Finger-prick Blood Test

Experiencing low energy, reduced muscle mass, or a dip in libido?

This test checks your total testosterone levels — the primary male sex hormone that also supports muscle strength, mood, and overall well-being in both men and women. It’s ideal for those exploring symptoms related to hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, or suspected testosterone deficiency.

• Results available within 7–10 working days

• Flexible testing options

• Tailored doctor’s report
  

• Free Delivery

What does the test include?

Hormones

Testosterone
Testosterone is the hormone responsible for male physical characteristics. In men, it plays a key role in regulating sex drive and contributes to bone density, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone is primarily produced in the testicles in men, and in smaller amounts by the ovaries in women.

Men’s testosterone levels naturally begin to decline from the age of 30, though a deficiency can occur at any age. Low levels can lead to symptoms such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, low energy, and difficulty building or maintaining muscle mass.

Although women produce significantly less testosterone than men, it remains important for maintaining libido, muscle and fat distribution, and red blood cell formation.

As reference ranges vary between laboratories, they are typically based on the local population. A normal range is set to include 95% of men. For consistency, we follow the guidance of the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM), which recommends diagnosing low testosterone when levels are consistently below the reference range. Levels below 12 nmol/L may also be considered low, particularly in men presenting symptoms or with low free testosterone levels.

How to prepare for your test

To prepare for your Testosterone Blood Test, please follow these guidelines:

• Take your blood sample between 6am and 10am.

• Avoid using a finger that has been exposed to hormone gels, pessaries, or patches in the past four weeks. If applying these products, wear gloves.

• Do not take biotin supplements for two days before the test. If biotin is prescribed, speak to your doctor first.

Noticing thinning hair or excessive shedding?

This test can help uncover potential causes of hair loss, which may be linked to hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health conditions. By measuring key markers related to thyroid function, iron levels, and hormone balance, this test provides valuable insights to help you take control of your hair health.

• Results estimated within 7-10 working days

• Convenient testing options

• Bespoke doctor's report
  

• Free delivery

What's in the test?

Hormones

• Testosterone
  Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. For men, it helps regulate sex drive and plays a role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone is produced in the testicles of men and, in much smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women.
  In men, testosterone levels naturally decline after the age of 30, although lower-than-normal levels can occur at any age and can cause low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass, and lack of energy.
  Although women have much lower amounts of testosterone than men, it is important for similar reasons, playing a role in libido, muscle and fat distribution, and the formation of red blood cells.
• Free Androgen Index (FAI)
  The free androgen index (FAI) is a calculation used to determine the amount of testosterone that is free (unbound) in the bloodstream. Most testosterone is bound to proteins such as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin and is not available to interact with the body's cells.
  FAI is used in women to assess the likelihood of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and in men to give a better indication of testosterone status.

Inflammation

• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
  C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker used to assess whether there is inflammation in the body, though it doesn’t pinpoint where the inflammation is located.
  High Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is used to detect low-level inflammation that may damage blood vessels, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
  Significant inflammation occurs in response to injury or infection (like the swelling around a twisted ankle), which can cause CRP-hs to rise.

Iron Status

• Ferritin
  Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells and tissues. The body typically uses iron to make haemoglobin, which transports oxygen, but stores excess iron in ferritin for future use.
  Measuring ferritin levels gives an indication of the amount of iron stored in your body, which can be crucial for healthy hair growth.

Proteins

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
  SHBG is a protein that transports sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogen, and dihydrotestosterone, or DHT) in the blood. Hormones bound to SHBG are inactive, meaning they cannot interact with your cells.
  Measuring SHBG helps assess the amount of free hormones available to act on the body.

Thyroid Hormones

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
  TSH is produced in the pituitary gland to regulate the production of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) by the thyroid gland.
  If thyroid hormones are low, more TSH is produced to stimulate the thyroid to make more. Conversely, high thyroid hormone levels will suppress TSH production.
  Abnormal TSH levels generally signal an issue with the thyroid, though a pituitary disorder could also be a cause.
• Free Thyroxine (Free T4)
  Thyroxine (T4) is one of the main thyroid hormones that helps speed up metabolism. Most T4 is bound to proteins in the blood, but only free T4 is active and can affect the body.
  Free T4 is less active than T3, but it must convert to T3 in the body to fully act on the cells.

