Private Blood Tests & Health Screening
Whether you're investigating symptoms, monitoring a condition, or looking for reassurance, private blood tests help build a clearer picture of your health. Every blood test begins with a GP consultation, so investigations are recommended according to your symptoms and medical history.
GP-led · Results explained in person · No referral needed
What are private blood tests?
Private blood tests let you check your health without a GP referral or NHS wait. At My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston a GP consultation with Dr Faizal Secretary (from £120) selects the right panel for your symptoms, samples are analysed at an accredited UK laboratory, and your results are explained in person — usually within a few days. Individual panels start from £89.
Blood tests can help investigate symptoms, detect certain conditions, monitor existing illnesses, and assess future health risks. Every blood test at My Private Clinic begins with a GP consultation, ensuring investigations are recommended according to your symptoms and medical history. Once your results are available, Dr Faizal Secretary explains them clearly and advises on any next steps.
Depending on your individual needs, blood tests may assess:
- Cholesterol and heart health
- Diabetes risk
- Liver and kidney function
- Thyroid function
- Vitamin and mineral levels
- Hormones
- Infection and inflammation
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
How can Dr Faizal help with private blood tests?
Private blood testing is most useful when it's guided by an experienced GP who understands your medical history and the reason for testing. During your consultation, Dr Faizal reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, current medication, and any previous investigations before recommending appropriate blood tests.
Once your results are available, Dr Faizal reviews them personally and explains what they mean in clear, straightforward language. If further treatment, additional investigations, or referral to a specialist is needed, you'll receive clear advice on the most appropriate next steps.
What blood tests can be arranged?
At My Private Clinic, blood tests are recommended according to your symptoms, medical history, and clinical assessment. You can choose from our blood test panels below, or Dr Faizal Secretary can advise which investigations are most appropriate for your individual needs. Common blood tests include:
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- Cholesterol & Lipid Profile
- Blood Glucose & HbA1c
- Liver & Kidney Function
- Thyroid Function
- Iron Studies
- Vitamin B12 & Vitamin D
- Hormone Blood Tests
- Inflammatory Markers
Where clinically appropriate, Dr Faizal can also arrange more specialised blood tests and further investigations.
Common reasons people choose private blood tests
People choose private blood tests for many different reasons. Sometimes they have ongoing symptoms that need investigating, while others simply want reassurance about their health or wish to monitor an existing condition. Common reasons include:
- Persistent tiredness or low energy
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Hormonal concerns
- Family history of heart disease or diabetes
- High blood pressure or raised cholesterol
- Checking vitamin or iron levels
- General health screening
- Checking general wellbeing
Whatever your reason for booking, your consultation ensures the investigations recommended are appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Private blood tests vs NHS blood tests
Both NHS and private blood tests play an important role in healthcare, but they're often used in different situations. NHS blood tests are requested where clinically indicated under NHS guidelines; private testing gives you faster access and a longer consultation.
| Private blood tests | NHS blood tests |
|---|---|
| GP consultation before testing | Usually requested during NHS GP care |
| Tests recommended according to your individual concerns | Requested where clinically indicated under NHS guidelines |
| Faster appointments in many cases | Waiting times vary by practice |
| Results explained personally by Dr Faizal Secretary | Follow-up depends on your GP practice |
| Can be combined with further private investigations or referrals | NHS referral pathway if required |
| Does not affect your NHS GP registration | Requires NHS GP registration |
Many patients use both NHS and private healthcare. Private blood tests offer faster access and personalised GP advice while allowing you to remain registered with your NHS GP.
Who should consider private blood tests?
Private blood tests can be helpful for anyone who wants faster access to investigations, ongoing health monitoring, or answers to unexplained symptoms. You may benefit if you:
- Have symptoms such as tiredness, unexplained weight changes, low mood, or recurrent infections
- Want to check your cholesterol, diabetes risk, thyroid function, or vitamin levels
- Have a family history of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disorders
- Need regular monitoring for an existing medical condition
- Want reassurance about your general health
- Prefer quicker access to investigations without waiting for routine NHS appointments
What happens after your blood test?
