A "full body MOT" is a single blood test that checks how several parts of your body are working. It won't find everything, but it is a good way to spot common, treatable problems early, often before they cause symptoms.
What's checked
Our Full Body Health Check looks at 49 markers. Here is what they cover, in plain English.
| Group | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Full blood count | Your red cells, white cells and platelets. Can show anaemia, signs of infection or inflammation, and other blood changes. |
| Kidneys | Sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine and eGFR, an estimate of how well your kidneys filter your blood. |
| Liver | Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, gamma GT and alkaline phosphatase), bilirubin and proteins. These can rise with alcohol, fatty liver, some medicines and other conditions. |
| Bone | Calcium, phosphate and magnesium, plus uric acid, which is linked to gout. |
| Blood sugar | Glucose and HbA1c. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the last 2 to 3 months, so it is useful for spotting pre-diabetes and diabetes. |
| Cholesterol | Total, HDL ("good"), LDL and non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. These feed into your risk of heart disease and stroke. |
| Iron | Iron, TIBC and ferritin, your body's iron stores. Low ferritin is a common cause of tiredness, especially in women with heavy periods. |
| Thyroid | TSH and free T4, which show whether your thyroid is underactive or overactive. |
| Vitamins | Vitamin D, active B12 and red cell folate. Low vitamin D is common in the UK, especially in winter. |
Men aged 40 and over can also choose to include a PSA (prostate) test. A PSA result can be raised for reasons other than cancer, so we explain what it can and can't show before you decide.
Who benefits most
- Anyone who wants a regular check on their general health, often once a year.
- People over 40, when the risk of conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and thyroid problems starts to rise.
- People with a family history of heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
- Anyone who wants a baseline before making changes to their diet, exercise or weight.
How to prepare
- Fast if you can: water only from midnight, with a morning appointment. This gives the most reliable sugar and cholesterol results.
- Drink water. Being well hydrated makes your blood easier to take.
- Avoid hard exercise the day before, as it can temporarily raise some markers.
- Tell us about medicines and supplements. Biotin, often found in hair and nail supplements, can affect some results.
What a blood test can't tell you
A normal result is reassuring, but it doesn't rule everything out. A full body check is not a screen for cancer, and it can't replace seeing a doctor if you have symptoms. If something has changed, such as unexplained weight loss, a lump, bleeding or a change in your bowel habit, please see a doctor rather than relying on a blood test.
What happens with your results
A GMC-registered doctor reviews every result before you see it and adds a comment explaining what it means. If anything needs action, a doctor contacts you directly. You can book a consultation to go through your results, and share them with your NHS GP if you'd like to.
Ready to check?
Every result is reviewed by a doctor, who explains what it means for you.