Full body MOT health check
A full body health check — often called a health MOT — uses blood tests and a few simple measurements to give you a clear picture of how your body is doing, with a clinician to explain what your results mean and what to do next.
We’re finalising our health check
The exact tests, price and how samples are collected will be confirmed before bookings open. Register your interest and we’ll let you know. Below is what a full body health check usually covers, so you know what to look for wherever you have one.
What a full body health check usually covers
Panels vary between providers, and the best checks are matched to you. A full body health check or private blood test typically includes:
| Test | What it looks at |
|---|---|
| Full blood count | Red and white blood cells and platelets. Can flag anaemia or signs of infection or inflammation. |
| Cholesterol (lipid profile) | Total cholesterol, HDL, non-HDL or LDL cholesterol and triglycerides — part of assessing heart and circulation health. |
| HbA1c | Your average blood sugar over the past two to three months, used to check for diabetes and raised diabetes risk. |
| Kidney function | Markers such as creatinine and eGFR that show how well your kidneys are filtering. |
| Liver function | Enzymes and proteins that reflect how your liver is working. |
| Thyroid function | Usually TSH, sometimes with free T4, to check whether your thyroid is under- or overactive. |
| Vitamin D | Levels are often lower in the UK, particularly through autumn and winter. |
| Iron and ferritin | Your body’s iron stores, which can explain tiredness when they run low. |
Plus simple measurements
- Blood pressure
- BMI (height and weight)
- Waist measurement
You can work out your BMI now with our BMI calculator.
Well woman and well man checks
These usually share the same core tests and can add ones relevant to sex and life stage, such as hormone tests. Which extras are worthwhile depends on your age, symptoms and history — a clinician can help you decide.
Who a health check can help
A health check is for people who feel generally well and want a clearer picture. It can be useful if:
- You want a baseline picture of your health, or to check in on it every so often.
- You have a family history of heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol.
- You’re outside the NHS Health Check age range, or not due one yet.
- You’ve made changes to your diet, activity or weight and want to see where things stand.
- You’ve been feeling tired or run down and want to rule out common causes — alongside a proper conversation with a clinician.
Got specific symptoms?
A consultation focused on your concern is often the better starting point, so testing is chosen around you. See our thyroid clinic or weight service, or read how to understand your thyroid blood test results.
Not for urgent problems
If you have chest pain, sudden breathlessness or feel seriously unwell, call 999. For urgent advice that isn’t an emergency, contact NHS 111.
Results explained by a clinician
Numbers on a lab report are only useful if someone explains them. That’s the part we care about most.
- Step 1
Reviewed
A clinician looks at your results together, alongside your age, history and any symptoms — not each number in isolation.
- Step 2
Explained
You’ll hear what’s in range, what isn’t, and what that means for you, in plain English. Lab reference ranges differ, so context matters.
- Step 3
What happens next
Often nothing but reassurance. Sometimes a repeat test, lifestyle changes, a consultation for a specific concern, or a recommendation to see your NHS GP.
NHS Health Check vs a private health check
In England, adults aged 40 to 74 without certain existing conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease, are invited to a free NHS Health Check every five years. If you’re eligible, take it up. Arrangements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
| Feature | NHS Health Check | Private health check |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Adults aged 40–74 in England without certain existing conditions | Any adult, whenever you choose |
| How often | Invited every five years | As often as you and your clinician think useful |
| What’s checked | Blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and lifestyle, with a blood sugar test if needed | Can include a wider range, such as thyroid, liver, kidney, vitamin D and iron |
| Cost | Free | Paid |
Neither is a substitute for seeing a GP about symptoms that worry you.
How to prepare for a blood test
You’ll get specific instructions for your tests. As a general guide:
Fast only if asked
Most tests don’t need fasting. If yours does, you’ll be told beforehand — usually water only from the night before.
Stay hydrated
Drinking water beforehand makes it easier to take a blood sample.
Book a morning slot
Some results vary through the day, and a morning appointment makes any fasting easier.
Mention what you take
Keep taking your usual medicines unless told otherwise, and tell us about supplements. High-dose biotin can distort thyroid results, so it’s usually stopped two days before.
Go easy the day before
Strenuous exercise or alcohol the day before can temporarily affect some results.
Postpone if you’re unwell
A short-term illness can affect results, so it’s usually better to test once you’ve recovered.
Be first to know when our health check opens
Register your interest and we’ll tell you what’s included and how to book. Want to talk something through now? Book a free consultation.
Honest FAQs
What is a full body MOT health check?
It’s a set of blood tests and simple measurements, such as blood pressure, BMI and waist, that together give a general picture of your health. It typically includes tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney, liver and thyroid function, a full blood count, vitamin D and iron. The exact tests vary between providers.
What does a full body health check test for?
It typically covers a full blood count; heart and circulation (cholesterol and blood pressure); diabetes risk (HbA1c); kidney, liver and thyroid function; vitamin D; and iron stores (ferritin), plus BMI and waist size. Panels vary between providers, and the exact tests in our health check will be confirmed before bookings open.
Is this a well man or well woman check?
Not under that name, but it’s the same idea. Well man and well woman checks usually include the same core tests as a full body health check, and may add tests relevant to sex and life stage, such as hormone tests. Which extras are worthwhile depends on your age, symptoms and history, so a clinician can help you decide. Our health check isn’t bookable yet, and its exact tests are still being confirmed.
How long do blood test results take?
It depends on the tests and the laboratory — routine tests usually come back sooner than specialist ones. We’ll confirm expected timings for our health check before bookings open, and your clinician will tell you when to expect your results.
Do I need to fast before a health check blood test?
Usually not. Some tests may need you to fast, and if so you’ll be told in advance. Otherwise, eat normally and drink plenty of water.
Should I have an NHS Health Check or a private one?
If you live in England, are aged 40 to 74 and are invited, take up your free NHS Health Check. A private check can suit people outside that age range, those who want it sooner or more often, or those who want a wider range of tests. Neither replaces seeing a GP about symptoms.
How much does a private full body health check cost?
We’re finalising our health check and haven’t set a price yet. Register your interest and we’ll let you know when it’s available, including exactly what’s included and what it costs.
What happens if something comes back abnormal?
A clinician explains what the result means and what to do next. That might be nothing, a repeat test, lifestyle changes, a consultation for a specific concern, or seeing your NHS GP. Borderline results are common and often settle on a repeat test.
Want a clearer picture of your health?
Register your interest in our health check, or book a free consultation to talk things through.