What blood tests are included in a private health check for people over 40?
Private health checks for people over 40 typically include a wider range of blood tests than NHS screenings. These checks are designed to catch early signs of age-related conditions, provide clear insights, and guide preventative action. Future Care Medical (FCM) offers private packages tailored for this age group. These combine GP consultations, in-depth blood panels, and same-day results. This guide outlines what’s included, why it matters, and how to choose the right option for your needs.
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Why over-40s benefit from regular blood screening
Once you reach your 40s, small changes in your health can begin to surface. Blood pressure may rise. Cholesterol might shift. Hormone or organ functions can show early warning signs. A private health check helps identify these trends early. That gives you time to act.
Future Care Medical: what you get
Future Care Medical is a CQC-registered provider. It offers private GP appointments, detailed blood testing, and fast personalised reports. Packages are available with same-day appointments. Testing is processed by UKAS-accredited laboratories.
What you’ll learn from this guide
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Which blood tests are typically included in private health checks for people over 40
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Which tests are standard and which are available as optional or advanced panels
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How FCM’s four health check packages differ
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The key differences between NHS Health Checks and private health checks
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How to book, plus a checklist to help prepare for your appointment
Pro Tip : Always ask whether your tests require fasting. This can affect glucose, lipids, and some hormone levels.
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Find out which blood tests are most important for your age, symptoms, and risk factors.
FCM health check packages at a glance
Future Care Medical provides four structured health check packages:
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Essential (£350)
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Comprehensive (£450)
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Executive (£550)
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Signature (£1,999)
Each level offers more in-depth testing, starting from core screenings to full-body executive assessments.
What each package includes
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Essential: Covers FBC, cholesterol panel, glucose, vitamin D, and liver and kidney function
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Comprehensive: Adds thyroid, B12, ferritin, iron profile, and expanded lipid screening
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Executive: Includes everything in previous tiers, plus hormone analysis, inflammatory markers, autoimmune panels, and heart rhythm tests
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Signature: Includes over 200 data points, a 60-minute GP consultation, and a comprehensive report. Often selected for executive health screening or annual corporate reviews.
Choosing the right package
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Choose Essential for a general health overview
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Select Comprehensive if you want more insight into vitamin, iron, and thyroid health
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Choose Executive for a broader analysis including hormone and cardiac screening
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Opt for Signature if you want the most comprehensive health check available
Essential blood tests: the core checks every over-40 should know
Full Blood Count (FBC)
What it shows: Red and white cells, haemoglobin, platelets
Why it matters: Can reveal anaemia, immune system changes, or infection
Repeat advice: Once every 12–24 months, or sooner if abnormal
Lipid Profile
What it shows: Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides
Why it matters: Used to assess cardiovascular risk
Repeat advice: Annually, or more frequently if on treatment
HbA1c or Fasting Glucose
What it shows: Average blood sugar levels or fasting glucose
Why it matters: Identifies prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
Repeat advice: Every 6–12 months if borderline; every 3 years if normal
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
What it shows: ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin
Why it matters: Assesses liver inflammation or damage
Repeat advice: Annually, or 3–6 months after abnormal findings
Kidney Profile
What it shows: eGFR, creatinine, urea
Why it matters: Indicates kidney function and hydration status
Repeat advice: Every 1–2 years if stable; more often if impaired
Pro Tip: Bring a written list of symptoms or concerns as it makes your consultation more focused and efficient.
Extra checks to consider: age, sex and personal risk
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
Who it’s for: Men aged 50 and over, or younger men with family history
Why it’s useful: May indicate prostate changes
Included in: Executive and Signature packages
Thyroid Function Panel
Who it’s for: People with fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes
What it includes: TSH, FT3, FT4
Included in: Comprehensive and higher packages
Useful for: Identifying thyroid-related causes of tiredness or weight change
Hormone Testing
Who it’s for: Women in perimenopause and men over 50
What it includes: Testosterone, oestrogen, FSH, LH, prolactin
Included in: Executive, Signature, or FCM’s Menopause Clinic packages
Hormone Testing FAQs
Q: When should women test for menopause-related hormones?
If periods are regular, mid-cycle testing is most accurate. If irregular, testing may be guided by symptoms.
Q: Do testosterone levels decline naturally with age?