Having your blood taken is only the first step. Understanding what your results mean is just as important. Once your results are available, Dr Faizal Secretary reviews them personally and explains them in clear, straightforward language. Depending on your results, he may recommend:
- Reassurance if your results are within the expected range
- Lifestyle advice to improve your long-term health
- Medication where clinically appropriate
- Further investigations if additional assessment is needed
- Referral to an appropriate specialist if required
Every recommendation is based on your individual health, symptoms and medical history. Blood tests help investigate symptoms, monitor existing conditions, assess treatment, and identify health risks, and at My Private Clinic every result is interpreted alongside your medical history and explained clearly by Dr Faizal Secretary.
Why choose My Private Clinic for blood tests?
Choosing where to have your blood tests is about more than convenience. It's about receiving the right investigations, understanding the results properly, and having a GP who can guide you throughout the process.
GP-Led Care
Every blood test request is reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, ensuring investigations are clinically appropriate for your symptoms and concerns.
Personalised Testing
Blood tests are recommended according to your individual health needs, so you only investigate what is relevant to you.
Clear Results Explained
Results are reviewed personally, with time to discuss what they mean and whether any further action is required.
Fast Access
Appointments are often available the same day or next day, helping avoid unnecessary delays.
Ongoing Support
If further investigations, treatment or specialist referral are needed, Dr Faizal continues to oversee your care.
Meet Dr Faizal Secretary
Dr Faizal Secretary graduated from the University of Manchester and has extensive experience in NHS General Practice and Acute Medicine. Every patient receives a personalised consultation with clear explanations and evidence-based advice.
"Good healthcare starts with listening properly."
Dr Faizal Secretary, MBChB MRCGP · Read the full clinical profile →
Clear fees, no surprises
Every panel price above includes phlebotomy (your blood draw), with no hidden fees and no registration charges. Some panels may need a brief consultation first so Dr Faizal Secretary can make sure you are having the right tests, and you will never receive results without a personal explanation.
Frequently asked questions
What do blood tests check for?
Blood tests can assess many aspects of your health, including cholesterol, blood sugar, liver and kidney function, thyroid health, vitamin levels, hormone levels, inflammation, infection, and anaemia. The tests recommended depend on your symptoms, medical history, and clinical needs.
Do I need a GP referral for private blood tests?
No. You can book directly with Dr Faizal Secretary without a referral. Every blood test is recommended following a GP consultation to ensure the investigations are appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Do I need to fast before a blood test?
Some blood tests, such as cholesterol or fasting glucose tests, may require fasting beforehand. Many other blood tests do not. Dr Faizal will advise you if any preparation is needed before your appointment.
How quickly will I receive my blood test results?
Most routine blood test results are available within a few working days, although turnaround times vary depending on the investigations requested.
Can blood tests detect serious health conditions?
Blood tests can help identify conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, liver disease, kidney disease, and raised cholesterol. They should always be interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Can I stay registered with my NHS GP?
Yes. Booking private blood tests at My Private Clinic does not affect your NHS GP registration. Many patients choose to use both NHS and private healthcare.
Are private blood tests worth it?
For many people, private blood tests provide quicker access to investigations, longer GP consultations, and clear explanations of results. Rather than simply receiving laboratory numbers, you will understand what your results mean and whether any further action is needed.
Can I choose my own blood tests?
While many people know which test they are looking for, every blood test at My Private Clinic is recommended following a GP consultation. This helps ensure the investigations are appropriate and avoids unnecessary testing.
Related blood test services
Depending on your symptoms and health concerns, Dr Faizal Secretary may recommend further investigations or more specific blood tests, including full blood count, vitamin and iron studies, and hormone panels.
Health checks & wider services
Book a private blood test consultation
Whether you're investigating symptoms, monitoring an existing condition, or simply want reassurance about your health, Dr Faizal Secretary can recommend the most appropriate blood tests for your individual needs, explain your results clearly, and guide you through any further treatment or referrals if needed.