Full Body Blood Test UK: What's Included & How to Book

A full body blood test is one of the most practical ways to gain a clear picture of your overall health. Whether you are proactively monitoring your wellbeing, investigating specific symptoms, or simply curious about what your blood can reveal, a complete blood test in the UK offers a comprehensive snapshot of how your body is functioning. From liver and kidney markers to cholesterol, glucose, and blood count, these blood investigations cover the biomarkers that matter most for preventive health. At Private Blood Tests London, we make it straightforward to arrange a full blood test at our South Kensington clinic — with no referral needed and results delivered within a few working days.

A full body blood test is a comprehensive panel of blood tests that measures a wide range of biomarkers including full blood count (FBC), liver function, kidney function, cholesterol, glucose, thyroid markers, and key vitamins. It is designed to provide a broad overview of your health and can highlight areas that may benefit from further monitoring. In the UK, full body blood tests are available privately without a GP referral.

What Is a Full Body Blood Test?

A full body blood test — sometimes called a full blood test, blood analysis test, or full blood analysis — is a collection of laboratory tests performed on a single blood sample. Rather than testing for one specific marker, it evaluates multiple systems simultaneously, giving you and your healthcare provider a broad understanding of your health.

A typical blood analysis test may include:

Haematology — Full blood count (FBC), measuring red cells, white cells, and platelets

Liver function — Enzymes and proteins that reflect how the liver is performing

Kidney function — Markers such as creatinine, urea, and electrolytes

Lipid profile — Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides

Glucose and HbA1c — Blood sugar regulation and long-term glucose control

Thyroid function — TSH and thyroid hormones

Vitamins and minerals — Including vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, and iron studies

The purpose of these blood investigations is preventive. They help identify potential areas of concern before symptoms develop, allowing you to take action early. What can blood tests find? Quite a lot — from nutritional deficiencies and inflammation to organ function changes and metabolic imbalances. A full blood test provides the data you need to make informed decisions about your health.

What Is FBC? Understanding Full Blood Count

One of the most commonly requested components of any full body blood test is the FBC — but what is FBC, and what does it actually measure? FBC stands for full blood count, and it is one of the most fundamental blood tests available. An FBC blood test means that the laboratory analyses the cellular components of your blood in detail.

A full blood count check examines:

Red blood cells (RBC) — These carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The FBC measures the number, size, and haemoglobin content of red cells. Low red cell counts may be associated with anaemia, while elevated counts can have other associations

White blood cells (WBC) — These are part of the immune system. The FBC measures the total white cell count and often includes a differential count, breaking down the types of white cells present. Changes in white cell counts may be associated with infection, inflammation, or immune responses

Platelets — These small cell fragments play a key role in blood clotting. The FBC measures platelet count, which can be relevant if you bruise easily or have concerns about clotting

Haemoglobin (Hb) — The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Haemoglobin levels are an important indicator of oxygen-carrying capacity

Haematocrit (Hct) — The proportion of blood volume occupied by red cells

Mean cell volume (MCV) — The average size of red blood cells, which can help differentiate types of anaemia

What does a full blood count test show? In short, it provides a detailed breakdown of the three main cell types in your blood. What will a full blood count show varies depending on your individual health, but it is one of the most informative single tests available. A Full Blood Count test is available as a standalone option or as part of a wider screening panel.

What Can Show Up in Blood Work?

One of the most common questions people ask before arranging blood tests is: what can show up in blood work? The answer depends on which markers are included in your panel, but a comprehensive full body blood test can reveal a wide range of information.

