis
Your sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Turnaround time varies according to the tests selected.
Step 5: Review Your Results
Once the results are available, we review them with you.
We can discuss:
What the results mean
Whether anything needs monitoring
Whether additional investigation is appropriate
Whether treatment should be considered
Whether specialist referral is needed
You will also receive a copy of your results for your own records or to share with another healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a private blood test in Birmingham without an NHS GP referral?
Yes. You do not need an NHS GP referral to book blood testing at our clinic. Our personalised pathway begins with a video consultation so that we can discuss what you want to investigate and determine which tests may be suitable.
What blood test should I have for tiredness?
There is no single test for fatigue. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, possible investigations may include full blood count, iron and ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, thyroid function and HbA1c. Our current Tired All the Time Blood Test combines several of these areas.
How much is a private blood test in Birmingham?
The cost depends on what is being tested. At our clinic, current ready-made packages range from a £150 Full Blood Count to larger profiles such as the £279 Full Health MOT. Personalised blood testing carries a fixed £120 phlebotomy and analysis fee plus the cost of the chosen biomarkers.
How much is an iron blood test?
Our current Iron Levels Blood Test costs £155 and includes ferritin, iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation and total iron-binding capacity. The package price includes phlebotomy and analysis.
How much is a thyroid blood test?
Our current Thyroid Function Blood Test costs £155, including phlebotomy and analysis. The results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Can I get my testosterone checked privately?
Yes. Testosterone and other related hormone biomarkers can be requested where appropriate. Depending on your symptoms, testing might also include markers such as SHBG, LH, FSH or prolactin.
Can women have hormone blood tests privately?
Yes. Our Hormonal Health Blood Test is suitable for both men and women, with biomarkers selected according to factors such as symptoms, age, sex and life stage.
Can I choose exactly which biomarkers I want?
Yes. Our personalised blood-testing service allows individual biomarkers to be selected. If you already know what you want tested, tell us during the initial consultation. We will confirm availability, clinical suitability and the cost.
Do I need to fast before my blood test?
It depends on which tests you are having. Not every blood test requires fasting. Some also have specific timing requirements. We will explain any preparation needed before your appointment.
How long does a blood test take?
The actual blood draw is usually quick. The NHS advises that a typical blood-test appointment takes around 10 minutes, although appointment length can vary.
How long will my results take?
Turnaround times vary depending on the biomarkers requested. We will explain the expected timeframe when arranging your tests and organise review once your results are available.
Will someone explain my blood-test results?
Yes. Results from our personalised testing service are reviewed with you so that we can explain the findings, answer questions and discuss whether monitoring, further investigation, treatment or referral may be appropriate.
What happens if my blood results are abnormal?
An abnormal result does not automatically mean you have a medical condition. We review the result alongside your symptoms, history and other biomarkers. Depending on the finding, we may recommend monitoring, repeat testing, treatment, further investigation or specialist referral.
Can I have blood tests even if I feel healthy?
Potentially. Some patients use blood testing as part of a broader preventative-health assessment. However, the most appropriate tests depend on your individual circumstances, and more testing is not automatically better.
What is included in your Full Health MOT?
Our current Full Health MOT covers a broad range of biomarkers relating to cardiovascular and metabolic health, liver and kidney function, thyroid health, hormones, vitamins and inflammation. It currently costs £279.
Do you offer allergy blood tests?
Yes. We currently offer Basic, Enhanced and Complete allergy blood-test panels, starting from £250. The allergens included vary by package.
Do you offer home blood tests?
Home phlebotomy visits can be requested and are subject to location and availability. Please discuss this with our team during your initial consultation so that we can explain the available options and any additional fees.
Where is your private blood-test clinic in Birmingham?
Our clinic is located at 38 Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3EB. We provide personalised blood testing, ready-made health profiles and clinical review of results.
