An 18-marker blood test checking for thalassaemia traits and other red blood cell abnormalities using haemoglobin variants and a full blood count. Aimed at anyone investigating unexplained anaemia or a family or ethnic background linked to thalassaemia.
18 biomarkers as listed by Medichecks.
This test looks at haemoglobin variants (haemoglobin A0, A2 and phenotype) alongside a full blood count and clotting markers, to check for thalassaemia traits or beta thalassaemia major, and to flag other red blood cell abnormalities. Thalassaemia is more commonly seen in people from Mediterranean, South Asian, Middle Eastern and African backgrounds, though the test can be relevant to anyone with unexplained anaemia.
Against the other tests in our full blood count comparison group, this one is the priciest: at £129 it sits 52% above the £85 group median, above Medichecks' own Full Blood Count test (£59, 15 markers) and Advanced Clotting Blood Test (£99, 19 markers), as well as Blue Horizon's Full Blood Count (£54.25, 13 markers) and Bluecrest's Blood Health Profile (£85, 10 markers). It does cover more markers than most of these, 18 against a group median of 15, with only the Advanced Clotting test covering more.
The score reflects this trade-off clearly: strong clinical depth, but a low value-for-money score given how far the price sits above the group median. Trust signals and results follow-up score well, since a doctor reviews the result, while collection convenience is limited because there's no at-home option.
This suits you if you have a family history or ethnic background linked to thalassaemia, or unexplained anaemia, and want the wider haemoglobin variant and blood count picture this test provides. The provider notes that this test does not identify mild or carrier forms of alpha thalassaemia, for which a separate genetic test would be needed, so if that's specifically what you're checking for, this may not be the right test. If cost matters more than the extra markers, Medichecks' own Full Blood Count test (£59, 15 markers) or Blue Horizon's equivalent (£54.25, 13 markers) are markedly cheaper, though neither includes the haemoglobin variant markers this test adds.
This is a blood test taken by venous draw at a Medichecks clinic or via a home nurse visit; there is no at-home finger-prick option for this test. The lab checks the haemoglobin variants, full blood count and clotting markers, and a doctor reviews the results as part of the standard service, with a turnaround of around 4 days.
At £129, this 18-marker test is the most expensive in our full blood count comparison group, where prices range from £54.25 to £99 among Medichecks' own and rival panels, though it also covers close to the most markers, second only to Medichecks' Advanced Clotting Blood Test (19 markers, £99). The provider notes this test does not identify mild or carrier forms of alpha thalassaemia; a genetic test would be needed for that instead.
The listing publishes a short description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.
18 biomarkers against a median of 15 across the 5 tests in its comparison group.
A blood sample taken at home by a visiting nurse or phlebotomist; with a venous or clinic option as well; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 4 days, well ahead of the genetic dna norm of 14.
Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trustpilot 4.5 from 2,477 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); doctor review as standard; trading 25+ years.
£129.00 against a comparison-group median of £85.00 (+52%).
Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.
This test belongs to our Full blood count comparison group. See how it stacks up against equivalent tests from other providers.
Mid-priced 15-marker full blood count
A 15-marker full blood count covering red cells, white cells, platelets and clotting indicators, used for general health screening or to look into fatigue, infections or bruising. Suited to anyone wanting a broad first check on their blood.
Cheapest full blood count in its comparison group
A 13-marker blood test covering red cells, white cells and platelets, commonly used to help assess things like anaemia, infection or bleeding risk. It suits people wanting a general blood health check rather than one specific marker.
Deepest clotting-and-FBC panel in its comparison group
Combines core clotting markers, such as APTT, INR and fibrinogen, with a full blood count, for anyone on blood-thinning medication or with a condition affecting clotting.
Fewer markers than similarly priced FBC tests
This test measures 10 markers from a blood sample, including red and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin and platelets. It suits people wanting a general look at blood health and immunity.
Mid-priced 15-marker full blood count
A 15-marker full blood count covering red cells, white cells, platelets and clotting indicators, used for general health screening or to look into fatigue, infections or bruising. Suited to anyone wanting a broad first check on their blood.
Cheapest full blood count in its comparison group
A 13-marker blood test covering red cells, white cells and platelets, commonly used to help assess things like anaemia, infection or bleeding risk. It suits people wanting a general blood health check rather than one specific marker.
Deepest clotting-and-FBC panel in its comparison group
Combines core clotting markers, such as APTT, INR and fibrinogen, with a full blood count, for anyone on blood-thinning medication or with a condition affecting clotting.
Fewer markers than similarly priced FBC tests
This test measures 10 markers from a blood sample, including red and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin and platelets. It suits people wanting a general look at blood health and immunity.
