Best Home Blood Tests in the UK, Ranked by a Doctor

Home blood test kits have become one of the most practical ways for people in the UK to understand their health without long NHS wait times or private clinic appointments. A modern home blood test allows you to collect a small finger-prick sample at home and send it to a UK-accredited laboratory, where it’s analysed using the same standards as traditional healthcare testing.

People searching for the best home blood test UK are usually looking for three things: reliability, clinical relevance, and clear results they can actually act on. Whether it’s checking hormones, stress levels, organ function, or getting a broader health snapshot, the appeal lies in speed, privacy, and control.

At Welzo, home testing is designed to go beyond novelty screening. Tests are processed in regulated laboratories, results are delivered securely online, and many panels are structured to mirror what a GP or private clinician would request. From targeted checks like a Testosterone Blood Test to comprehensive options such as the Well Man Test or Well Woman Blood Test, users can choose a test that fits their goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

This guide focuses on the most useful and clinically relevant home blood tests available in the UK, helping you understand what’s available, what each test can tell you, and how to choose the right option for your needs.

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What Home Blood Test Self Kits Are Available?

Home blood test kits generally fall into three main categories: general health tests, targeted marker tests, and advanced specialist panels.

General health tests are designed to give a broad overview of your wellbeing. These include checks such as a Full Blood Count, which looks at red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, and platelets, helping to identify issues like anaemia, infection, or inflammation. Tests like the Well Man and Well Woman panels combine multiple markers into one kit, making them a popular starting point.

Targeted blood tests focus on a specific concern or symptom. For example:

• The Cortisol Blood Test is commonly used to assess stress and adrenal function.

• The Liver Blood Test looks at enzymes and proteins linked to liver health.

• Hormone-specific options such as the Male Hormone Blood Test or DHEA Sulphate (DHEAS) Blood Test are often used for fatigue, libido, or performance concerns.

Advanced and specialist panels combine multiple related markers into a more detailed assessment. Examples include the Advanced Thyroid Function Blood Test, which evaluates thyroid hormones in depth, or the Advanced Sexual Health Test, which screens for multiple infections in one kit.

All of these tests are taken at home, returned by post, and analysed in UK laboratories, making them accessible regardless of location.

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What Can Home Test Kits Tell You?

Home blood test kits can provide meaningful insights into how your body is functioning right now. Depending on the test you choose, results may highlight nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, organ stress, metabolic risk, or signs of inflammation.

For example, a Full Blood Count can reveal patterns linked to tiredness, low immunity, or underlying infection. Hormone tests such as testosterone or DHEAS can help explain changes in energy, mood, muscle mass, or libido. Cortisol testing may offer clues about chronic stress or burnout, while liver and thyroid tests can uncover issues that often go unnoticed until symptoms worsen.

What home tests are particularly good at is early awareness and monitoring. They allow you to establish a baseline, track changes over time, and decide whether lifestyle adjustments, supplements, or further medical advice are needed. Many people use them to support conversations with a GP or private clinician, bringing objective data rather than vague symptoms.

That said, home blood tests are not designed to diagnose serious conditions on their own. Their real value lies in informed decision-making — helping you understand your health trends, identify potential concerns early, and choose when professional medical input is appropriate.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
Full Health MOT Test
The best all-round home blood test for most people, combining key hormones, cholesterol, liver markers, and general health indicators into one clinically useful panel.

Also Great:
Well Woman Blood Test & Well Man Blood Test
A strong alternative for women, covering iron, thyroid, cholesterol, and female-specific health markers in a single, balanced test.

Best for General Health Screening:
Full Blood Count (FBC) Test
Ideal as a baseline test, offering insight into red and white blood cells, immunity, anaemia, and overall blood health.

Best for Hormone Optimisation:
Testosterone Blood Test
The go-to option for assessing testosterone levels, commonly used for energy, performance, and libido concerns.

Best for Stress & Adrenal Health:
Cortisol Blood Test
Designed to evaluate stress response and adrenal function, particularly useful for fatigue and burnout symptoms.

