Biomarkers: How to Get the Right Blood Tests — A Guide for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe

A blood test is only useful if you can get the right one. Here's how to access the full panel — wherever you are.

Standard health checks typically cover the basics: full blood count, kidney function, liver function, thyroid, and a basic lipid panel. That's a reasonable start, but it misses several markers that matter most for longevity — particularly ApoB, fasting insulin, and high-sensitivity CRP.

Here's how to access a more complete panel in each major market.

United Kingdom

NHS: The NHS Health Check (offered every 5 years to adults aged 40–74) includes a basic lipid panel, HbA1c, blood pressure, and BMI. It does not include ApoB, fasting insulin, hsCRP, or Vitamin D. You can request additional tests from your GP, but availability varies and you may be told they're not clinically indicated unless you have risk factors.

Private testing is fast, affordable, and increasingly the most practical route for a comprehensive panel. The main services:

• Randox (UK, walk-in clinics and home kits): comprehensive panels including ApoB, hsCRP, and full thyroid
• Medichecks (home finger-prick or venous draw): good range of panels, including hormones and insulin
• Thriva (home kit): simpler panels, good for annual basics
• Bluecrest (walk-in clinics): employer partnerships and individual packages
• Lola Health / Peak Insights: newer services with strong marker coverage including ApoB, full iron panel, and fasting insulin

For fasting tests (glucose, insulin, triglycerides): fast for 10–12 hours overnight. Book a morning appointment.

United States

Insurance-covered testing: Most insurance plans cover an annual preventive visit, which typically includes a basic metabolic panel, HbA1c, and lipid panel. ApoB and fasting insulin require explicit ordering and may not be covered without a diagnosis code.

Direct-to-consumer labs (no doctor's referral required in most states):

• Ulta Lab Tests: wide range, competitive pricing, results to your account
• Quest Diagnostics / LabCorp: available through most primary care physicians; also offer direct-to-consumer portals in many states
• Function Health: comprehensive annual panel including longevity-focused markers; membership model

Note: In some US states, direct-to-consumer lab testing without a physician order is restricted. Check state regulations or use a telehealth service to order the panel.

Canada

Provincial health coverage: Basic panels (CBC, lipids, glucose, creatinine) are covered. ApoB, fasting insulin, and hsCRP are not routinely covered and typically require a physician order showing clinical need.

Private testing:

• LifeLabs (BC, Ontario, and other provinces): offers a range of panels; some direct-to-consumer options
• Dynalife (Alberta): comprehensive panels including hormones and metabolic markers
• Medcan (Toronto): private health clinic offering comprehensive longevity panels

Australia

Medicare-covered testing: Australia's Medicare system covers a reasonable range of standard tests via GP referral, including lipids, HbA1c, thyroid, and kidney function. Most GPs are willing to request additional markers if you ask specifically.

Private testing:

• Australian Clinical Labs: comprehensive panels available with GP referral; most tests bulk-billed
• Healius (formerly Healthscope Pathology): similar coverage
• Private GP clinics in major cities often offer more extensive panels without requiring justification

Requesting ApoB and fasting insulin specifically: these are not standard, but most GPs will add them if you explain why you want them. Many will add them on request with no pushback.

Europe

Coverage varies significantly by country. Generally:

• Germany, Netherlands, Austria: Private labs are accessible and affordable; ApoB and full panels widely available
• France: Mutuelle (top-up insurance) often covers extended panels; private labs readily accessible
• Spain, Italy: Private testing available in all major cities; some markers require GP referral
• Scandinavia: Strong public health systems; comprehensive testing often available through GP with appropriate justification

Pan-European private options: Verisana (Germany, ships kits across Europe), Cerascreen, and various national chains offer home testing kits shipping to most EU countries.

What to Ask For Specifically

When booking any private test, or discussing with your GP, ask for the following by name:

• ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)
• Fasting insulin (ensure you fast 10–12 hours; this is often not included by default)
• hsCRP (high-sensitivity CRP — distinct from standard CRP)
• Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D)
• Ferritin (part of an iron panel; distinct from serum iron alone)
• HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin)
• Lp(a) (Lipoprotein(a) — only needs testing once for most people)

If a provider cannot run ApoB or fasting insulin, the other markers can still provide substantial value. Start with what's available.

The 100 Great Years perspective

Getting the right blood tests is a logistical problem, not a philosophical one — and it is more solvable than most people assume. Private testing services in most developed countries make a comprehensive longevity panel accessible within days, at a cost that is modest relative to its informational value. 100 Great Years is built on the idea that health is an engine, not a destination. Blood tests are the instrument panel for that engine. You can drive without looking at the dashboard, but you will not know what is happening until something breaks.

See what your biomarkers reveal

Get your free Health and Wealth scores in 5 minutes.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.