Medichecks and Thriva are the two most searched private blood test providers in the UK. Both are legitimate, both use UKAS-accredited labs, and both have their strengths. But they serve different needs, test different depths, and collect blood differently. This comparison covers what each does well, where each falls short, and what both miss — so you can choose the right one for what you actually want to know.
Prices verified August 2026. Check each provider's website for current pricing — Medichecks runs frequent sales.
You want the widest catalogue of individual tests (300+). You want a one-off test without subscription pressure. You want the option of a venous blood draw for more accurate results. You want a specific marker tested that smaller providers don't offer. You're comfortable with finger-prick collection or willing to pay extra for venous.
Their most comprehensive panel tops out at ~59 biomarkers. Venous draw adds £25-59 to every panel price. GP comment is an add-on, not included. Trustpilot rating (3.8) is lower than competitors. Reports are individual marker results without cross-system analysis.
You want to track the same markers quarterly with subscription pricing. You prefer an app-based experience with visual trend tracking. You want a simple, curated panel without 300 choices to navigate. The Tasso+ shoulder device is more comfortable than a traditional finger-prick. You value a clean user experience over testing depth.
Maximum ~50 biomarkers. No venous blood draw option as standard. Subscription model means ongoing commitment. Smaller sample volume limits which markers can be reliably tested. No tumour markers, immunoglobulins, or advanced metabolic markers available.
Both providers cover the fundamentals well: thyroid (TSH, Free T4), cholesterol, liver, kidney, iron, B12, vitamin D, basic hormones. But neither offers the depth needed for comprehensive health screening. These markers are absent from both:
Tumour markers — CEA, CA 19-9, PSA, CA-125, CA 15-3
Immunoglobulins — IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE
Coeliac screen — anti-tTG (75% of coeliac is undiagnosed)
Lp(a) — genetic cardiovascular risk, elevated in 20%
Fasting insulin + HOMA-IR — catches prediabetes 10-20 years early
Cystatin C — creatine-independent kidney function
Rheumatoid factor — autoimmune screening
Full thyroid antibodies — TPO + thyroglobulin
These aren't obscure markers. Lp(a) is elevated in 20% of people and the European Atherosclerosis Society recommends testing it once per lifetime. Fasting insulin catches insulin resistance a decade before HbA1c shifts. Coeliac disease is undiagnosed in 75% of affected people in the UK. These are gaps that matter.
If 50-59 biomarkers is enough for your needs, Medichecks and Thriva both serve that market well. If you want deeper testing — everything above plus cross-system AI analysis and medical professional review — the TrueVitals Ultimate panel tests 114 biomarkers for £349 with venous phlebotomy at £19 (103+ UK clinics) or £39 at home.
Medichecks
~59
biomarkers
Thriva
~50
biomarkers
TrueVitals
114
biomarkers
TrueVitals Ultimate: £349 + £19 phlebotomy = £368 all-in. Professional venous draw at 103+ UK clinics or at home for £39. AI-powered cross-system report with medical professional review. Results in 48 hours. No subscription. Full comparison of all UK providers.
114 biomarkers. AI-powered cross-system reporting. Professional venous draw at 103+ UK clinics for £19. Results in 48 hours. No subscription.
.png)