Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Analgesia team
Home health tests in the UK have exploded in popularity — and for good reason. Long NHS waits, the rise of wearable health tracking, and a shift toward proactive self-care mean more people now check cholesterol, vitamin D, hormones, and even food intolerances without stepping into a clinic.
But here’s the catch: not every kit is worth your money. Some are fast, accurate, and affordable. Others are overpriced or too complex to use.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ve tested and compared the best at-home health tests UK residents can buy in 2025, looking at accuracy, ease of use, and value for money. Whether you want a quick heart check or a full health MOT, the right choice for you is here.
Quick verdict — top at-home health tests UK (2025)
| Test type | Best brand | Price (UK) | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholesterol / Heart check | PocDoc Healthy Heart Check | £19.99 | Quick, affordable cholesterol & lipid profile |
| Vitamin D & Nutrition | Thriva | From £39 | Regular health tracking, subscription option |
| Food intolerance | YorkTest Food Intolerance Test | From £99 | People suspecting diet-related issues |
| General blood panel | LetsGetChecked | From £89 | Wide health MOT with GP follow-up |
| Sexual health (STI check) | SH:24 / Superdrug Online | From £29 (some NHS kits free) | Discreet testing for STIs at home |
Why home health tests are booming in the UK
The way we approach healthcare in the UK has shifted. A decade ago, blood tests were almost always tied to a GP visit. Today, you can order a test online, prick your finger at home, and see results on your phone within days — sometimes within minutes.
So, why the surge? A few reasons stand out:
- NHS delays are driving demand. Waiting weeks (sometimes months) for a GP appointment means people are taking matters into their own hands. At-home tests bridge the gap, giving quicker insights while you wait for formal checks.
- Technology has caught up. Finger-prick kits, app integration, and lab partnerships mean results are now reliable enough for health monitoring — not just novelty checks.
- Preventive health is trending. More people want to know before it’s too late — spotting early signs of heart risk, vitamin deficiencies, or hormone imbalances without waiting for symptoms to worsen.
- Privacy and convenience matter. Whether it’s STI screening or hormone testing, many prefer the discretion of a home kit over booking into a clinic.
- Rising health awareness post-Covid. The pandemic made people more proactive. Demand for tests skyrocketed, and the industry has continued to expand since.
Bottom line: home health tests aren’t replacing doctors, but they’re giving people faster answers and more control — and that’s why they’re booming.
1. PocDoc Healthy Heart Check
If there’s one test making waves in the UK right now, it’s the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check. Designed to fit in your pocket yet give lab-grade results, this kit zeroes in on your cardiovascular risk profile.
What it measures
- Total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol)
- Non-HDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
The test syncs with the PocDoc app, which not only records your numbers but also benchmarks them against healthy ranges. This means you don’t just get data—you get context.
Who it’s best for
- Anyone with a family history of heart disease.
- Adults over 40 who want to monitor cardiovascular risk.
- People who want quick results while waiting for an NHS health check.
How it works
- Order the kit online.
- Use the finger-prick device to collect a small blood sample.
- Place the sample onto the PocDoc test strip.
- Scan using the PocDoc app, which gives instant analysis.
Turnaround: Results appear in minutes, no postal wait required.
Pricing
💷 £19.99 — one of the most affordable at-home cholesterol checks in the UK.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a fast, budget-friendly, and app-powered way to track heart health, PocDoc is hard to beat. It won’t replace a full GP lipid panel or imaging tests, but as a screening and monitoring tool, it’s an excellent value.
2. Thriva Cholesterol and Heart Health Blood Test
If you want more than just cholesterol numbers, Thriva is one of the UK’s most trusted home blood test brands. Their heart health panel gives a deeper breakdown than PocDoc, with a slick user dashboard and GP-reviewed results.
What it measures
- Total cholesterol
- HDL, LDL, non-HDL
- Triglycerides
- Cholesterol ratio (a key risk indicator)
Thriva also allows you to add-on markers like HbA1c (for diabetes risk) or vitamin D for an extra fee—ideal if you want a broader snapshot in one go.
Who it’s best for
- People who want GP-reviewed reports.
- Anyone monitoring cholesterol long-term.
- Users who prefer a postal test over instant finger-prick.
How it works
- Thriva sends you a postal finger-prick kit.
- You collect your sample at home and return it in the prepaid envelope.
