Skip to product information
1 of 1

  • Images are for illustration purposes only

Essential Health Check

Essential Health Check

  • 1. Ozempic®️-equivalent therapy now available for weight management
  • 2. Average weight loss of 17%, with 1 in 3 patients achieving over 20%
  • 3. May help reduce osteoarthritis-related pain
  • 4. Wegovy®️ is not expected to impact the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
  • 5. Supports cardiovascular risk reduction
  • 6. Over 22 million patients treated with semaglutide-based therapies since 2018

  • ✔️ Screens cholesterol, glucose, liver and kidney function at home
  • ✔️ Results delivered securely online within 3–5 working days
  • ✔️ Analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory for reliable screening
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults 18+ with no clinic visit required
  • ✔️ Covers key NHS Health Check markers in one convenient kit

Price Checker

Regular price £79.00
Sale price £79.00
Sale Sold out
  • Lowest price guarantee
  • Includes FREE private prescription
View full details

 

What Is the Essential Health Check and What Does It Screen?

 

Keeping track of your health does not have to mean waiting weeks for a GP appointment. The essential health check from yorktest is a convenient at-home finger-prick blood test that gives you a broad snapshot of how your body is functioning — all from the comfort of your own home. For just £79.00, you receive a professionally analysed report covering several key health markers that are routinely assessed in NHS health checks for adults. According to the NHS, regular health checks can help identify risk factors for conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease before symptoms develop.

This test is particularly useful if you have not had a routine health screen recently, or if you simply want reassurance about your general wellbeing. If you are already managing a long-term condition and want to keep an eye on relevant markers, you may also find our diabetes monitoring range helpful alongside this test.

 

How Does the yorktest Essential Health Check Work?

 

The process is straightforward. Once your kit arrives, you collect a small blood sample using the lancet provided, then post it to a UKAS-accredited laboratory in the prepaid envelope. The laboratory analyses your sample and your results are made available securely online, usually within 3 to 5 working days. Here is a step-by-step overview of how it works:

  • Activate your kit online using the unique barcode included
  • Wash your hands in warm water to encourage blood flow
  • Use the lancet to prick the side of your fingertip
  • Collect the required number of blood drops onto the sample card or collection tube
  • Seal the sample securely and post it using the prepaid envelope
  • Log in to your secure results portal to view your report once it is ready

The markers typically assessed include total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, blood glucose (HbA1c or fasting glucose), liver enzymes, kidney function indicators such as creatinine, and a full blood count. These are the same markers your GP would request during a standard NHS Health Check.

 

Who Should Consider Using the Essential Health Check?

 

This test is designed for adults aged 18 and over who want a convenient, accessible way to monitor their general health. It is especially relevant if you fall into one or more of the following groups:

  • Adults aged 40 to 74 who have not yet had an NHS Health Check
  • People with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or kidney problems
  • Those who feel fatigued, unwell, or simply want baseline health data
  • Individuals who have recently changed their diet, exercise habits, or lifestyle

It is not suitable for children under 18, and it is not a diagnostic tool — it is a screening test. If your results fall outside the normal range, you should always follow up with your GP for further investigation.

 

How Does the Essential Health Check Compare to an NHS Health Check?

 

Feature yorktest Essential Health Check NHS Health Check
Availability Available to order online anytime Offered every 5 years to adults aged 40–74
Location At home — no clinic visit needed GP surgery or pharmacy
Cost £79.00 Free on the NHS
Results turnaround 3–5 working days online Discussed at appointment

 

Is the Essential Health Check Clinically Reliable?

 

Samples are processed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory, which means they meet the same quality standards used in NHS pathology services. That said, finger-prick samples can occasionally yield slightly different results compared to venous blood draws, so any borderline or abnormal result should always be confirmed by your GP. If you are taking any medicines or vitamins and supplements, it is worth noting these when you register your kit, as some can affect certain markers such as blood glucose or liver enzymes.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Essential Health Check specifications
Treatment category Health screening / diagnostics
Mechanism of action Laboratory analysis of finger-prick blood sample
Effective for Screening cholesterol, blood glucose, liver function, kidney function, full blood count
Suitable for Adults aged 18 and over
Active ingredient N/A — diagnostic test kit
Pack size 1 test kit
UK classification General sale / OTC diagnostic
Preparation Finger-prick blood collection kit
Route of administration Finger-prick blood sample, posted to laboratory

Specifications of Essential Health Check

 

What Is the yorktest Essential Health Check and What Is It Used For?

