Blood tests
Curious about your health? Get a simple at-home blood test and take the next step with confidence.
Finger-prick sample you can do at home
Results within 48 hours
What you should know about Courier Pharmacy’s medical supplies
Finger-prick tests can be reliable when the sample is collected correctly and analysed by an accredited lab. Poor sampling technique is a common reason for unusable samples.
Some tests may require fasting. Always follow the kit instructions.
Warm your hands, keep your hand low, and massage gently. If the sample still isn’t enough, follow the kit’s guidance on what to do next. If you are still struggling to get a good blood sample, you can use a Tasso device.
Often yes, but medicines can affect results. It’s worth noting your medicines when reviewing results and speaking to a clinician.
Don’t panic. One result is rarely the full story. All Courier Pharmacy home blood test kits come with a FREE follow-up consultation with our prescriber. So, if you are concerned, please contact us.
Some tests may be suitable, but pregnancy changes many markers. Speak to your midwife or GP.
Results are typically available within 48 hours of the lab receiving your sample.
They can support diagnosis, but they don’t replace a clinical assessment.
Additional information
Home blood testing kits with Courier Pharmacy
Key takeaways
- Home Blood Testing Kits are a convenient way to check health markers.
- They can help spot trends early and track changes over time.
- Finger-prick sampling needs good technique for reliable results.
- Abnormal results are a prompt for follow-up, not panic.
- If symptoms are severe or persistent, speak to a clinician.
What are home blood testing Kits?
Home blood testing kits let you collect a small blood sample at home, usually from a finger prick. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
They’re often used for wellness checks, hormone markers, vitamin levels, cholesterol, and blood sugar screening.
How common is using home blood testing?
Home sampling has become more common because it’s convenient and can reduce barriers to testing. It’s also used in NHS services for certain conditions and monitoring pathways.
What causes people to look for home blood tests?
Common triggers include:
- Ongoing tiredness
- Low mood or brain fog
- Weight changes
- Hair thinning
- Changes in libido
- Training goals and recovery questions
These symptoms can have many causes, so testing is best used as part of a bigger picture.
What happens in the body (what the tests are measuring)
Blood tests can measure:
- Hormones (chemical messengers)
- Lipids (fats in the blood)
- Markers linked to liver and kidney function
- Vitamins and minerals
- Longer-term blood sugar control (for example, HbA1c)
Different tests look at different markers, so choosing the right kit matters.
Diagnosing health issues (and the limits of home testing)
A home test can support diagnosis, but it doesn’t replace a clinical assessment. Diagnosis usually involves:
- Symptoms and history
- Examination (sometimes)
- Repeat blood tests or different test types
- Imaging or specialist referral (in some cases)
If your result is outside the expected range, the safest next step is often to speak to your GP.
How to use a home blood test kit (finger-prick sample)
Always follow the instructions in your kit. The steps below are a general guide.
What’s in the box
Most kits include:
- Lancets (finger-prick devices)
- Alcohol wipe(s)
- Collection tube(s) or a dried blood spot card
- Plaster
- Return packaging
Before you start
- Read the instructions fully first.
- Wash hands with warm water and soap, then dry well.
- Warm hands for a minute if they’re cold.
- Sit down if you’re prone to feeling faint.
Step-by-step
- Clean the finger with the alcohol wipe and let it dry.
- Prick the side of the fingertip (often less sore than the centre).
- Keep your hand below heart level.
- Gently massage from the base of the finger towards the tip.
- Collect the sample into the tube or onto the card as shown.
- Apply pressure and a plaster.
- Package the sample exactly as instructed.
- Post it back as soon as you can.
Tips if you’re struggling to get enough blood
- Warm hands again.
- Try a different finger.
- Drink water beforehand.
- Avoid squeezing hard (it can affect sample quality).
Managing your health: what to do with results
A helpful way to use results is:
- If normal: use it as a baseline.
- If borderline: consider lifestyle changes and a repeat test.
- If abnormal: speak to a clinician, especially if you have symptoms.
- Book a FREE follow up consultation with one of our prescribers
Avoid making big changes based on a single result, especially with hormones.
Patient experiences and challenges
Many people feel frustrated when symptoms are vague. Home testing can feel empowering, but it can also create worry if results are unexpected.
If you’re anxious about a result, don’t sit with it alone. Ask for clinical advice. Contact us to book a FREE follow-up consultation.
Innovative and new approaches
Home sampling is improving, and more services are combining genetic testing to provide a more holistic view of your health. To learn more about how you can use genetic testing to optimise your nutrition, check out our Nutrigen Genetic tests.
Other areas of innovation include the blood sampling device. Many people struggle with the lancets and find that they cannot squeeze enough blood into the testing tube. This is where the new Tasso device can make a real impact. You simply attach it to your upper arm, like a diabetic sensor, and connect the sampling tube to collect a full blood sample. It’s quick, easy and painless. So, if you are struggling to use the finger pricking device, why not give the Tasso device a try?
Service highlights
- Finger-prick sample you can do at home
- Wide range of wellness and hormone-focused tests
- Clear results you can act on
- Useful for monitoring and prevention
- Results typically available within 48 hours of the lab receiving your sample
Brief overview of support/services offered
Home blood testing is not a diagnosis on its own, but it can be a very helpful first step. Your results can:
- Flag areas to look at more closely
- Help you track progress after lifestyle changes
- Support conversations with your GP or clinician
- Give you a baseline for future comparisons
If you need help interpreting results, our pharmacy team can guide you on what the numbers may mean and when it’s sensible to seek medical advice.
