Blood Test

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Wanted: recommendations of clinics that provide blood tests in London. If you're a personal trainer in London, who do you recommend your clients see?

Until I've found details of private clinics that provide a blood-testing service, I suggest you use your local GP surgery. They can test your cholesterol levels, and a whole range of other things such as your blood glucose levels, your levels of hormones and minerals, and other factors that provide useful information about your health.

Although you can ask your GP for a referral to an NHS clinic that will perform a blood test, it can take time. You need to go to your GP, get a referral note, then go to the clinic to give a blood sample, then wait for the results. If you want a more speedy service, and a user-friendly summary of your results, it's worth searching for a private provider. As soon as I've found a reliable provider, I'll post their details on this page.

If you opt for private health insurance, the initial screening process will include a thorough medical examination, which will include a comprehensive blood test.

Meanwhile, ask your GP for a blood test, and make sure you specifically ask that it includes a cholesterol test. Also ask for a printout of your results when they arrive. Then ask your GP if the blood test results indicate a need for any nutrition or lifestyle changes. You need to be proactive and ensure you get all the information you need, and then make sure the results are explained to you.

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Blood test results may indicate that you need to eat more of certain foods, or less of certain foods. The results might also reveal some underlying health problem that requires further investigation or medication.

Your cholesterol test should give an overall cholesterol reading - which should be under 5 for good health. If it's over 5, ask your GP for advice. Generally, if you have high cholesterol, you should reduce the amount of saturated fats in your diet. Cut down on red meat, cheese, cream, coconut oil (coconut oil is very high in saturated fat - vegetarians beware!). The blood test result should also show a breakdown of your HDL levels (the 'good cholesterol') which should be over 1 for good health, and your LDL cholsterol levels (the 'bad cholesterol') which should be under 3 for good health.

A compehensive blood test will provide a 'blood count'. This will indicate levels of haemoglobin (which enables oxygen to be carried in the blood to all the cells of your body), platelets (which help your blood to clot if you cut yourself), and levels of red blood cells and white blood cells. You should also indicate the health of your thyroid function, your liver function, and your kidney function (also known as 'renal function').

If you have painful joints, or if you are a heavy drinker, ask your GP to ensure that your blood test also tests for uric acid levels (gout test). Gout is a painful condition where uric acid crystals accumulate around the joints. Gout can also be caused by excessive consumption of fruit juice, so go easy on fruit juice (I recommend no more than one glass a day, watered down half juice half water). If uric acid levels are high, uric acid crystals can also form in the kidneys, and lead to kidney stones. If the blood test reveals high levels of uric acid in your blood, they will be able to advise you on the best course of action. This advice is likely to include a recommendation to cut down on alcohol intake!