If you’ve searched for “private blood tests near me”, “abnormal liver function test Stanmore”, or “cholesterol check Harrow”, you’re likely looking for clarity.
At Niva Medical Clinic in Stanmore, we provide same-day GP appointments and comprehensive blood testing, supporting patients across Harrow, Edgware, Wembley, Bushey, Watford, Hatch End and Northwood. Blood tests are one of the most powerful tools in preventative medicine — often identifying issues long before symptoms develop.
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) supports a targeted and preventative approach to blood testing, helping to assess cardiovascular risk, diabetes, thyroid disorders, liver health, and kidney function. This evidence-based strategy focuses on early detection and personalised screening, ensuring individuals receive appropriate testing based on their health profile, risk factors, and clinical needs.
Why Get a Blood Test?
Blood tests help to:
- Detect early disease before symptoms appear
- Investigate symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or weight change
- Monitor chronic conditions (diabetes, thyroid disease, high cholesterol)
- Assess cardiovascular risk
- Review medication safety At Niva Medical Clinic, blood tests are often included in our annual health checks and corporate health packages, reflecting our proactive, family-doctor model of care.
1. Full Blood Count (FBC)
Measures:
- Haemoglobin
- White blood cells (WBC)
- Platelets
- Haematocrit
What it shows:
- Anaemia (low haemoglobin)
- Infection or inflammation (raised WBC)
- Clotting risk (platelets)
- Bone marrow health
Typical adult ranges:
- Haemoglobin:
- Women: 115–150 g/L
- Men: 130–170 g/L
- WBC: 4.0–11.0 ×10⁹/L
- Platelets: 150–400 ×10⁹/L
Low ferritin alongside low haemoglobin often suggests iron deficiency — common in women with heavy periods or restricted diets.
2. Urea & Electrolytes (U&Es)
Measures:
- Creatinine
- Urea
- Sodium
- Potassium
What it shows:
- Kidney function
- Hydration status
- Electrolyte balanc
Typical creatinine:
- Women: 45–90 µmol/L
- Men: 60–110 µmol/L
Abnormal potassium can affect heart rhythm and requires urgent assessment if significantly raised or low.
3. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Measures:
- ALT
- AST
- Bilirubin
- Albumin
- ALP
What it shows:
- Fatty liver disease
- Alcohol-related liver stress
- Medication effects
- Viral hepatitis
Mild ALT elevation is common in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — increasingly seen in busy professionals with sedentary lifestyles.
4. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol)
Measures
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
- HDL (“good” cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
Targets
- LDL: <3.0 mmol/L (general population target)
- HDL: >1.0 mmol/L (men), >1.2 mmol/L (women)
- Triglycerides: <1.7 mmol/L
Raised LDL increases the risk of:
- Coronary artery disease
- Stroke
NICE recommends cardiovascular risk assessment using tools such as QRISK alongside cholesterol levels.
5. Glucose & HbA1c
Fasting glucose (today’s level):
- Normal: 4.0–5.4 mmol/L
- Diabetes: ≥7.0 mmol/L (on repeat testing)
HbA1c (3-month average):
- Normal: 20–41 mmol/mol
- Prediabetes: 42–47 mmol/mol
- Diabetes: ≥48 mmol/mol
These tests detect early type 2 diabetes — often before symptoms appear.
6. Thyroid Function Tests
Measures:
- TSH
- Free T4
Used to diagnose:
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms prompting testing:
- Fatigue
- Weight change
- Palpitations
- Mood changes
- Hair thinning
7. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
CRP is an inflammatory marker. Raised levels may indicate:
- Infection
- Autoimmune disease
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
CRP must always be interpreted alongside symptoms and examination.
What Influences Your Blood Test Results?
Results can vary due to:
- Dehydration
- Recent illness
- Stress
- Heavy exercise
- Alcohol intake
- Supplements (e.g. biotin affects thyroid tests)
- Menstrual cycle or pregnancy
To ensure accurate results:
- Fast 8–12 hours when advised
- Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before
- Avoid alcohol prior to testing
- Stay well hydrated
Understanding “Abnormal” Results
Reference ranges represent values seen in 95% of healthy individuals. This means 1 in 20 healthy people may fall slightly outside “normal.”
A single mildly abnormal result does not automatically mean disease.
Clinicians assess:
- Trends over time
- Symptoms
- Medical history
- Medication use
At Niva Medical Clinic, we emphasise contextual interpretation — not just numbers on a page.
What Happens After Your Blood Test?
Most routine GP blood tests return within 24–72 hours.
Next steps may include:
No Action
If results are normal and consistent with how you feel.
Repeat Test
If borderline or possibly influenced by preparation.
Further Investigation
Additional blood tests, urine tests or imaging if indicated.
Medication or Lifestyle Plan
Dietary advice, exercise plans, supplements or prescriptions.
Private Blood Testing in Stanmore
We offer:
- Same-day GP appointments
- Routine and advanced blood panels
- Health screening packages
- Corporate medical checks
- Clear explanation of results
- Ongoing monitoring plans
Supporting patients across:
Stanmore | Harrow | Edgware | Wembley | Bushey | Watford | Hatch End | Northwood
Our goal is proactive care — identifying issues early rather than reacting late.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal fasting glucose level?
Typically 4.0–5.4 mmol/L. Always check your lab’s reference range.
Why do lab ranges differ?
Different labs use different machines and populations to set reference ranges.
Can lifestyle change improve blood results?
Yes — weight loss, improved diet, exercise, reduced alcohol and smoking cessation can significantly improve cholesterol, glucose and liver markers.
Should I worry if one result is slightly high or low?
Not necessarily. Mild variations are common. Trends and symptoms matter more.
How quickly will I get my results?
Most routine results return within 1–3 days. Specialist tests may take longer.
If you would like clarity about your health markers or are due a routine check-up, you can book a same-day blood test and GP consultation at Niva Medical Clinic in Stanmore for a personalised, preventative approach to your health.
