When your GP orders a "routine blood test" or "full blood count," the panel typically includes around 10 to 20 markers. It is designed to screen for disease, not to optimise health.
If your results fall within the NHS reference range, you are told everything is "normal" and sent on your way. The problem is that "normal" and "optimal" are not the same thing. NHS reference ranges are built from population averages, including people who are already unwell. A ferritin level of 15 is technically "normal" on the NHS scale but is associated with fatigue, brain fog, and hair loss. We explain the difference between normal and optimal ranges here.
A comprehensive private blood test goes far deeper. Our Ultimate panel tests 114 biomarkers across 12 health systems, making it the most comprehensive private blood test available in the UK at any price point. No other provider matches it. For those who want to go even further, our Signature panel covers 200+ biomarkers. Here is what the NHS does not routinely check.
Testosterone, oestradiol, SHBG, DHEA-S, cortisol, prolactin. Your GP will rarely test these unless you present with a specific complaint. Private testing lets you see the full hormonal picture.
TSH, Free T3, Free T4, thyroid antibodies. The NHS tests TSH alone. That misses subclinical thyroid issues and autoimmune thyroid conditions entirely. See our full thyroid breakdown.
ApoB, Lp(a), remnant cholesterol, triglyceride/HDL ratio. Standard NHS cholesterol panels miss the markers cardiologists actually use to assess risk. Advanced lipid and heart health testing.
hs-CRP and ESR. Chronic low-grade inflammation drives heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and accelerated ageing. Not included in routine NHS tests.
PSA for men, CA-125 and CA 15-3 for women. Not screened routinely on the NHS until much later in life, if at all.
B12, vitamin D, folate, ferritin, zinc, magnesium. The NHS will test these individually if you push hard enough, but they are not part of a standard panel.
A side-by-side comparison of what you get from an NHS blood test versus a comprehensive private blood test with TrueVitals.
| Feature | NHS Blood Test | TrueVitals Private Blood Test |
|---|---|---|
| Biomarkers tested | 10 to 20 | Up to 114 |
| Hormones | Rarely, only on request | Full panel included |
| Thyroid | TSH only | TSH + Free T3 + Free T4 + antibodies |
| Cardiovascular | Basic cholesterol | ApoB, Lp(a), remnant cholesterol |
| Vitamins & minerals | Only if GP suspects deficiency | B12, D, folate, ferritin, zinc, magnesium |
| Tumour markers | Not routine | PSA (men), CA-125 / CA 15-3 (women) |
| Collection method | Venous at GP surgery | Venous at 350+ clinics or at home |
| Wait for appointment | Days to weeks | Book same week |
| Wait for results | 1 to 4 weeks, often by phone | 48 hours, full written report |
| Report format | "Everything looks normal" by phone | 30+ page personalised report |
| Cost | Free | From £269 |
This is where private testing pulls furthest ahead. An NHS result typically arrives as a phone call from the receptionist: "Your results are back and everything is normal." Or a short letter listing numbers without context.
A TrueVitals report runs to 30+ pages. Every biomarker is explained in plain English. Abnormal results are flagged with context about what they mean for you specifically. You receive personalised recommendations including calorie and protein targets, supplement suggestions, and lifestyle adjustments based on your actual numbers.
The NHS is free, and for many people that is reason enough. But consider what the NHS panel does not check.
If your ferritin is 15 (technically "normal" but causing your fatigue), the NHS test will not flag it
If your Free T3 is low (your thyroid is underperforming despite a "normal" TSH), it will not appear
If your ApoB is elevated (your real cardiovascular risk is high despite "normal" cholesterol), nobody will know
If your testosterone is declining (causing low mood and poor sleep), it will not be investigated unless you specifically ask
A private blood test does not replace the NHS. It fills the gap between "not currently dying" and "actually thriving." For most people, an annual comprehensive test provides the data to make genuinely informed decisions about their health.
Our most popular panel is the Ultimate (114 biomarkers) at £349. No other provider in the UK offers this level of depth at any price. The Advanced panel (74 biomarkers) starts at £269 and still covers more than most competitors' top panels. For those who want the absolute deepest picture, our Signature panel covers 200+ biomarkers at £799. Compare all panels here.
Getting a private blood test with TrueVitals takes four steps.
Not sure which one? Take our 2-minute quiz for a personalised recommendation.
Choose from 103+ clinics across the UK or add a home visit for £39.
A trained phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample. No finger pricks, no self-collection.
Your personalised report is delivered within 48 hours, with every result explained in plain English.
Want to compare TrueVitals to other private providers? See our honest comparison of UK blood test companies, or jump to a specific comparison: Medichecks · Thriva · Randox · Lola Health · Forth
Compare our panels, see a sample report, or take the quiz to find the right level of testing for your goals.
.png)