 

The yorktest Essential Health Check is an at-home blood screening kit designed to give adults a broad overview of their general health. It analyses a finger-prick blood sample in a UKAS-accredited laboratory and returns results covering cholesterol, blood glucose, liver function, kidney function, and a full blood count. The NHS recommends that adults aged 40 to 74 receive a health check every five years to help identify early signs of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. This kit offers a convenient alternative for those who cannot access or are waiting for an NHS Health Check.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using the Essential Health Check?

 

Before using this kit, there are some important points to be aware of. This is a screening test, not a diagnostic tool. Abnormal results must always be followed up with a GP.

Do not use this kit if:

  • You are under 18 years of age
  • You are pregnant — some reference ranges differ in pregnancy and results may be misleading
  • You have a bleeding disorder or are taking anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin, as finger-prick sampling may carry additional risk
  • You have a known condition already being managed by a specialist — speak to your GP before ordering

Things that may affect your results:

  • Recent illness or infection can temporarily alter blood markers such as white cell count and CRP
  • High-dose biotin (vitamin B7) supplements can interfere with certain immunoassay-based tests
  • Strenuous exercise in the 24 hours before sampling may affect creatinine and liver enzyme levels
  • Alcohol consumption in the 24 hours before sampling can affect liver function markers
  • Some prescription medicines, including statins and corticosteroids, can influence cholesterol and glucose readings

 

How Should You Use the Essential Health Check?

 

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your sample is suitable for analysis. An inadequate sample is the most common reason for a retest being required.

  1. Activate your kit online at the yorktest website using the barcode on your kit before collecting your sample
  2. Fast for at least 8 hours before collecting your sample if the kit instructions specify a fasting sample — water is permitted
  3. Wash your hands thoroughly in warm water for at least 30 seconds to encourage blood flow to your fingertips
  4. Use the lancet to prick the side of your middle or ring finger — avoid the fingertip pad
  5. Gently squeeze your finger to encourage blood flow and collect the required number of drops onto the sample card or into the collection tube
  6. Allow the sample to dry fully if using a dried blood spot card, then seal it in the biohazard bag provided
  7. Place the sealed sample into the prepaid return envelope and post it on the same day or the next working day
  8. Log in to your secure results portal to access your report, usually within 3 to 5 working days of the laboratory receiving your sample
Indication Age Group Sample Required Frequency
General health screening Adults 18+ Finger-prick blood sample As needed or annually
Cardiovascular risk monitoring Adults 40–74 Finger-prick blood sample Every 1–5 years

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of the Essential Health Check?

 

Because this is a diagnostic test kit rather than a medicine, side effects relate to the blood collection process rather than any active ingredient. Most people experience no problems at all.

Common side effects (finger-prick sampling):

  • Mild pain or discomfort at the puncture site
  • Small bruise or mark at the sampling site
  • Minor bleeding that resolves quickly with gentle pressure

Less common side effects:

  • Feeling faint or lightheaded, particularly if you are anxious about blood collection — sit down and rest if this occurs
  • Infection at the puncture site if the area is not kept clean — this is rare when the lancet is used correctly

If bleeding does not stop within 10 minutes, or if you notice signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or warmth around the puncture site, seek medical advice. If you are concerned about managing your general health alongside this test, our vitamins and supplements collection includes products that support cardiovascular and metabolic health.

 

How Should You Store the Essential Health Check?

 

Correct storage ensures the components of your kit remain effective until you are ready to use them.

  • Store the kit at room temperature, between 15°C and 25°C
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat or moisture
  • Do not refrigerate or freeze the kit
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Check the expiry date on the kit before use — do not use if the kit has expired
  • Once your sample has been collected, post it as soon as possible — ideally the same day or the next working day
  • Do not leave a collected sample in a hot environment such as a car, as heat can degrade the sample

If you are monitoring a specific health condition alongside this test, you may also find our electrical health and diagnostic range useful for ongoing home monitoring.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy the yorktest Essential Health Check online in the UK?

You can order the yorktest Essential Health Check directly from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK online pharmacy, for £79.00. It is dispatched to your home address so there is no need to visit a clinic or GP surgery. Simply place your order, collect your sample when it arrives, and post it back to the laboratory.

How does the yorktest Essential Health Check work in the body?

