A complete guide to different types of blood tests and what to expect

Types of blood tests and their purpose

Your blood can tell you a lot about your health. You might do a blood test to check:

• your vitamin and mineral levels
• your cholesterol levels
• how well certain organs are functioning — like your liver and kidneys
• your thyroid function
• your blood sugar levels and your risk of diabetes

As well as giving you a snapshot of your current health, you can use a blood test to keep track of your risk of long-term chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

How much does a home blood test cost?

Blood tests vary in price depending on the type. Thriva's blood testing packages are fully customisable, which means the price depends on which tests you select.

How to do a blood test

There are three main ways to collect a blood sample: autodraw, finger-prick, or venous. This is what to expect from each type of blood test:

Autodraw blood test

This is a small device that attaches to your upper arm. It uses suction and a small lancet to collect your sample, and it allows you to collect a larger sample quickly and easily at home.

Learn more about using autodraw for your home blood test.

Finger-prick blood test

A lancet is used to prick your finger and allows you to collect a small blood sample. You can do this type of test yourself, and it's less invasive than a venous sample.

Learn more about using finger-prick for your home blood test.

Venous blood test

A healthcare professional will perform this test by using a needle to puncture a vein, usually in your arm, and allow you to collect a large blood sample. If you'd prefer not to collect your own sample at home, you can have a nurse collect it for you at a clinic at an extra cost.

Where to get a blood test

A home blood test lets you collect your sample yourself without visiting a clinic. You can order a Thriva blood test online and do it yourself at home.

Our home blood tests use UKAS-accredited labs, and Thriva is registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means you can trust the validity of your results.

Learn more about how Thriva home blood tests work.

Do blood tests hurt?

It’s normal to be nervous about doing a blood test—it’s human nature not to like pricking yourself with a needle or looking at your blood. However, the process is very straightforward.

Autodraw blood test

Because the autodraw attaches to your upper arm, the discomfort is very minimal. 91% of people say that our autodraw device is pain-free (based on a 2025 survey of 1,067 Thriva users).

Finger-prick blood test

As the name suggests, all you’ll feel is a small prick on your finger. The area the lancet went in might be a little tender afterwards.

Venous blood test

With a venous blood test, you’re likely to feel a little pinch when the needle goes in. You might have a small bruise where the needle went in.

Preparing for a blood test

There are a couple of things you can do before a blood test to make the process is as smooth as possible.

• Drink a lot of water: Being hydrated makes it easier to collect your blood sample
• Stay warm: Having a hot shower or jumping on the spot for a minute makes it easier to collect your blood sample. If you're using an autodraw device, be sure to use the included heat pack.

Fasting before a blood test

Fasting means not eating or drinking anything except water for up to 8-12 hours before your test.

This is because when food and drinks are broken down and absorbed into your blood, it can affect your results. For example, having a chocolate bar before a blood glucose test will give you incorrect results.

Blood tests that usually require you to fast include:

• lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) test
• blood sugar (glucose) level test
• liver and kidney blood test
• iron profile test
• vitamin B12 test

If you order a Thriva test, you'll get an email beforehand telling you everything you need to know, including whether or not you need to fast.

How long does it take to get blood test results?

Understanding your health should be quick and easy. Our GPs read your results right away, meaning most of our users have their report with them in two days.

We'll send you an email or text when your sample has been received, and another when your results are ready. You can access them at any time in the Thriva app.

What to expect from your blood test results

Your results will show your results measured against reference ranges, which are the brackets that indicate what's typical for your age, gender, and ethnicity. These ranges exist because what's normal varies between populations.

Your doctor's report will explain what your results mean and what requires you to take action. It's important that your results come with practical insights that help you improve your health, so your report will include suggestions where relevant.

Takeaway

A blood test can help you check vitamin levels, cholesterol, organ function, and more.

Blood tests come in different forms: finger-prick, autodraw, and venous. Thriva's home blood tests use accredited labs and deliver your results and doctor's report in around two days.