Best for Male Hormone Balance:
Male Hormone Blood Test
A broader hormone panel for men, including testosterone and related markers that influence mood, strength, and vitality.

Best for Thyroid Function:
Advanced Thyroid Function Blood Test
A comprehensive thyroid assessment, ideal for unexplained weight changes, low energy, or temperature sensitivity.

Best for Liver Health:
Liver Blood Test
Focused on liver enzymes and proteins, useful for monitoring alcohol intake, medication effects, or metabolic health.

Best for Hormonal Ageing & Recovery:
DHEA Sulphate (DHEAS) Blood Test
Commonly used to assess adrenal hormones linked to ageing, stress resilience, and overall vitality.

Best for Sexual Health Screening:
Advanced Sexual Health Test
A discreet, comprehensive at-home panel for screening multiple sexually transmitted infections in one test.

Most Popular Home Blood Tests in the UK

1. Testosterone Blood Test (Best for Testosterone Balance)

Product description:
A targeted at-home blood test that measures testosterone levels to help explain symptoms such as low energy, reduced sex drive, muscle loss, or mood changes. Tested in a UK-accredited laboratory and delivered with clear results.

Product reviews: ~56 reviews on Welzo with high user satisfaction.
Product price: £29.99 (sale price shown).
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Collect a morning finger-prick sample at home and post it back using the prepaid envelope.
Editor’s comment: Excellent value for anyone monitoring testosterone changes or evaluating symptoms like low energy or libido.

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2. Full Blood Count (FBC) Test (Best General Health Snapshot)

Product description:
A foundational panel that measures red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets and other key indicators — commonly used to check for anaemia, infection, or general health issues.

Product reviews: ~38 reviews.
Product price: ~£29.99.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Finger-prick sample returned by post.
Editor’s comment: Great starter test or annual check to benchmark key blood health markers.

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3. Cortisol Blood Test (Best for Stress Levels)

Product description:
Measures cortisol — often referred to as the “stress hormone” — helping you understand adrenal function and stress response.

Product reviews: ~48 reviews.
Product price: ~£39.99.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Morning sample recommended for accuracy.
Editor’s comment: A cost-effective way to quantify stress hormone levels that could otherwise go unchecked.

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4. Wellman Test (Best All-Around Men’s Blood Test)

Product description:
A more comprehensive at-home men’s health panel covering hormones, nutritional markers, metabolic indicators, and general health.

Product reviews: ~24 reviews.
Product price: ~£79.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Collect sample at home and post to lab.
Editor’s comment: Great option for men who want a broad picture without ordering many separate tests.

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5. Well Woman Blood Test (Best All-Around Women’s Blood Test)

Product description:
A multifaceted women’s health panel that includes key nutritional and hormone markers relevant to female physiology.

Product reviews: ~52 reviews.
Product price: ~£99.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: At-home collection and mail-in lab analysis.
Editor’s comment: A robust choice for women seeking data across nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic markers.

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6. Liver Blood Test (Best for Liver Function)

Product description:
Assesses liver enzymes and proteins to detect potential liver stress or dysfunction.

Product reviews: ~60 reviews.
Product price: ~£35.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Home finger prick followed by lab analysis.
Editor’s comment: Practical test if you have risk factors like medication use or alcohol intake.

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7. Male Hormone Blood Test (Best for Male Hormone Panel)

Product description:
Broader hormone panel for men beyond just testosterone, often including markers related to mood, libido, and energy.

Product reviews: ~56 reviews.
Product price: ~£63.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Simple finger-prick and return.
Editor’s comment: A strong pick for men tracking hormonal balance beyond testosterone alone.

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8. Advanced Thyroid Function Blood Test (Best for Thyroid Assessment)

Product description:
In-depth thyroid panel measuring TSH and other hormones to identify underactive or overactive thyroid conditions.

Product reviews: ~54 reviews.
Product price: ~£65.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: At-home sample posted to lab.
Editor’s comment: Excellent for anyone with fatigue, weight change, or metabolic symptoms.