The kit is not a medicine — it is a diagnostic screening tool. You collect a small finger-prick blood sample at home, which is then posted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. The laboratory measures specific biomarkers in your blood, such as cholesterol, glucose, and liver and kidney enzymes, and returns a detailed report to your secure online portal.

What health markers does the Essential Health Check test for?

The test typically screens for total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose or HbA1c, liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT), kidney function markers (creatinine, eGFR), and a full blood count. These markers give a broad overview of cardiovascular, metabolic, liver, and kidney health. Always check the specific markers listed on the yorktest website at the time of purchase, as panels can be updated.

How do I collect my blood sample for the Essential Health Check step by step?

First, activate your kit online using the barcode provided. Then wash your hands in warm water, use the lancet to prick the side of your fingertip, and collect the required blood drops onto the sample card or into the collection tube. Seal the sample, place it in the biohazard bag and prepaid envelope, and post it to the laboratory on the same day or the next working day.

Do I need to fast before taking the Essential Health Check?

Fasting requirements depend on the specific markers being tested. If the kit includes a fasting glucose or fasting lipid panel, you will typically need to fast for 8 to 10 hours beforehand — water is permitted. Check the instructions included with your kit carefully, as yorktest will specify whether fasting is required for your particular test panel.

How long does it take to get results from the Essential Health Check?

Results are typically available within 3 to 5 working days of the laboratory receiving your sample. You will be notified by email when your report is ready to view in your secure online results portal. Postal transit time is not included in this estimate, so factor in an extra 1 to 2 days for postage.

Who is eligible to use the yorktest Essential Health Check?

The test is suitable for adults aged 18 and over who want a convenient overview of their general health. It is particularly relevant for adults aged 40 to 74 who have not yet had an NHS Health Check, or those with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or kidney problems. It is not suitable for children under 18 or for use during pregnancy without GP guidance.

What should I do if my Essential Health Check results are abnormal?

If any result falls outside the reference range provided in your report, contact your GP as soon as possible to discuss the findings. The essential health check is a screening tool and cannot diagnose a medical condition on its own. Your GP may request a repeat venous blood test to confirm any borderline or abnormal result before making a clinical decision.

Are the results from the yorktest Essential Health Check accurate?

Samples are analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory, which meets the same quality standards used in NHS pathology services. Finger-prick samples are generally reliable for screening purposes, though venous blood draws are considered the gold standard for clinical diagnosis. Any borderline result should always be confirmed by your GP using a standard laboratory blood test.

Can I use the Essential Health Check if I take prescription medicines?

Yes, but you should note your current medicines when registering your kit, as some can affect certain markers. For example, statins influence cholesterol levels, corticosteroids can raise blood glucose, and high-dose biotin supplements may interfere with immunoassay-based tests. Your GP or pharmacist can help you interpret results in the context of your current medication.

How does the Essential Health Check compare to an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check is free and offered every five years to adults aged 40 to 74, but you may wait months for an appointment. The yorktest Essential Health Check costs £79.00 and can be ordered at any time, with results available within days. Both cover similar core markers, but the NHS check also includes a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare professional to discuss your results.

How often should I use the Essential Health Check?

For most healthy adults, an annual health screen is a reasonable approach to monitoring key markers over time. If you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease or diabetes, or if a previous result was borderline, your GP may recommend more frequent monitoring. Always follow your GP's advice on testing frequency if you have an existing health condition.

What are the alternatives to the yorktest Essential Health Check?

Alternatives include the free NHS Health Check (available every five years to adults aged 40–74), other at-home blood test kits from providers such as Medichecks or Thriva, or a private blood test at a clinic. If you are specifically monitoring blood sugar levels, our diabetes monitoring range offers dedicated glucose testing options. The right choice depends on which markers you need to track and how frequently.

Can the Essential Health Check detect diabetes?

The test screens for blood glucose or HbA1c, which are markers used to assess diabetes risk and diagnose type 2 diabetes. However, a single screening result is not sufficient to diagnose diabetes — if your glucose or HbA1c result is elevated, your GP will need to confirm this with a repeat test before making a diagnosis. The NHS provides clear guidance on diabetes diagnosis criteria.

What are the latest findings on at-home blood testing for general health screening?