What can show up in a blood test includes:

Nutritional status — Vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, and iron levels can indicate whether your body has adequate stores of essential nutrients. Deficiencies are common in the UK and can be associated with fatigue, poor concentration, and low mood

Liver health — Liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT reflect how the liver is functioning. Elevated levels may be associated with alcohol intake, medication effects, or other factors. You can learn more about these markers through a liver function test

Kidney health — Creatinine, urea, and eGFR provide insight into how well the kidneys are filtering waste. A kidney function test measures these key markers

Cholesterol and cardiovascular risk — A lipid profile measures total cholesterol, HDL (protective), LDL (harmful), and triglycerides. These markers are central to assessing heart health

Blood sugar regulation — Fasting glucose and HbA1c levels indicate how well your body is managing blood sugar. Elevated levels may be associated with metabolic changes. A diabetes test specifically targets these markers

Thyroid function — TSH, free T4, and free T3 reveal how the thyroid gland is performing. Both underactive and overactive thyroid function can affect energy, weight, and mood. A thyroid test is commonly included in comprehensive panels

Inflammation markers — CRP and ESR can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body, which may be associated with a range of underlying factors

What would show up in a routine blood test depends on the panel selected. A more comprehensive panel will cover more systems and provide a broader picture of your health.

Complete Blood Test UK — What Is Included?

When arranging a complete blood test in the UK, it helps to understand what is tested in a full blood test and how the components fit together. At Private Blood Tests London, we offer a range of screening options designed to suit different needs and budgets.

Our health screening packages combine multiple markers into convenient panels. A typical comprehensive package may include:

Full blood count (FBC)

Liver function panel

Kidney function panel

Lipid profile (cholesterol)

HbA1c and glucose

Thyroid function (TSH, free T4)

Iron studies

Vitamin D

Vitamin B12 and folate

Inflammation markers (CRP)

You can browse all blood tests available through our clinic to find individual markers or panels that match your requirements. For a clear overview of costs, visit our blood test prices page — all pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.

What does a full blood test show when all these markers are combined? It provides a thorough overview of your haematological, metabolic, organ, and nutritional health — all from a single blood draw. What does a full blood test test for? Everything from red cell counts and liver enzymes to cholesterol ratios and vitamin levels.

For help interpreting what your results mean, our guide on understanding blood test results walks you through common markers and reference ranges in plain English.

Full Body Blood Test Overview

Test	What It Measures	Why It Is Included	What It May Indicate
Full Blood Count (FBC)	Red cells, white cells, platelets, haemoglobin	Core screening marker for blood health	Changes may be associated with anaemia, infection, or immune variation
Liver Function (LFTs)	ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, albumin	Assesses liver health and metabolism	Elevated enzymes may be associated with liver stress or medication effects
Kidney Function (U&Es)	Creatinine, urea, eGFR, electrolytes	Evaluates kidney filtration and fluid balance	Abnormal values may be associated with reduced kidney function
Lipid Profile	Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides	Cardiovascular risk assessment	Elevated LDL or triglycerides may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk
HbA1c / Glucose	Long-term blood sugar control	Metabolic health and diabetes screening	Elevated levels may be associated with impaired glucose regulation
Thyroid Function	TSH, free T4, free T3	Thyroid gland performance	Abnormal values may be associated with underactive or overactive thyroid
Iron Studies	Ferritin, serum iron, TIBC	Assesses iron stores and transport	Low ferritin may be associated with iron deficiency
Vitamin D	25-OH Vitamin D	Bone health, immune function, mood	Low levels are common in the UK and may be associated with fatigue
CRP	C-reactive protein	Inflammation screening	Elevated CRP may be associated with systemic inflammation

How to Get a Blood Test Near You

If you are wondering how to get a blood test, the process is simpler than you might expect. Many people search for blood work testing near me or where can I get blood drawn near me — and the answer depends on whether you choose the NHS route or a private clinic.

Can I request a blood test privately? Yes. In the UK, you do not need a GP referral to arrange a private blood test. You can book directly with a clinic such as Private Blood Tests London and choose the markers you want tested.

Here is how the process works:

Step 1: Choose your test — Browse individual markers or screening packages online. Select the full body blood test or specific panel that suits your needs

Step 2: Book your appointment — You can book a blood test appointment online at a date and time that works for you. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available

Step 3: Attend for your blood draw — Visit our clinic in South Kensington, London. A trained phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample — the process takes just a few minutes

Step 4: Receive your results — Results are typically available within 2 to 5 working days, depending on the markers tested. You receive your raw results with reference ranges

Where can I go to get a blood test? Private Blood Tests London is based in South Kensington, offering a convenient central London location with flexible scheduling. No referral is needed, and you can request any combination of blood tests.