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9. DHEA Sulphate (DHEAS) Blood Test (Best for Adrenal Hormones)

Product description:
Measures DHEAS — a hormone linked to stress, ageing, and metabolic regulation.

Product reviews: ~64 reviews.
Product price: ~£39.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Collect finger-prick sample at home.
Editor’s comment: Good complementary test for hormonal balance or ageing concerns.

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10. Advanced 11 Sexual Health Test (Best Sexual Health Panel)

Product description:
Comprehensive STI screening covering 11 markers, ideal for sexual health monitoring and peace of mind.

Product reviews: ~60 reviews.
Product price: ~£99.99.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: At-home collection and lab return.
Editor’s comment: One of the best panels for anyone proactively managing their sexual health.

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11. Free Testosterone Home Blood Test (Best for Free Testosterone)

Product description:
Measures free testosterone — the biologically active form of the hormone — giving a deeper view than total testosterone alone.

Product reviews: ~66 reviews.
Product price: ~£45.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Simple finger-prick at home.
Editor’s comment: Great complementary test if testosterone balance is your main concern.

12. Health and Lifestyle Blood Test (Best Comprehensive Health Insight)

Product description:
A wide-ranging panel that goes beyond basic markers to provide insight into diet, inflammation, iron status, cholesterol, kidney and liver health — helping identify multiple health improvement opportunities.

Product reviews: ~72 reviews with positive feedback on depth and clarity.
Product price: ~£60.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Follow instructions to take a finger-prick sample at home and post it back with the prepaid label.
Editor’s comment: A highly informative panel for people looking to understand multiple aspects of health in one test.

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13. Uric Acid Blood Test (Best for Gout & Joint Health Markers)

Product description:
Measures uric acid levels, a biomarker associated with gout and kidney stone risk. High levels often point to metabolic issues related to diet, lifestyle, or renal function.

Product reviews: ~40 user reviews with strong satisfaction.
Product price: ~£39.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Collect a small blood sample via finger-prick at home and return by post.
Editor’s comment: Great addition if you want to investigate uric acid specifically, especially with pain or gout history.

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14. Tiredness and Fatigue Blood Test (Best for Fatigue Causes)

Product description:
A panel designed to help diagnose common causes of persistent tiredness by measuring iron status, vitamin D, thyroid hormones, and inflammation markers, among others.

Product reviews: ~64 reviews, generally positive with detailed result praise.
Product price: ~£55.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Take the at-home finger-prick sample and use the prepaid return.
Editor’s comment: One of the most helpful panels for anyone dealing with unexplained fatigue or low energy.

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15. Weight Loss Blood Test (Best for Weight & Metabolic Health)

Product description:
A multi-marker panel that evaluates cholesterol, thyroid function, stress hormone (cortisol), inflammation, and iron status — all relevant when investigating unexplained weight loss or difficulty losing weight.

Product reviews: ~23 reviews with combined positive experiences.
Product price: ~£49.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Complete the finger-prick blood sample and return to the lab via prepaid post.
Editor’s comment: A well-rounded option if weight trends aren’t tracking with lifestyle efforts.

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16. HRT Blood Test (Best for Hormone Replacement Monitoring)

Product description:
Designed for people undergoing or considering hormone replacement therapy, this panel measures key hormones including oestradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH and testosterone to support therapy decisions and dosing optimisation.

Product reviews: Widely regarded as useful for therapy monitoring (review count varies).
Product price: ~£59.00.
Where to buy: Welzo

Pros / Cons

How to use: Collect a blood sample at home and post it back with the provided packaging.
Editor’s comment: Valuable if you’re on or planning HRT — gives data most GP labs might not routinely provide.

 

Are self-test kits worth it?

They can be — but it depends on what kind of kit you mean and what you plan to do with the result.

Worth it when:

• You’re using a lab-analysed home blood test (finger-prick sample posted to a laboratory) and want objective data to track over time (e.g., hormones, thyroid, liver markers).

• You have a clear goal (e.g., “check testosterone because of symptoms”, or “screen thyroid because of fatigue/weight change”).

