Tired All the Time Blood Test

The two main autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid are Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and Graves' disease, which causes an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). While there is currently no cure for either condition, both can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan — making proper testing essential. To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will consider your symptoms along with the results of thyroid blood tests to determine whether a thyroid disorder is present.

It is estimated that around 1 in 20 people may have a thyroid disorder. Several conditions can impact the normal function of the thyroid, including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroid swelling (goitre), nodules, or thyroid cancer. While anyone can develop a thyroid disorder, certain factors increase the risk. These include being female, being over the age of 50, or having a family history of thyroid problems.

Key vitamins and minerals that support thyroid function and may mimic the symptoms of an underactive thyroid when they are low. These tests include: vitamin D,vitamin B12, folate (vitamin B9) and ferritin – a marker of iron storage. To provide further insight, we also measure C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker. This helps interpret your ferritin levels more accurately and offers an indication of whether an autoimmune condition may be contributing to inflammation in your body.

Many standard thyroid tests only measure TSH and FT4, which may not reveal issues with converting FT4 into the more biologically active FT3. It is possible to have normal TSH and FT4 levels but still experience symptoms of an underactive thyroid if FT3 levels are low. Measuring FT3 is especially useful if you are taking T3-containing medication, such as liothyronine or natural desiccated thyroid (NDT). TSH plays a key role by stimulating the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, primarily T4. Elevated TSH levels can indicate that your thyroid is not producing enough T4 to meet your body's needs. However, testing TSH alone does not provide a complete picture of thyroid function, which is why we also measure FT4 and FT3 for a more accurate assessment.

If you're experiencing symptoms like unexplained changes in weight, energy levels, mood, skin, or hair, your thyroid could be a contributing factor. The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism, body temperature, and energy production, so even slight imbalances can affect how you feel day to day. A thyroid blood test can help determine whether your thyroid is functioning properly by measuring key hormones such as TSH, FT4, and FT3. Identifying an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid early can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms and improving your overall well-being.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It produces hormones that are essential for regulating your metabolism, energy levels, mood, and more. Thyroid issues are especially common in women and can affect menstrual cycles, fertility, weight, and emotional wellbeing. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, it causes an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). When it produces too little, it leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Both conditions can significantly impact overall health, particularly during key life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

Many symptoms associated with hormonal changes due to ageing, such as fatigue, weight and mood changes can closely resemble those of an underactive thyroid. Thyroid disorders are more common in women and are often caused by autoimmune conditions, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Our test helps determine whether your thyroid is functioning normally and whether an autoimmune condition may be contributing to your symptoms. Even when thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range, elevated thyroid antibodies have been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage. If left untreated, thyroid disorders can also increase health risks for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.

If you have pre booked your appointment, it should be around 15 minutes. Sometimes it can take slightly longer, we always aim to have you out as soon as possible.

Contact reception by phone or WhatsApp on 020 4525 8805, or email info@clinilabs.co.uk, and we will move your appointment to another date. The collection fee paid online is non-refundable but can be re-arranged to any other date.

Phlebotomy is the act of taking blood from a vein (A venous draw). Certified phlebotomists are required to undertake this safely and expertly. There is a fee for the taking of the sample. This is a standard charge to either draw blood or handle urine or stool samples. This fee must only be paid once per visit. If this is prepaid (when booking online) it is nonrefundable but can be re-arranged to any other date. The price is £50 if paid in person or £30 if prepaid when booking online

For tests marked same-day results, have your sample taken at our Fitzrovia clinic by 4pm on a working day and your report is sent by secure email the same day, usually within hours. The earlier your appointment, the sooner your results. Tests with a longer turnaround show it on their page.

Our flagship clinic and laboratory are at 41–42 Foley Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7TS, a few minutes' walk from Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria and Bakerloo lines), Warren Street (Victoria and Northern), Goodge Street (Northern), Tottenham Court Road (Central and Elizabeth) and Great Portland Street (Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City).

All results will be sent out by email. Please ensure you have provided us with the best email to reach you on.

In most cases, there is no preparation needed. With particular tests, we recommend fasting for 8-10 hours ahead. These tests include glucose, cholesterol/lipid profile and homocysteine. In the event that it is difficult for you to fast, this will be noted by the phlebotomist, and where applicable adjusted reference ranges applied. If you are unsure whether you need to fast, please confirm.

