Blood tests
Haemoglobin
This is a test for anaemia involving a finger prick blood test. Haemoglobin cells are red cells in the blood which carry oxygen around the body. A good intake of iron in the diet is necessary for their production. Signs of anaemia include tiredness and occasionally shortness of breath and palpitations.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a problem which, if left untreated, can cause circulation and eye problems. The test involves a simple finger prick blood test to check the level of glucose in the blood. By checking blood glucose levels annually it can be seen if the glucose level is gradually rising towards that of diabetes and measures can then be taken to avoid becoming diabetic.
Blood Group Test
The ABO system classifies blood into four possible blood types, A,B, AB, and O. Each of these groups can be either Rhesus positive or Rhesus negative. The test involves a finger prick blood test requiring 4 drops of blood and results are ready in a few minutes.
Faecal Occult Blood Test
Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK, affecting men and women equally. Bowel cancer is highly treatable if caught in the early stages. The faecal occult blood test is a simple test which clients can take home and perform themselves. It detects microscopic amounts of blood in the faeces which, in some cases, can be a very early sign of bowel cancer. Those with a family history of bowel cancer would particularly benefit from this test.