Vitamins

• Vitamin D
  Despite being called a vitamin, vitamin D is actually a hormone produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight. It must be converted into 25 hydroxycholecalciferol (25 OH) to be used by your body.
  Vitamin D is essential for bone health, helping the body absorb calcium. It also plays a role in muscle health, immune function, and mental wellbeing.
  Symptoms of low vitamin D include muscle weakness, mood swings, and fatigue. Many people in the UK are deficient, especially those with darker skin or those who don’t spend much time outdoors.
  Small amounts can be obtained from food (e.g., oily fish, eggs, and fortified foods), but it’s difficult to correct a deficiency through diet alone.

How to prepare for your test

Please follow these instructions to ensure accurate results:

• Take your sample between 6am and 10am.

• Wait until any short-term illness has passed before testing.

• Avoid using a finger that has been exposed to hormone gels, pessaries, or patches in the past 4 weeks. Wear gloves if applying these products.

• Ensure you don’t take any vitamin or mineral supplements for at least 24 hours before your test.

• Don’t take biotin for 2 days before your test, and consult your doctor if it is prescribed.

• Thyroxine can be taken before or after the test as usual.

• If you take desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) or liothyronine, it’s best to take your medication after collecting your sample.

• Let us know if you take amiodarone or lithium, as these medications can affect your thyroid function results.

Do you often feel tired, rundown, or struggle with muscle aches and pains?

You may have vitamin D deficiency, especially if you spend little time outdoors, have darker skin, or are over 65 — all factors that can affect your ability to produce vitamin D.
This vitamin D test helps determine if your levels are low, which could be contributing to symptoms like fatigue and frequent illnesses.

• Results estimated within 7-10 working days

• Convenient testing options

• Personalised doctor's report
  

• Free delivery

What's in the test?

Vitamins

• Vitamin D
  Despite its name, vitamin D is actually a hormone produced by your skin when exposed to sunlight. Before your body can use the vitamin D produced by sun exposure (known as vitamin D3), it must be converted into another form called 25 hydroxycholecalciferol (25 OH).
  Vitamin D (25 OH) is the major circulating form of vitamin D, and your vitamin D (25 OH) level is considered the most accurate indicator of vitamin D supply in your body.
• Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth, as it helps your body absorb calcium. It also plays a role in muscle health, immune function, and mental health.
• Symptoms of low vitamin D include muscle weakness, mood swings, and fatigue. Many people in the UK have low vitamin D levels, particularly those with dark skin or those who don’t spend much time outdoors.
• Small amounts of vitamin D can be obtained from food, especially oily fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified foods. However, if you have a vitamin D deficiency, improving your levels through food alone may not be sufficient.

How to prepare for your test

Please follow these instructions to ensure accurate results:

• Take your sample at least 24 hours after any vitamin or mineral supplements.

• Do not take biotin supplements for 2 days before your test, and discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.

Are you concerned about how your lifestyle, such as drinking alcohol or being overweight, may be affecting your liver function? Or maybe you just want to be more proactive about your liver health by spotting any potential problems early? This Liver Blood Test assesses key biomarkers and checks for signs of liver damage. It can support you in making positive lifestyle changes, and testing over time can help you track and monitor your progress.

• Results estimated within 7-10 working days

• Convenient testing options

• Personalised doctor's report
  

• Free delivery

What's in the test?

Liver Health

• Bilirubin
  Bilirubin is a product of the breakdown of haemoglobin from red blood cells. It is removed from the body via the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and secreted into the bowel, eventually being excreted in urine and faeces. Bilirubin causes the yellowish color you sometimes see in bruises due to red blood cells breaking down under the skin.
• ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
  ALP is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. Measuring it can indicate ongoing liver, gallbladder, or bone disease.
• ALT (Alanine Transferase)
  ALT is an enzyme predominantly found in the liver, though it is also found in smaller amounts in the heart, muscles, and kidneys. If the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream. It is often an accurate marker for liver inflammation and can indicate liver damage caused by alcohol, fatty liver, drugs, or viruses (hepatitis).
• Gamma GT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
  Gamma GT is a liver enzyme that is elevated in liver and bile duct diseases. It is used alongside ALP to distinguish between bone or liver disease. Gamma GT is also used to diagnose alcohol abuse, as it is elevated in 75% of long-term drinkers.