• The kit provides clear next steps and results are delivered in a way you can use (e.g., trend tracking, GP-shareable report).

Less worth it when:

• It’s a “DIY test and interpret it yourself” kit (especially those sold as over-the-counter quick answers with limited guidance).

• The test doesn’t explain who it’s for, how accurate it is, or what to do next.

Which? has highlighted concerns about suitability, accuracy, and usability for many self-testing products that require users to sample, test, and interpret results themselves.
A separate review reported that a large share of over-the-counter self-tests did not progress or close care pathways (i.e., they didn’t clearly guide users to appropriate follow-up).

Practical takeaway: if you’re buying a “self-test kit”, prioritise lab-based services with clear interpretation and follow-up logic, rather than “test-strip” style kits that leave you guessing.

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Free self-tests and health checks you can get on the NHS

The NHS does offer free screening and checks, but availability depends on age, risk factors, and where you live in the UK.

NHS Health Check (England)

If you’re 40 to 74, and you don’t already have certain pre-existing conditions, you should be invited for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years.
This check typically includes lifestyle questions, measurements (like blood pressure and BMI), and may include blood tests such as cholesterol and diabetes risk depending on local delivery models.

Access reality: the National Audit Office reported that 8.8% of the annual eligible population attended in 2023–24, which scales to 44% coverage over five years if sustained.

NHS sexual health testing

Many areas offer free STI testing through NHS sexual health services (online or clinic-based), but it varies by local authority and service capacity. (If you’re comparing against private panels, the NHS can be the best first option for routine screening in many cases.)

NHS screening programmes (eligibility-based)

Separate NHS programmes exist for bowel cancer screening, cervical screening, breast screening, etc. Eligibility is age- and risk-based and not “on demand”.

Practical takeaway: if you’re eligible, the NHS Health Check is a strong baseline. If you’re not eligible, can’t access it quickly, or want more specific markers (hormones, thyroid antibodies, etc.), private tests can fill the gap.

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How accurate are home private blood tests?

Accuracy depends on three layers:

1) Sample type: capillary (finger-prick) vs venous (arm draw)

High-quality studies show that for many routinely ordered chemistry analytes, capillary and venous samples can be comparable when collected and processed correctly.
That said, comparability varies by marker, and some tests are more sensitive to collection technique or sample handling than others.

2) The lab and method validation

“Home” collection doesn’t mean “home analysis.” The key is whether your sample is analysed in a regulated lab with validated methods. Evidence from clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine literature supports the feasibility of remote sampling models when performance is demonstrated.

3) Human factors: user collection and interpretation

This is where many kits fail. Poor instructions, unclear sampling steps, and weak “what next” guidance can turn an otherwise sound test into a misleading user experience. Which? and other health policy voices emphasise usability and appropriate pathways as essential, not optional.

A strong quote that captures the standard a consumer test should meet (from a UK review covered in The Pharmaceutical Journal): tests should support care pathways and provide meaningful guidance after results.

Practical takeaway: “accuracy” isn’t just the assay — it’s the entire system: sampling, logistics, lab method, and interpretation.

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How long do they take?

Turnaround time varies by provider and panel size, but reputable lab-based providers typically quote a few working days after the lab receives the sample.

• Welzo states results are typically available within a few days from when the lab receives the sample.

• Individual Welzo test pages commonly indicate results are processed in 2–3 working days, with user reviews frequently noting results arriving within ~2 days of returning the sample (example shown on Full Blood Count).

• Other UK providers often publish estimated turnaround times (e.g., “results estimated in 3 working days” on specific panels).

Practical takeaway: plan on 2–4 working days from the lab receiving your sample, assuming you post it promptly early in the week.