- Lab processes it within 2–3 working days.
- Results appear on your dashboard with doctor commentary and health advice.
Turnaround: About 4–5 days from ordering to results.
Pricing
💷 £39 for the cholesterol test.
💷 £69–£129 if you bundle heart markers with broader health panels.
Verdict
Thriva sits in the mid-range price bracket—not the cheapest, but you’re paying for the reassurance of GP-reviewed insights. For those who want more than just numbers, it’s a strong choice.
3. Medichecks Advanced Heart Disease Risk Test
Medichecks is one of the most established home testing brands in the UK, often used by private clinics and employers. Their Advanced Heart Disease Risk Test goes further than basic cholesterol kits, giving you a more detailed picture of cardiovascular health.
What it measures
- Total cholesterol
- HDL, LDL, non-HDL
- Triglycerides
- Cholesterol ratio
- High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) → detects low-grade inflammation, a major risk factor in heart disease.
This added hs-CRP marker is a game-changer for anyone at higher risk (family history, diabetes, obesity, smokers), as it can flag hidden inflammation even when cholesterol looks normal.
Who it’s best for
- People with family history of early heart disease.
- Anyone with borderline cholesterol but unexplained symptoms.
- Health-conscious users who want the most complete picture available at home.
How it works
- Order the test online.
- Collect blood sample at home via finger-prick OR opt for a venous blood draw at a partner clinic for greater accuracy.
- Send sample back to the lab.
- Receive results with doctor review inside your secure portal.
Turnaround: 2–4 working days once the lab receives your sample.
Pricing
💷 £89 for the at-home finger-prick version.
💷 £149 if you choose a venous draw at a local partner clinic (best for accuracy).
Verdict
Medichecks isn’t the cheapest, but it’s the closest you’ll get to hospital-level testing without a GP referral. The inclusion of hs-CRP makes it particularly valuable for those concerned about hidden cardiovascular risk.
Best At-Home Diabetes (HbA1c) Tests UK — Quick Comparison
| Test Kit | What It Measures | Results Time | Support Included | Price (UK) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked Diabetes Test | HbA1c (average blood sugar, 2–3 months) | 2–5 working days | Online results + nurse follow-up if abnormal | £49 (one-off) / £129 (3-pack) | Risk monitoring + professional support |
| Boots HbA1c Test Kit | HbA1c only | 2–4 working days | Online results only | £29.99 | Budget-friendly, trusted high street brand |
| Thriva HbA1c Add-On | HbA1c + optional bundle (cholesterol, vitamins, liver, etc.) | 2–3 working days | Online results + doctor commentary | £39 base + £10–15 add-on | Broader health snapshot with flexible add-ons |
Why thyroid tests matter
Your thyroid is a small gland in the neck, but when it’s off balance, the effects ripple across your whole body. Fatigue that never lifts, unexplained weight changes, hair thinning, anxiety, or even heart palpitations can all trace back to thyroid hormone imbalance.
Here’s the kicker → thyroid issues are incredibly common in the UK, especially among women over 40, but they often go undiagnosed for years because the symptoms mimic everyday stress or aging. That’s where at-home thyroid tests change the game. With a simple finger-prick blood sample, you can check if your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) — and take results to your GP for next steps.
Best at-home thyroid tests UK
Thriva Advanced Thyroid Test
- What it measures: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and Thyroid Antibodies (comprehensive check).
- Results time: 2–3 working days.
- Support: Online dashboard + doctor’s report with next-step advice.
- Price: £79.
- Best for: Those with ongoing symptoms or a family history of thyroid disease.
Medichecks Thyroid Function Check Plus
- What it measures: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, plus antibodies (TPOAb & TgAb).
- Results time: 2–4 working days.
- Support: Online results + GP-reviewed report.
- Price: £65.
- Best for: People who want a thorough thyroid screen at a mid-range price.
Forth Thyroid Blood Test
- What it measures: TSH, Free T4 (basic check).
- Results time: 2–3 working days.
- Support: Results explained online with charts + optional GP consult.
- Price: £49.
- Best for: First-timers who want a simple, affordable entry-level test.