Why choose a home blood testing kit?
- Ultimate Convenience: Collect your sample at home, whenever suits you—whether you’re an early bird or a night owl.
- Wide Range of Tests: From general health checks to hormone panels, cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin levels, fertility, and more.
- Trusted Clinical Quality: All tests are processed in UK-accredited labs. Results are reviewed by healthcare professionals, so you can trust what you see.
- Private & Discreet: Kits arrive in plain packaging. Your results are shared securely—only with you.
- Expert Guidance: Not sure what your results mean? Our clinical team is here to help with free follow-up consultations.
What you should know about home blood testing kits
- They measure markers in your blood, but they don’t diagnose a condition by themselves.
- Results need context: symptoms, medical history, medicines, and timing all matter.
- Some tests are best done at specific times (for example, certain hormones).
- If a result is outside the expected range, the next step is often a repeat test or a GP review.
How does it work?
- Choose Your Test: Browse our selection—whether you want a Well Man or Well Woman check, hormone health, cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin D, or something more specialist (like PCOS or fertility), we’ve got you covered.
- Receive Your Kit: We’ll send a home test kit straight to your door. Inside, you’ll find everything you need: a finger-prick device, collection tubes, step-by-step instructions, and a pre-paid return envelope.
- Collect Your Sample: Quick and straightforward. Most tests need just a few drops of blood from your fingertip. No need for needles and drama—just a quick prick, collect, and you’re done.
- Post It Back: Pop your sample in the pre-paid envelope and drop it in any Royal Mail postbox. Our partner labs use next-day delivery, so your sample gets there fast.
- Get Your Results: Within a few days, you’ll receive an easy-to-read digital report. Our reports highlight what’s normal, what’s not, and what you might want to keep an eye on.
- Free Clinical Follow-Up: Every test includes a complimentary consultation with our pharmacy team. We’ll talk you through your results and help you decide what to do next.
Courier Pharmacy’s home blood test kits
- Well Man Test: Check your general health, including testosterone, kidney, bone and liver function.
- Well Woman Test: Covers your general health, including iron, thyroid, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
- Male Hormone Health Check: Helps assess hormonal balance and identify causes of symptoms like low sex drive and fatigue.
- Female Hormone Health Check: Measures concentrations of key female hormones that regulate fertility, mood, and energy.
- Post-Menopausal Insights: Provides a full picture of a woman’s health and hormonal status after menopause.
- Advanced Multivitamin Test: Checks your blood for a range of essential vitamins, helping to spot nutritional deficiencies.
- Thyroid Test (Advanced): Assesses the function of your thyroid gland—important for weight, mood, and energy.
- Cholesterol Test: Measures specific lipids in your blood to indicate your risk of developing heart and circulatory problems.
- Liver Function Test: Assesses how well your liver is working, supporting early detection of any issues.
- Energy Level Test: Analyses key blood markers linked to overall vitality and health.
- PCOS Test (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): Designed to assess and evaluate the hormonal and metabolic imbalances associated with PCOS.
- Blood Sugar Test: Measures your long-term blood glucose control, providing insight into your diabetes risk.
- Fertility Insights Test: Gives crucial information about your fertility potential.
- Testosterone Levels: Measures the primary male sex hormone in the blood. Low sex drive or fatigue? This test can help get to the root of it.
- Vitamin D Levels: Checks your vitamin D to ensure you’re in the optimal range for bone, immune, and overall health.
- UK registered & regulated: We’re a GPhC-registered pharmacy, following strict NHS and MHRA guidelines.
- Clinical oversight: All results are reviewed by qualified healthcare professionals for accuracy and safety.
- Privacy first: Your data is encrypted and stored securely. We never share your information without your consent.
- Ongoing support: Health isn’t a one-off event. We’re here for you before, during, and after your test—whether you need advice, treatment, or just a bit of reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are home blood testing kits accurate?
Finger-prick tests can be reliable when the sample is collected correctly and analysed by an accredited lab. Poor sampling technique is a common reason for unusable samples.
Do I need to fast?
Some tests may require fasting. Always follow the kit instructions.
What if I can’t get enough blood?
Warm your hands, keep your hand low, and massage gently. If the sample still isn’t enough, follow the kit’s guidance on what to do next. Alternatively, you can order the Tasso device
Can I use a home test if I’m on medication?
Often yes, but medicines can affect results. It’s worth noting your medicines when reviewing results and speaking to a clinician.
What if my result is abnormal?
Don’t panic. One result is rarely the full story. Speak to a clinician, especially if you have symptoms. Alternatively, book a FREE follow up consultation with one of our prescribers.
Can I use these tests in pregnancy?
Some tests may be suitable, but pregnancy changes many markers. Speak to your midwife or GP.
How fast will I get results?
Results are typically available within 48 hours of the lab receiving your sample.
Do these tests diagnose conditions?
They can support diagnosis, but they don’t replace a clinical assessment.
What’s the best test to start with?
If you want a broad overview, a general health panel is often a sensible first step.
Is it safe to collect my own blood sample?
Absolutely. Our kits are designed for home use, with clear instructions and everything you need for a safe, simple process. If you get stuck, our support team is on hand.
Will my GP see my results?
How long do results take?
Ready to take control?
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases
Superintendant Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber
BSc Pharmacy
Compounding Pharmacist