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Additional key sections to add

Choosing the right test for your goal

Match the panel to your intent:

• Symptoms-led (fatigue, weight change) → thyroid, iron, inflammation, hormones

• Optimisation/performance → hormones + broader metabolic markers

• Baseline health snapshot → multi-marker panel rather than single tests

If you’re writing this inside your Welzo roundup, you can link readers into the main catalogue and your “starter” panels:

• All options: https://welzo.com/collections/all-health-tests

How to avoid false results at home

The most common causes of unreliable results are collection errors:

• Not warming hands / poor blood flow

• Under-filling tubes

• Delayed posting / weekend delays

• Taking samples at the wrong time of day (especially hormones like cortisol)

Providers often publish guidance because technique matters (e.g., finger-prick best practices and checking turnaround estimates).

How to interpret results safely (without spiralling)

Home testing is best used for:

• establishing baselines,

• spotting trends,

• and deciding when to seek clinical advice.

Policy and ethics groups stress that results without context can be misleading (e.g., a low value could reflect timing, seasonality, or collection issues, not just physiology).

When to speak to a clinician

Recommend seeking medical advice when:

• results are flagged abnormal,

• symptoms are significant or worsening,

• you’re starting/stopping medication or hormone therapy,

• or you’re using tests to guide treatment decisions.

Also note: even NHS programmes show that detection is only part of the picture — follow-through into evidence-based interventions matters. A BMJ Open evaluation found invitations increased detection, but increases in interventions were modest.

FAQs: Home Blood Tests in the UK

1. What is the best home blood test in the UK?

The best home blood test in the UK depends on your goal. For a broad health overview, multi-marker panels are generally the most useful, while targeted tests are better for specific concerns such as hormones, thyroid function, or stress levels.

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2. Are home blood tests accurate in the UK?

Yes, home blood tests can be accurate when the sample is analysed in a UK-accredited laboratory. Accuracy depends on proper sample collection, validated lab methods, and clear result interpretation rather than where the blood is taken.

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3. Do home blood tests use the same labs as clinics?

Many private home blood tests are analysed in the same types of laboratories used by NHS and private clinics. The difference is the sample is collected at home instead of in a healthcare setting.

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4. How long do home blood test results take?

Most home blood test results are available within 2 to 4 working days after the laboratory receives the sample, depending on the test and laboratory workload.

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5. Are finger-prick blood tests reliable?

Finger-prick (capillary) blood tests are reliable for many common biomarkers when collected correctly. Some markers are more sensitive to collection technique, which is why following instructions carefully is important.

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6. What can a home blood test tell you?

Home blood tests can reveal information about hormones, cholesterol, liver and kidney function, inflammation, vitamin levels, thyroid health, and overall blood health depending on the panel chosen.

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7. Can I use home blood test results with my GP?

Yes. Home blood test results can be shared with a GP or clinician and are often used to support further investigations or discussions about symptoms and treatment options.

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8. Are home blood tests a replacement for seeing a doctor?

No. Home blood tests are designed for screening, monitoring, and early awareness. They do not replace medical diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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9. Do I need to fast before a home blood test?

Some tests require fasting, such as cholesterol or metabolic panels, while others do not. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your test kit.

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10. How often should you do a home blood test?

Many people use home blood tests once or twice a year for general monitoring. Targeted tests may be repeated more frequently depending on symptoms, lifestyle changes, or clinical advice.

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11. Are private home blood tests better than NHS tests?

Private home blood tests offer speed, convenience, and broader marker choice. NHS tests are free when eligible and clinically necessary but may be limited by access, waiting times, or strict testing criteria.

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12. Can home blood tests detect serious conditions?

Home blood tests can flag abnormal results that suggest a potential issue, but they cannot confirm serious conditions on their own. Abnormal findings should always be followed up with a healthcare professional.

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13. Are home blood test results confidential?

Yes. Reputable providers deliver results through secure online systems and follow UK data protection and medical confidentiality standards.

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14. What’s the difference between a single-marker test and a panel?

A single-marker test measures one specific biomarker, while a panel measures multiple related markers to provide broader context and more useful health insights.

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15. Who should consider a home blood test?

Home blood tests are suitable for adults who want to monitor their health, investigate symptoms, track lifestyle changes, or obtain health data quickly without waiting for in-person appointments.