Private Autoimmune Testing UK — When Is It Needed?

Some people searching for a full body blood test are also interested in private autoimmune testing in the UK. Autoimmune markers are not typically included in standard screening panels but can be added as an extended investigation when specific concerns exist.

Autoimmune blood tests may include markers such as:

ANA (antinuclear antibodies) — A general screening marker that may be elevated in various autoimmune conditions

Rheumatoid factor (RF) — May be associated with inflammatory joint conditions

Anti-CCP antibodies — A more specific marker that may be relevant alongside RF

Thyroid antibodies (TPO, TG) — May be associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions

Private autoimmune testing in the UK is available through private clinics and does not require a referral. These tests provide raw laboratory data only — they do not include a diagnosis or clinical interpretation. Results should be shared with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

If you are unsure which tests to arrange, browsing our all blood tests page can help you identify relevant markers.

Blood Test — How Much Do They Take?

A common concern before a blood test is: how much blood do they take? The answer is reassuringly straightforward.

During a standard venous blood draw:

A small amount is collected — Typically between 5 and 20 millilitres (ml), depending on the number of markers being tested. For context, a tablespoon holds approximately 15 ml

Multiple tubes may be used — Different tests require different tube types (distinguished by coloured caps). It is common to fill 2 to 5 tubes during a single visit, even for a comprehensive panel

The process is safe — Your body contains approximately 5 litres of blood. The amount taken for testing is a tiny fraction and is replenished quickly

Collection is performed by trained phlebotomists — At Private Blood Tests London, all blood draws are carried out by experienced professionals using sterile equipment

The blood draw itself usually takes just 2 to 5 minutes. Most people experience only a brief, mild sensation and can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a full body blood test?

A full body blood test is a comprehensive panel that measures multiple biomarkers from a single blood sample. It typically includes full blood count, liver and kidney function, cholesterol, glucose, thyroid markers, and key vitamins. It provides a broad overview of your health for preventive monitoring.

What is FBC in a blood test?

FBC stands for full blood count. It measures the main cellular components of your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets — along with haemoglobin and related indices. It is one of the most commonly performed blood tests and forms a core part of most health screening panels.

Can I request a blood test privately?

Yes. In the UK, you can arrange a private blood test without a GP referral. Private clinics such as Private Blood Tests London allow you to choose the specific markers or panels you want tested and book an appointment directly online.

Where can I get blood drawn near me?

Private Blood Tests London is located in South Kensington, central London. You can book an appointment online and attend at a time that suits you. Blood is drawn by trained phlebotomists in a professional clinic environment with flexible scheduling options.

What does a full blood test show?

A full blood test shows a wide range of health markers including blood cell counts, liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels, blood sugar regulation, thyroid performance, and nutritional status. The specific markers depend on the panel selected, but comprehensive packages cover all major systems.

How much blood do they take?

A typical blood test requires between 5 and 20 millilitres of blood, depending on the number of markers being tested. This is a very small amount — your body contains around 5 litres of blood and replenishes the sample quickly. The process takes just a few minutes.

What would show up in a routine blood test?

A routine blood test typically includes FBC, liver function, kidney function, and cholesterol. More comprehensive panels may also include glucose, thyroid markers, vitamins, and inflammation markers. What shows up depends on your individual results and the reference ranges used by the laboratory.

Conclusion

A full body blood test is one of the most effective ways to gain a clear, data-driven understanding of your health. From blood count and organ function to cholesterol, glucose, and vitamins, comprehensive blood work provides actionable insight that supports proactive health management. Whether you are arranging your first screening or monitoring changes over time, understanding what your blood tests measure — and what the results may indicate — puts you in a stronger position to make informed decisions.

If you would like clarity on your health markers, you can arrange a full body blood test with Private Blood Tests London at a time that suits you. Our clinic in South Kensington offers a professional, comfortable environment with flexible appointment times and results delivered within a few working days.

*This content has been reviewed for clinical accuracy by our laboratory team at Private Blood Tests London.*

*This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.*

Full Body Blood Test UK: How to Get a Blood Test Near You