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What each blood test service actually checks
Tap a marker to see why it matters. Tap a service to highlight its panel.
Panels shown are indicative — services offer multiple tiers. Always verify current panel contents before ordering.
I started quarterly testing after my GP brushed off symptoms that turned out to be borderline low testosterone with elevated SHBG. The NHS reference range for total T is 8 to 30 nmol/L — anything inside that is "fine" by their standards. I felt awful at 11. Once I had my own data I could make changes that actually moved the numbers. None of that happens without regular testing.
What actually matters when choosing
Three things matter more than price: UKAS lab accreditation, sample type (venous beats finger-prick for hormones), and reference ranges (optimal ranges are more useful than NHS population averages for tracking progress over time).
Medichecks
Best overall. Broadest panel range in the UK, UKAS-accredited labs, fastest turnaround of the five. The Testosterone Check at £49 covers total T, SHBG, free T, albumin, FSH and LH — enough to spot the most common patterns.
Lola Health
Different model: GP-led interpretation alongside the blood draw. Venous draw via mobile phlebotomist, results in 48 hours, GP video call included. Worth the premium if you want to understand your blood test results, not just collect them.
Epic Life
Most tech-forward platform. Mobile nurse blood draw, AI coaching, healthspan dashboard. Best for men who want to nerd out on longitudinal data.
Forth
Performance-focused. Reference ranges calibrated for active men. Best tracking dashboard of the five.
AlphaBiolabs
Lowest entry price. Finger-prick only, basic panels, 3-5 day turnaround. Fine if you just want to confirm testosterone has not fallen off a cliff.
Start with Medichecks. If your results raise questions you cannot answer yourself, book a Lola Health GP consultation. Once you are testing quarterly and want trend data, add Forth.
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