Why are blood tests done – and how can I book one?
A blood test is a lab analysis of things that may be found in your blood. You may have blood tests to make a diagnosis, or keep track of how well your doctor (and you) are managing a condition, such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
Blood tests are very common. They are ordered by doctors to:
- Find out how well organs, such as your kidneys, liver, heart, or thyroid are working
- Help diagnose diseases, such as cancer (e.g. prostate specific antigen, PSA), diabetes, heart failure, and HIV/AIDS
- Find out if your medication is working, or checking blood levels of medication are not toxic (e.g. epilepsy and transplant medication)
- Diagnose bleeding or clotting disorders
- Find out if your immune system is having problems fighting infections
- Diagnose anaemia, such as iron-deficiency anemia, pernicious anaemia, aplastic anaemia, or haemolytic anemia
- Find variations in haemoglobin, such as haemoglobin S, C, or E, which are common in people of African, Mediterranean, or Asian background
- Monitor chronic health conditions and diseases, like diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Find health problems in their early stages.
Types of blood tests
These are some common blood tests:
- Full blood count, also called a FBC
- Urea and electrolytes (U&Es)
- Glucose and HbA1c
- Bone biochemistry
- Liver enzymes (also called liver function tests, LFTs)
- Cholesterol (and other lipids)
- Thyroid tests.
How to book a blood test
Many parts of the UK have an online system called Swiftqueue. Google that word and your local area to see if its working in your part of the UK.
The system may be different locally. Ask your GPs receptionist or local pharmacist for advice.