Yes. Lower levels can lead to fatigue, muscle loss, or reduced libido. Testing may confirm if this is a factor.
Q: Do hormone levels fluctuate often?
They can vary daily. It’s important to test at the right time and discuss results with a GP.
Vitamin and Iron Studies
Who it’s for: Adults with low energy, dietary restrictions, or suspected deficiency
What it includes: Vitamin D, B12, ferritin, iron saturation
Included in: Comprehensive and above
Premium and specialist tests: when they’re worth it
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Markers
What’s tested: hs-CRP, ANA, rheumatoid factor
Why it’s done: Detects inflammation and autoimmune activity
Best for: Ongoing fatigue, joint pain, or unexplained symptoms
Tumour Markers
What’s tested: CA-125, PSA, CEA
Why it’s done: Supports investigation of certain symptoms or known risks
Important note: These are not recommended for general cancer screening
Cardiac Biomarkers
What’s tested: NT-proBNP, Troponin
Why it’s done: Assesses heart strain or potential damage
Recommended for: Over 50s with heart risk factors or symptoms
Tests that are often overused and when to skip them
Tumour Markers
Should only be used when symptoms or history support testing. They are not designed for general screening and can lead to false positives.
Vitamin Panels
Routine vitamin testing without symptoms or risk factors often provides limited benefit.
Hormone Panels
Unless you’re experiencing clear symptoms, broad hormone testing is unlikely to offer useful insight.
Are home blood tests accurate?
Venous samples taken in clinic
These provide more accurate, stable samples and are preferred for full diagnostic testing.
Finger-prick kits from home
Useful for basic markers like vitamin D or glucose, but less reliable for hormone tests or broader health panels.
Key quality markers to look for
- CQC-registered clinics
- UKAS or ISO-accredited laboratories
- Same-day results with GP follow-up
Preparation tips before your test
- Fast for 8–10 hours if instructed (for lipids or glucose)
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours beforehand
- Bring a list of medications and supplements
- Make a note of symptoms to discuss
Need a Quote for Your Workplace?
We offer corporate health screening for small teams to large firms, with volume pricing.
NHS vs Private: what’s the difference?
NHS Health Check (free for ages 40–74)
- Basic screening every 5 years
- Includes BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
Private Health Check (e.g. with FCM)
- More comprehensive range of tests
- Same-day appointments, GP consultations, and detailed reports
- Commonly used for executive health checks or those seeking fast, broad health insights
Interpreting borderline results
Not all flagged results are serious. Some are close to the normal range and only need monitoring.
Examples of what to do:
- Slightly raised cholesterol: Try dietary changes and repeat the test in 3 months
- Mild PSA increase: Your GP may suggest a repeat test or referral
- Borderline blood sugar: Address diet and activity, then retest within 6 months
- Slight liver enzyme elevation: Review alcohol intake or medicines; GP may recommend a scan
FAQs, prices and booking info
Common questions
How fast are results available?
Most are ready on the same day or within 24 hours.
Are home kits reliable?
They are fine for basic tests but less reliable than venous samples for complex testing.
Do I need to fast?
Yes, for some tests like glucose or cholesterol. Your provider will advise.
Is corporate screening available?
Yes. FCM offers tailored packages for teams, with occupational health support and bulk pricing.
Prices for 2026 (accurate when published)
- Essential: £350
- Comprehensive: £450
- Executive: £550
- Signature: £1,999
Booking a check
Visit the Future Care Medical website. Most clinics offer same-day or next-day appointments.
Corporate health checks
Volume packages are available. These include pre-employment screening, annual reviews, and executive health MOTs.
Printable checklist: private health check blood tests over 40
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides)
- HbA1c or Fasting Glucose
- Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Bilirubin)
- Kidney Profile (eGFR, Urea, Creatinine)
- Vitamin D, B12, Ferritin, Iron Studies
- Thyroid Panel (TSH, FT3, FT4)
- PSA Test (Men)
- Hormone Panel (Oestrogen, Testosterone, FSH, LH)
- Inflammatory Markers (hs-CRP, ANA, RF)
- Tumour Markers (CA-125, PSA, CEA)
- Cardiac Biomarkers (NT-proBNP, Troponin)
- Allergy Testing (if needed)
- CK, Uric Acid (Muscle and Joint markers)
Bring this with you to your appointment to help guide your test selection.
