Core Health Blood Test
    Core Health Blood Test

Core Health Blood Test

£55
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Take control of your metabolic health with this simple finger-prick blood test. Designed to give you a comprehensive overview of key health markers, it assesses your risk of diabetes and heart disease — similar to the NHS Health Check.

Whether you're monitoring your cholesterol, blood sugar, or overall heart health, this test provides valuable insights to help you stay on top of your well-being.

  • Results estimated in 3 working days
  • Convenient testing options
  • Bespoke doctor’s report
  • Free delivery

This test measures HbA1c to assess long-term blood sugar levels and a full cholesterol panel (HDL, LDL, non-HDL, total cholesterol, total cholesterol:HDL ratio, and triglycerides).

How do you want to take your sample?

  • Collect your own finger-prick blood sample at home  
    Free

    We’ll send you everything you need to collect your blood sample from your finger at home.

18+ only. T&Cs apply.

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Your health, expertly explained

Go beyond the numbers

Get ready to elevate your health understanding with a personalised doctor's report. Go beyond results and tap into expert insights tailored just for you.

  • Actionable advice
  • Expert support
  • Tailored recommendations
Blood testing made easy

How it works

You have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. Enjoy the comfort of having a friendly nurse visit your home for a quick blood draw, opt for a convenient visit to one of our nationwide partner clinics, or self-arrange a draw at a location that suits you.

Take control of your health with Medichecks – order your blood test today!

Our portal, your results

Track, improve, and monitor your health over time.

MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle and vital statistics.

Supported by a team of specialist and qualified doctors

  • Dr Natasha Fernando
    Medical Director

  • Dr Tina Ghela
    Digital Clinician Lead

  • Dr Susanna Hayter
    Digital Clinician

What's in the test?

Cholesterol status

Total cholesterol

Learn more

Cholesterol is an essential fat (lipid) in the body. Although it has a bad reputation it has some important functions, including building cell membranes and producing a number of essential hormones including testosterone and oestradiol. Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and also comes from the food we eat. Although there are a number of different types of cholesterol, the two main components of total cholesterol are HDL (high density lipoprotein) which is protective against heart disease and LDL (low density lipoprotein) which, in high levels, can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Your total cholesterol result on its own is of limited value in understanding your risk of heart disease; high levels of HDL cholesterol can cause a raised total cholesterol result but may actually be protective against heart disease. Equally, you can have a normal total cholesterol level but have low levels of protective HDL cholesterol. The most important factors are how much HDL and LDL cholesterol you have, and what proportion of your total cholesterol is made up of protective HDL cholesterol. We give a detailed breakdown of the components of your total cholesterol in the rest of this cholesterol profile.

LDL cholesterol

Learn more

LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is a molecule made of lipids and proteins which transports cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats to various tissues throughout the body. Too much LDL cholesterol, commonly called 'bad cholesterol', can cause fatty deposits to accumulate inside artery walls, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Non-HDL cholesterol

Learn more

Your total cholesterol is broken down into 2 main components; HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad). There are more types of harmful cholesterol in your blood than just LDL - these include VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins which are thought to be even more harmful than LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting your HDL cholesterol value from your total cholesterol. It therefore includes all the non-protective and potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood, not just LDL. As such, it is considered to be a better marker for cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The recommended level of non-HDL cholesterol is below 4 mmol/L.

HDL cholesterol

Learn more

HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is a molecule in the body which removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body in bile. HDL cholesterol is commonly known as 'good cholesterol'.

Total cholesterol : HDL

Learn more

The cholesterol/HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol value by your HDL cholesterol level. It is used as a measure of cardiovascular risk because it gives a good insight into the proportion of your total cholesterol which is good (i.e. high-density lipoprotein HDL). Heart disease risk tools (such as QRisk) use the cholesterol/HDL ratio to calculate your risk of having a heart attack.

Triglycerides

Learn more

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that circulate in the blood. After you eat, your body converts excess calories (whether from fat or carbohydrates) into triglycerides which are then transported to cells to be stored as fat. Your body then releases triglycerides when required for energy.

Diabetes

HbA1c

Learn more

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), also known as glycated haemoglobin, is a longer-term measure of glucose levels in your blood than a simple blood glucose test. Glucose attaches itself to the haemoglobin in your red blood cells, and as your cells live for around 12-16 weeks, it gives us a good indication of the average level of sugar in your blood over a 3-month period.

A raised HbA1c result points to diabetes or an increased risk of developing diabetes, which can have a significant impact on your lifespan and quality of life. Complications of uncontrolled diabetes include heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, and vascular conditions. It can also contribute to mental health problems. And men with diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction. Keeping your HbA1c within a normal range can help you reduce the risk of these conditions.

How to prepare for your test

Prepare for your Core Health Blood Test by following these instructions. Avoid fatty foods for eight hours before your test, you do not need to fast.

Test limitations
While this test helps assess metabolic risk, overall metabolic health is influenced by many factors, including blood pressure, weight, lifestyle, and family history. This test isn’t diagnostic — if you have symptoms of diabetes or heart disease, it’s important to discuss this with your usual doctor.

Reviews

    FAQs

    What does the Core Health Blood Test check for?
    This test measures key markers of metabolic and cardiovascular health, including long-term blood sugar levels (HbA1c) and a full cholesterol panel. It helps assess your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, similar to the NHS Health Check.

    Who should take this test?
    This test is ideal for anyone looking to monitor their metabolic health, particularly those concerned about diabetes, heart disease, or cholesterol levels. It’s especially useful if you have risk factors such as a family history of these conditions, high blood pressure, or an unhealthy lifestyle.

    Do I need to fast for this test?
    No, fasting is not required for this test but it’s best to avoid fatty meals for eight hours before the test.

    Can this test diagnose diabetes or heart disease?
    No, this test provides an indication of metabolic risk, but it doesn’t diagnose conditions. If your results show elevated risk markers, we’ll advise you on what you should do next which might include lifestyle advise or signposting for further assessment with your usual doctor.

    Are there other factors that influence metabolic risk?
    Yes, metabolic health is influenced by multiple factors, including blood pressure, weight, diet, exercise, and family history. This test provides valuable insights, but overall risk should be assessed alongside these other factors.

    Is this test the same as the NHS Health Check?
    No, but it measures some of the same key markers. The NHS Health Check is a broader in-person assessment that also includes blood pressure and BMI measurements, along with a discussion of lifestyle and family history.