For all patient enquiries you can contact the reception by phone/whatsapp on 020 4525 8805 or via email: info@clinilabs.co.uk. For careers at Clinilabs please email careers@clinilabs.co.uk

We are a private laboratory, and do not currently offer NHS services.

We can provide written clinical interpretations and/or virtual/in person consultations for your results. These are additional services and are not included in the price of your tests. Please enquire if you are interested in these services. The price of the tests includes a report that you will receive by email which includes your results as well as (where applicable) reference ranges and indications whether you fall outside of these.

At Clinilabs we do our best to give your results to you as soon as possible. Each test has an estimated turnaround time which can be found on each test’s page on our website. Please note that these are estimates and whilst we typically provide results sooner than advertised, we may in some cases require more time. If you are unsure about the turnaround time of your specific test and or require tests urgently, please confirm ahead of your visit.

We do partner with medical insurance providers such as Bupa UK, Bupa Global, Allianz, Cigna, WPA, Vitality. Please note that pre-authorisation is required for payment by insurance. We will also require payment card details to be kept on file; which will only be used in the event your insurance company does not cover your treatment. Please note that prices can vary greatly between insurance companies, and promotional online-only prices may not reflect prices charged if direct billing is being undertaken.

A panel (or profile) is a group of single tests chosen together to answer one question, such as iron status, thyroid function or a general health check. Booking the panel is cheaper than booking each marker separately, and the markers are reported together so they can be read in context. Each panel's page lists exactly what it includes.

If you are unsure which test you need, we recommend taking a look at some of our packages. Our website is divided by section and our clinical team have designed a number of panels to suit the most common requests. If still unsure, pleas feel free to contact us by whatsapp/phone/email for guidance. Ultimately, while our team may advise on our offerings, we recommend checking with your doctor as the ultimate responsibility is on the customer to select their tests.

Some blood tests require fasting, but many do not. For example, glucose, cholesterol/lipid profile and homocysteine are among some of the tests needed to fast between 8 - 12 hours. If fasting is required, we recommend doing so overnight and scheduling your appointment for the morning. This helps minimise discomfort from going without food. During the fasting period, you should stay well-hydrated, water is ideal, and you may also have clear, calorie-free fluids such as black tea or black coffee (without milk or sugar). If you are on medication, please check with your referring doctor if you need to fast. If you are self-referring, then you can call us to find out our recommendation. Please note: If you are unable to fast, this will be noted and adjusted reference ranges applied.

It’s completely normal to see slight differences in blood test results between different laboratories. These variations can occur for several reasons: Analytical variation: Even when the same sample is tested multiple times on the same machine, small differences can occur. This is called analytical variation and is measured using the coefficient of variation (CV). For example, total cholesterol has a typical CV of around 3% at a level of 5.0 mmol/L, meaning results between 4.85 and 5.15 mmol/L are entirely expected and not clinically significant. Test-specific variability: Some tests, especially hormone tests, naturally show more variation. These tests can have CVs ranging from 3% to 10%, so minor result changes are common and generally not a cause for concern. Laboratory differences: Each lab may use different analysers, reference ranges, or testing methods. Even factors like sample type, collection time, and processing date can lead to slight result differences. Biological variation: Your body’s own levels can fluctuate throughout the day due to stress, sleep, meals, or hormonal cycles. These natural changes can influence your test results as well.

At this point in time you must be over 16 to attend Clinilabs. We may however be able to arrange pediatric home visits for children. This is subject to availability. Please enquire with reception if you are interested in this.

For the majority of tests you do not need to have a referral, but you do need to know which test or set of tests you will need to have. Whilst we can (when possible) help to explain tests available, it is the patient’s responsibility to select the correct test/s, if requested by their doctor. For some specialist tests, you may require a doctors referral. This will be communicated to you upon enquiry.

Order your test online and choose the partner clinic option at checkout. We then post you a collection kit, and inside it is a unique booking code. Once the kit has arrived, go to clinics.clinilabs.co.uk, enter the code and choose a clinic and time that suit you. You cannot book before the kit arrives, because the code is needed to make the booking. Take the kit with you to the appointment. After your sample is taken, you post it back to our laboratory yourself using the pre-paid label in the kit.