Quick comparison: best at-home thyroid tests UK
| Test | What it measures | Results time | Support | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thriva Advanced Thyroid Test | TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Antibodies | 2–3 days | Online dashboard + doctor’s report | £79 | Comprehensive check / ongoing symptoms |
| Medichecks Thyroid Function Check Plus | TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Antibodies | 2–4 days | GP-reviewed report | £65 | Mid-range thorough screen |
| Forth Thyroid Blood Test | TSH, Free T4 | 2–3 days | Charts + optional GP consult | £49 | Affordable starter test |
Kidney and liver health tests
The liver and kidneys are your body’s detox engines — filtering waste, balancing electrolytes, and keeping everything running smoothly. When they start to falter, early warning signs are subtle: fatigue, swelling, nausea, itchy skin. By the time symptoms are obvious, damage may already be advanced. That’s why at-home kidney and liver tests are becoming increasingly popular in the UK — especially for people on long-term medication, with diabetes, or with a family history of liver/kidney disease.
Here are the most reliable options:
Thriva Liver Function Test
- What it measures: ALT, ALP, GGT, Bilirubin, Albumin, Total Protein
- Results: 2–3 days, with a GP-reviewed report
- Support: Health dashboard + trend tracking if you test regularly
- Price: £39
- Best for: Regular drinkers, those on statins or long-term meds
Medichecks Advanced Kidney Function Test
- What it measures: eGFR, Urea, Creatinine, Sodium, Potassium
- Results: 2–4 days, with online GP interpretation
- Support: PDF report with detailed markers
- Price: £49
- Best for: People with high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease risk
Forth Liver & Kidney Test
- What it measures: Key enzymes (ALT, ALP), bilirubin, creatinine, eGFR
- Results: 2–3 days, shown in a clean online dashboard
- Support: Optional GP consult for flagged results
- Price: £59
- Best for: One-time peace of mind check across both organs
Kidney & liver test comparison UK
| Test Provider | Price | What it measures | Results Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thriva Liver Function Test | £39 | ALT, ALP, GGT, Bilirubin, Albumin, Total Protein | 2–3 days | Drinkers, people on long-term medication (e.g. statins) |
| Medichecks Advanced Kidney Function Test | £49 | eGFR, Urea, Creatinine, Sodium, Potassium | 2–4 days | People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney risk |
| Forth Liver & Kidney Test | £59 | ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, Creatinine, eGFR | 2–3 days | One-time peace of mind for both liver & kidney functionexzz |
Hormone tests
Hormones control mood, energy, fertility, and even weight. When they’re out of balance, the symptoms often get dismissed as “just stress” or “getting older.” That’s why at-home hormone tests are booming — they give people a private way to check levels before seeking treatment.
Menopause and female hormone tests
- Thriva Female Hormone Test — £59
Measures: Oestradiol, FSH, LH, Prolactin.
Best for: Women experiencing hot flushes, irregular cycles, or early menopause concerns. Results in 2–3 days. - Forth Menopause Blood Test — £89
Measures: FSH, LH, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, SHBG, TSH.
Best for: Perimenopause/menopause symptom tracking and GP conversation starter.
Male hormone & testosterone tests
- Medichecks Advanced Testosterone Blood Test — £69
Measures: Testosterone, SHBG, Free Androgen Index.
Best for: Men with low energy, muscle loss, reduced libido. - Forth Male Hormone Test — £79
Measures: Testosterone, Free Testosterone, SHBG, Albumin, Oestradiol.
Best for: Comprehensive hormone overview in men, especially if training or suspecting imbalance.
Hormone test comparison UK
| Test Provider | Price | What it measures | Results Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thriva Female Hormone Test | £59 | Oestradiol, FSH, LH, Prolactin | 2–3 days | Cycle & menopause checks |
| Forth Menopause Test | £89 | FSH, LH, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, SHBG, TSH | 2–3 days | Comprehensive menopause health |
| Medichecks Testosterone Test | £69 | Testosterone, SHBG, Free Androgen Index | 2–4 days | Men with low energy/libido |
| Forth Male Hormone Test | £79 | Testosterone, Free T, SHBG, Albumin, Oestradiol | 2–3 days | Male hormone balance & training |
Hormone tests
Hormones control mood, energy, fertility, and even weight. When they’re out of balance, the symptoms often get dismissed as “just stress” or “getting older.” That’s why at-home hormone tests are booming — they give people a private way to check levels before seeking treatment.