Proteins

• Total Protein
  Total Protein represents the sum of the proteins albumin and globulin in your blood. These proteins have a range of functions, such as maintaining blood volume, transporting nutrients, and fighting infection. Abnormal levels can indicate malnutrition or liver or kidney disorders.
• Albumin
  Albumin is a protein primarily produced in the liver. It helps maintain osmotic pressure within the blood and carries nutrients, medications, and hormones throughout the body. It’s also important for tissue growth and healing. Measuring albumin levels helps us determine hormone availability in your tissues.
• Globulin
  Globulin is a term for a set of proteins produced by the immune system and liver. Some globulins bind with haemoglobin, while others transport metals like iron in the blood. Immunoglobulins (antibodies) help fight infection in the body.

Test Limitations

This test checks liver enzyme levels but doesn’t diagnose specific liver conditions. It may not detect fatty liver disease (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease).

Get detailed insights into your thyroid function, including antibodies and nutrients essential for optimal thyroid health. Whether you're managing a thyroid condition or looking to investigate symptoms, this Advanced Thyroid Function Blood Test provides the clarity you need to take action.

• Results estimated within 7-10 working days
• Convenient testing options
• Personalised doctor's report
  
• Free delivery

What's in the test?

Autoimmunity

• Thyroglobulin Antibodies
  This test looks for antibodies to thyroglobulin, a protein specific to the thyroid gland. Normally, it doesn’t enter the bloodstream. However, if the thyroid is inflamed or under attack by the immune system, thyroglobulin can be secreted, and antibodies detected. Many thyroid diseases are autoimmune, where the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can lead to either excessive thyroid hormone production (e.g., Graves' disease) or insufficient production (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis).
• Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO)
  Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme essential for thyroid hormone production. This test checks for antibodies against TPO, which are typically raised in autoimmune thyroid conditions, though they can also appear in healthy individuals.

Inflammation

• hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
  CRP is an inflammation marker that doesn’t pinpoint the location of inflammation but can indicate low-level inflammation that could damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Iron Status

• Ferritin
  Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells and tissues. It provides a good indicator of your body’s iron stores.

Thyroid Hormones

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
  Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH regulates the production of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). If thyroid hormone levels are low, TSH levels increase to stimulate more production. Conversely, high thyroid hormone levels lead to lower TSH production.
• Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)
  T3 is the more active thyroid hormone. This test measures the free, unbound T3 that is available to regulate metabolism.
• Free T4 (Thyroxine)
  T4 is a thyroid hormone that helps speed up metabolism. This test measures the free, unbound T4, which is the active form of the hormone in your body.

Vitamins

• Folate (Serum)
  Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, and it plays a critical role during the first trimester of pregnancy. It’s important to ensure your folate levels are normal if you’re planning to conceive.
• Vitamin B12 (Active)
  Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell production and nerve function. A deficiency can cause nerve damage. While B12 is mostly found in animal-based foods, many vegan and vegetarian products are fortified with B12.
• Vitamin D
  Vitamin D is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. It is vital for bone and teeth health, muscle function, immune support, and mental health. Low levels of vitamin D can cause muscle weakness, mood swings, and fatigue. People with darker skin or those who don’t spend much time outdoors are more at risk of deficiency.

How to prepare for your test

• Timing: Take your sample between 6 am and 10 am.

• Before testing: Avoid taking vitamin or mineral supplements at least 24 hours before the test.

• Biotin: Do not take biotin supplements for two days before the test.

• Vitamin B12: If you take vitamin B12 supplements, stop for two weeks prior to the test.

• Thyroid Medication: If you take thyroxine, you can take your medication as usual. If you take desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) or liothyronine, take it after the sample is collected.

• Medications: Inform us if you take amiodarone or lithium, as these can affect thyroid function results.