One of the most common questions I hear is "which blood tests do I actually need?" The answer depends on three factors: your current symptoms, your age, and your personal or family risk factors. Rather than requesting a generic panel, a targeted approach ensures we test for the conditions most likely to explain your symptoms — saving time, reducing unnecessary anxiety, and providing actionable results.[1]
Blood Tests by Symptom
| Symptom | Recommended Tests | What We're Looking For |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent fatigue | FBC, ferritin, B12, folate, TSH, vitamin D, HbA1c | Anaemia, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, vitamin deficiency |
| Unexplained weight gain | TSH, free T4, HbA1c, fasting glucose, cortisol, lipid profile | Hypothyroidism, diabetes, metabolic syndrome |
| Hair loss or thinning | Ferritin, TSH, free T4, vitamin D, zinc, testosterone (women) | Iron deficiency, thyroid disease, hormonal imbalance |
| Low mood or anxiety | TSH, B12, folate, vitamin D, cortisol, FBC | Thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiency, anaemia |
| Joint or muscle pain | CRP, ESR, uric acid, vitamin D, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP | Inflammation, gout, vitamin D deficiency, autoimmune disease |
| Palpitations or breathlessness | FBC, TSH, ferritin, HbA1c, lipid profile, BNP | Anaemia, thyroid disease, diabetes, heart failure markers |
| Frequent infections | FBC, immunoglobulins, vitamin D, HbA1c | Immune deficiency, diabetes, vitamin D deficiency |
| Irregular periods | FSH, LH, oestradiol, testosterone, SHBG, TSH, prolactin | PCOS, perimenopause, thyroid disease, hyperprolactinaemia |
Blood Tests by Age
| Age Group | Baseline Panel | Add If Risk Factors Present |
|---|---|---|
| 20s–30s | FBC, ferritin, B12, vitamin D, TSH | STI screen, hormonal panel (fertility), HbA1c (family history) |
| 30s–40s | Above + lipid profile, HbA1c, liver function, kidney function | PSA (men 45+ with family history), AMH (women considering fertility) |
| 40s–50s | Comprehensive panel: FBC, lipids, HbA1c, TSH, liver, kidney, vitamin D, B12, ferritin | Hormonal panel (perimenopause), PSA (men 50+), cardiovascular risk score |
| 50s–60s+ | Full panel + cardiovascular markers, cancer screening bloods if indicated | BNP (heart failure), tumour markers (if clinical suspicion), bone profile |
From Our Practice
"I see many patients who have had 'normal' blood tests on the NHS but still feel unwell. Often, the panel was too narrow — a standard NHS screen may not include ferritin, B12, vitamin D, or thyroid antibodies. A targeted, symptom-led approach catches what a generic panel misses."
— Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Physician
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own blood tests?
Yes. At Victoria Medical, you can request specific tests or I can recommend a panel based on your symptoms and concerns. There is no need for a GP referral.
How much do blood tests cost?
Individual tests start from £50. Comprehensive panels (10+ markers) are available as packages. View our pricing page for details.
Do I need to fast?
A 10–12 hour overnight fast is required for lipid and glucose tests. Other markers (FBC, thyroid, B12, vitamin D) do not require fasting.
How quickly will I get results?
Most results are available within 24 hours. I review them personally and contact you to explain findings and next steps.
What if my NHS blood tests were normal but I still feel unwell?
This is common. NHS panels are often limited. I can request a broader, symptom-targeted panel that includes markers not routinely tested on the NHS — such as ferritin, B12, vitamin D, and thyroid antibodies.
Can I bring results from another provider?
Absolutely. I offer results-interpretation consultations where we review tests from any provider and discuss what they mean for your health.
Related Guides
Understanding Blood Test Results
How to read your report
Blood Tests at 40
Essential screening by age
Thyroid Function Test
TSH, T4, and T3 explained
Private Blood Tests
Same-day results
References
- [1] NICE CKS. Tiredness/fatigue in adults. 2024. View source
- [2] Chaker L, et al. Hypothyroidism. Lancet. 2017;390(10101):1550–1562. View source
- [3] Hippisley-Cox J, et al. QRISK3. BMJ. 2017;357:j2099. View source
- [4] NICE CKS. Anaemia — iron deficiency. 2024. View source
- [5] Cashman KD, et al. Vitamin D deficiency in Europe. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;103(4):1033–1044. View source
- [6] Diabetes UK. Type 2 diabetes risk factors. 2024. View source