Menopause and female hormone tests
- Thriva Female Hormone Test — £59
Measures: Oestradiol, FSH, LH, Prolactin.
Best for: Women experiencing hot flushes, irregular cycles, or early menopause concerns. Results in 2–3 days. - Forth Menopause Blood Test — £89
Measures: FSH, LH, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, SHBG, TSH.
Best for: Perimenopause/menopause symptom tracking and GP conversation starter.
Male hormone & testosterone tests
- Medichecks Advanced Testosterone Blood Test — £69
Measures: Testosterone, SHBG, Free Androgen Index.
Best for: Men with low energy, muscle loss, reduced libido. - Forth Male Hormone Test — £79
Measures: Testosterone, Free Testosterone, SHBG, Albumin, Oestradiol.
Best for: Comprehensive hormone overview in men, especially if training or suspecting imbalance.
Hormone test comparison UK
| Test Provider | Price | What it measures | Results Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thriva Female Hormone Test | £59 | Oestradiol, FSH, LH, Prolactin | 2–3 days | Cycle & menopause checks |
| Forth Menopause Test | £89 | FSH, LH, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, SHBG, TSH | 2–3 days | Comprehensive menopause health |
| Medichecks Testosterone Test | £69 | Testosterone, SHBG, Free Androgen Index | 2–4 days | Men with low energy/libido |
| Forth Male Hormone Test | £79 | Testosterone, Free T, SHBG, Albumin, Oestradiol | 2–3 days | Male hormone balance & training |
STI and sexual health tests
Sexual health is one of the most common reasons people choose at-home health tests in the UK. The appeal is simple: privacy, speed, and no need to sit in a waiting room.
Most of these kits test for multiple STIs at once (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis), though some specialise in single infections for cheaper pricing. Results can be ready within minutes (for rapid tests) or a few days if you send your sample to a lab.
Here are the strongest options:
🔹 LetsGetChecked — Complete STI Test
- What it checks: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C
- How it works: Finger-prick blood + urine sample, returned by prepaid post
- Turnaround: 2–5 days
- Price: £169 (full panel)
- Why it stands out: Comprehensive coverage, with free nurse follow-up if positive
🔹 Superdrug Online Doctor — At Home Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Test
- What it checks: Chlamydia + gonorrhoea
- How it works: Urine sample or vaginal swab, posted to accredited lab
- Turnaround: 2–3 days
- Price: £34.99
- Why it stands out: Budget-friendly, discreet packaging, trusted pharmacy brand
🔹 HIV Self Test (BioSure UK)
- What it checks: HIV only
- How it works: Finger-prick blood test, results in 15 minutes (no lab required)
- Price: £29.95
- Why it stands out: Instant results, CE-marked and MHRA approved, no postage delays
🔹 Better2Know — Comprehensive Sexual Health Screen
- What it checks: Customisable — from basic 2-infection tests up to 12-infection panels
- How it works: Finger-prick blood + swab samples, courier collection or postal
- Turnaround: 1–3 days
- Price: From £125 (standard screen)
- Why it stands out: Flexible panels, largest independent provider in UK, with clinics if follow-up needed
Quick comparison for scanners
| Test Kit | Infections Covered | Method | Turnaround | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked STI Test | 7 infections | Finger-prick + urine | 2–5 days | £169 | Full peace of mind |
| Superdrug At Home Test | Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea | Urine or swab | 2–3 days | £34.99 | Cheap + discreet |
| BioSure HIV Test | HIV only | Finger-prick | 15 mins | £29.95 | Instant HIV results |
| Better2Know Screen | 2–12 infections | Blood + swab | 1–3 days | From £125 | Customised panels |
Bottom line: STI kits are one of the best uses of home health testing — they combine discretion with accuracy. If you’re sexually active with new partners, an annual check (or sooner if you notice symptoms) is a wise investment.
At-home health tests in the UK have exploded because they put power back in your hands. Whether it’s cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid, vitamin D, allergy, fertility, or men’s hormones, there’s now a trusted kit you can order, take at your kitchen table, and get results within days.
Pro tip: Use these tests as a starting point, not the final word. If anything looks off, book a GP appointment and bring your results with you — it saves time and helps your doctor act faster.
Next step: Ready to check your health now? Pick the kit that fits your needs — cholesterol, thyroid, or a full MOT — and get answers delivered to your inbox this week.