Research published in peer-reviewed journals and supported by NICE guidance indicates that proactive health screening in adults can help identify cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors earlier, enabling lifestyle or medical interventions before conditions progress. At-home dried blood spot testing has been validated for several markers including lipids and HbA1c, though venous sampling remains the clinical reference standard. If you are interested in supporting your health proactively, our vitamins and supplements collection includes evidence-informed options for cardiovascular and metabolic support.

How Should You Use the Essential Health Check?

Using the yorktest Essential Health Check correctly is important to ensure your sample reaches the laboratory in a suitable condition for analysis. Before you begin, make sure you have activated your kit online using the unique barcode — samples received without activation cannot be processed. Follow these steps carefully:

What Is the Correct Dose of the Essential Health Check?

This is a single-use diagnostic test kit, not a medicine, so there is no dosage in the traditional sense. Each kit provides one complete test. The table below summarises how the test is used across different screening contexts.

When Is the Best Time to Use the Essential Health Check?

The best time to collect your sample is first thing in the morning, particularly if fasting is required for your test panel. Collecting your sample in the morning also means you can post it the same day, minimising the time the sample spends in transit. Avoid collecting your sample after strenuous exercise, alcohol consumption, or during an acute illness, as these can temporarily affect several blood markers including liver enzymes, creatinine, and white blood cell count.

Aim to post your sample on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to avoid it sitting in a postal depot over a weekend, which could affect sample integrity.

How Long Can You Use the Essential Health Check For?

Each kit is a single-use product. Once you have collected and posted your sample, the kit is complete. There is no ongoing use in the way there would be with a medicine or supplement. Most adults choose to repeat a general health screen annually, or more frequently if advised by their GP based on previous results or identified risk factors. Always check the expiry date printed on your kit before use — do not use an expired kit, as the reagents used in the sample collection process may no longer be reliable.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of the Essential Health Check?

Because the yorktest Essential Health Check is a diagnostic test kit rather than a medicine, any side effects relate to the finger-prick blood collection process rather than an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The vast majority of people experience no significant problems. The most commonly reported effects are mild and short-lived.

  • Mild pain or stinging at the puncture site immediately after lancing
  • A small bruise or red mark at the sampling site that resolves within a day or two
  • Minor bleeding that stops quickly with gentle pressure using a clean tissue or cotton wool

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of the Essential Health Check?

A small number of people may experience slightly more noticeable reactions, particularly if they are anxious about blood collection or have not eaten before sampling.

  • Feeling faint, lightheaded, or dizzy — sit or lie down immediately if this occurs and wait until you feel better before continuing
  • Nausea, particularly if you have fasted for a prolonged period before collecting your sample
  • Difficulty obtaining enough blood from the fingertip, which may require a second lancet — always use a fresh lancet if a second attempt is needed

What Are the Serious Side Effects of the Essential Health Check?

Serious side effects from a finger-prick blood test are rare but not impossible. Infection at the puncture site is uncommon when the lancet is used correctly and the area is kept clean, but it can occur. Signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge from the puncture site in the days following sampling. If bleeding from the puncture site does not stop within 10 minutes despite sustained gentle pressure, seek medical advice promptly. People with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin should consult their GP before using this kit.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

For mild discomfort or bruising, no treatment is usually needed — these resolve on their own within a day or two. If you feel faint during or after sample collection, sit or lie down in a safe position, loosen any tight clothing, and sip water once you feel able. Do not attempt to drive until you feel fully recovered. If you notice signs of infection at the puncture site, or if bleeding is prolonged, contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.

Can the Essential Health Check Interact With Other Medicines?

The kit itself does not interact with medicines in the pharmacological sense. However, certain medicines and supplements can affect the blood markers being measured, which may influence how your results are interpreted. High-dose biotin (vitamin B7) supplements can interfere with immunoassay-based tests. Statins affect cholesterol readings, corticosteroids can raise blood glucose, and anticoagulants such as warfarin may increase bleeding at the puncture site. Always inform your GP of any medicines or supplements you are taking when discussing your results.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

We’re a safe and
regulated UK service

Registered Pharmacy Badge

Lowest Price Guarantee

We're convinced you won't find your treatment cheaper, but if you do we'll refund the difference.

Find out more

100% discreet packaging

We're convinced you won't find your treatment cheaper, but if you do we'll refund the difference.

Find out more

Agent

Need help?
Talk to our friendly experts now

How our service works

Service Setup

Service setup

Discreet Packaging

Discreet packaging

Express Delivery

Express delivery