There's no single test called a "full blood test". When people ask for one, or for "blood work tests", they usually mean a panel that checks several organs from one sample, not the full blood count alone. Blood London's Silver, Gold blood profile and Platinum panels do exactly that, with results in 24 hours.
Key takeaways
- "Full blood test" usually means a panel covering several organ systems, not just the full blood count.
- The full blood count (FBC) alone costs £63.75 plus the £50 blood draw, with results in 1 day.
- The Silver Profile (£124) adds liver, kidney, cholesterol and glucose to the FBC, reporting in 24 hours.
- Gold (£250) adds thyroid function, HbA1c and iron. Platinum (£420) adds CRP, folate, active B12 and vitamin D.
- A general panel does not test hormones beyond thyroid, tumour markers or STIs.
- Every price is plus the £50 blood draw, which is added once per visit, not once per test.
Full blood count vs a full blood panel
A full blood count and a full blood panel are different things, even though people use the phrase "full blood test" for both. The full blood count (FBC) checks red cells, white cells and platelets, one test from one sample. A panel such as Silver, Gold or Platinum runs the FBC alongside separate liver, kidney, cholesterol and other markers.
If you want the FBC explained line by line, including what a slightly high or low result usually means, read full blood count results explained.
What each panel includes
Each Blood London profile builds on the one before it, so the panel you choose depends on how much ground you want covered in a single visit. The Silver profile and Platinum profile sit either end of the range; the table below lists what each one includes, the price plus the £50 blood draw, and the turnaround.
| Profile | What it includes | Price (plus £50 draw) | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Blood Count | FBC only | £63.75 | 1 day |
| Silver Profile | FBC, ESR, liver, kidney, calcium and phosphate, urate, cholesterol, glucose | £124 | 24 hours |
| Silver Plus | Silver, plus creatine kinase, iron with TIBC, LDH | £199 | 24 hours |
| Gold Profile | Silver, plus thyroid (TSH, free T4), HbA1c, iron with TIBC | £250 | 24 hours |
| Platinum Profile | Gold, plus CRP, folate, active B12, vitamin D (25-OH) | £420 | 24 hours |
What a general panel does not check
A general panel like Silver, Gold or Platinum is built around common organ and metabolic markers, not every possible blood test. Hormones beyond thyroid function, tumour markers and sexually transmitted infections are not part of these panels; each is tested separately, and the individual test pages set out what's covered.
Gold and Platinum do include thyroid tests (TSH and free T4), and Platinum adds vitamin D, folate and active B12, but reproductive hormones, PSA and other tumour markers, and STI tests each need their own request.
Which panel to choose
There's no single right panel; the choice depends on what you want checked and how much detail you want from one visit. The full blood count on its own suits you if you only want your blood cells checked. Silver covers the common organ and metabolic checks. Gold adds thyroid function and blood sugar. Platinum adds inflammation and vitamin markers on top.
If you'd rather a doctor choose the panel and go through the results with you at the same appointment, Medical Express Clinic offers GP-reviewed blood profiles. For a wider one-off health assessment rather than a single blood panel, blood tests in a full body MOT explains the next step up.
Preparing and booking
Fasting for 10 to 12 hours is recommended before any panel that includes glucose and cholesterol, which covers Silver, Silver Plus, Gold and Platinum. Water is fine during that time. You can walk in or book online seven days a week at 117a Harley Street, with no GP referral needed.
Blood London offers private blood tests in London seven days a week: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 14:00.
Frequently asked questions
Is a full blood count the same as a full blood test?
No. The full blood count (FBC) is one test, covering red cells, white cells and platelets. "Full blood test" is the phrase people use loosely for a wider panel, such as Silver, Gold or Platinum, which runs the FBC alongside liver, kidney and other markers from the same sample.
Does a full blood test check hormones?
Not on the whole. Gold and Platinum include thyroid tests (TSH and free T4). Reproductive hormones and other hormone tests are separate, single tests rather than part of a general panel.
Do I need to fast?
Fasting for 10 to 12 hours is recommended before any panel that includes glucose and cholesterol, which is Silver, Silver Plus, Gold and Platinum. Water is fine.
How long do results take?
Silver, Silver Plus, Gold and Platinum each report within 24 hours of your sample reaching the lab. The full blood count on its own reports in 1 day.
Can I add single tests to a panel?
Yes. You can add individual tests, such as a specific hormone or vitamin, to any profile when you book.
Does a full blood test check for cancer?
No. General panels such as Silver, Gold and Platinum are not cancer tests. Specific tumour markers, where relevant, are booked separately.
Will a doctor go through my results?
Yes, if you choose to. You can add a doctor review of your report to any profile for £75.