Essential Health MOT
Our baseline health check for proactive individuals. Perfect for an annual screening for those without serious health concerns.
About the Essential MOT (£495)
Who is this for?
The Essential MOT is recommended for those seeking a thorough baseline health assessment. Perfect for an annual screening for those without serious health concerns, this package focuses on modifiable risk factors and early detection of common conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorders, anaemia, kidney and liver dysfunction.
If you're healthy and simply want regular health monitoring, or if this is your first comprehensive health check, the Essential MOT provides excellent value whilst covering all crucial health markers.
What's Included: Measurements & Physical Examination
Your health MOT begins with comprehensive vital signs measurement and body composition analysis performed by our trained health advisers.
Blood Pressure Measurement
Using calibrated automated sphygmomanometers, we measure your systolic and diastolic blood pressure to screen for hypertension. Elevated blood pressure is often asymptomatic but significantly increases risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and vascular dementia. Hypertension affects approximately one in four UK adults but remains undiagnosed in many cases.
Body Composition Analysis
Using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), we measure multiple parameters beyond simple weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). This includes:
- Total body fat percentage: Excess adiposity increases risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers
- Visceral fat level: Fat surrounding internal organs is metabolically active and particularly harmful, even in people with normal BMI
- Skeletal muscle mass: Low muscle mass (sarcopenia) is associated with frailty, falls, and metabolic dysfunction
- Body water percentage: Indicates hydration status and body composition
- Basal metabolic rate: The number of calories your body burns at rest
This analysis takes approximately 30 seconds, involves standing on a specialised scale whilst holding hand electrodes, and is completely painless. The results provide valuable insights into your body composition that simple weight measurement cannot reveal. Many people with "normal" weight have unhealthy body composition (high fat, low muscle), whilst some "overweight" individuals have healthy body composition (high muscle mass).
12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A resting ECG records the electrical activity of your heart. Adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs, and the machine records your heart's rhythm for approximately 30 seconds. ECGs can detect:
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms including atrial fibrillation)
- Previous heart attacks that may have occurred without symptoms
- Chamber enlargement suggesting long-standing hypertension or valve disease
- Conduction abnormalities
- Evidence of insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle
The test is entirely painless and takes about 5 minutes including electrode placement.
Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)
A pulse oximeter clipped to your finger measures the percentage of haemoglobin in your blood that is saturated with oxygen. Normal values are 95-100%. Low oxygen saturation can indicate lung disease, anaemia, or cardiovascular problems.
Doctor's Physical Examination
A comprehensive physical examination performed by an experienced GP includes:
- Cardiovascular examination: Listening to heart sounds to detect murmurs, irregular rhythms, or extra heart sounds suggesting valve problems or heart failure
- Respiratory examination: Assessing breathing pattern and listening to lung sounds to detect wheezes, crackles, or reduced air entry indicating lung disease
- Abdominal examination: Palpating the abdomen to assess organ size, detect masses or tenderness, and examine for hernias
- Neurological screening: Assessing reflexes, coordination, and sensation
- Thyroid examination: Palpating the thyroid gland to detect enlargement or nodules
- Lymph node examination: Checking for enlarged lymph nodes that might indicate infection or malignancy
- Skin examination: Inspecting for suspicious moles or lesions
The examination takes approximately 20 minutes and is conducted with sensitivity to your comfort and dignity.
What's Included: Blood Tests
Blood samples are collected via venipuncture (needle insertion into a vein in your arm) by our experienced phlebotomists. Most patients describe brief discomfort during needle insertion, after which the procedure is painless. Approximately 15-20ml of blood (roughly one tablespoon) is collected into multiple tubes for laboratory analysis. Results are typically available within 3 to 5 working days. Urgent abnormalities are flagged immediately by the laboratory, and we will contact you promptly if immediate action is required.
Full Blood Count (FBC)
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Screens for anaemia (causing fatigue, shortness of breath), infection or immune disorders (elevated white cells), clotting disorders, and blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
Kidney Function Tests (Urea, Creatinine, eGFR)
The kidneys filter waste products from blood and regulate fluid balance. Elevated creatinine indicates reduced kidney function. Normal eGFR is above 90 ml/min/1.73m²; values below 60 indicate chronic kidney disease. Early detection allows interventions that slow progression.
Uric Acid (Urate)
Elevated uric acid levels cause gout (painful joint inflammation) and increase kidney stone risk. High urate also correlates with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Detecting elevated levels allows dietary modification and preventive medication before symptomatic gout develops.
Bone Health Markers (Calcium, Phosphate, Alkaline Phosphatase)
These minerals and enzymes indicate bone metabolism health. Abnormalities can suggest osteoporosis, osteomalacia (bone softening), parathyroid disorders, Vitamin D deficiency, bone metastases from cancer, or Paget's disease.
Full Lipid Profile
Measures Total Cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol causing atherosclerosis), HDL ("good" cholesterol), Triglycerides, and Total:HDL Ratio. Abnormal lipids are usually asymptomatic but significantly increase heart disease and stroke risk. They can be managed through dietary changes, exercise, and medications.
Glucose (Blood Sugar)
Screens for diabetes and prediabetes. Diabetes affects approximately 4.9 million people in the UK, with an estimated 1 million undiagnosed cases. Chronically elevated glucose damages blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and increases infection risk. Early detection allows lifestyle interventions and medication to prevent complications.
HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)
Reflects average blood glucose over the preceding 2-3 months. Below 42 mmol/mol is normal; 42-47 indicates prediabetes; 48+ indicates diabetes. HbA1c is the gold-standard test for diabetes diagnosis as it isn't affected by recent meals, stress, or time of day.
Liver Function Tests
ALT, AST, GGT, Bilirubin, Albumin, Total Protein. Liver cell enzymes leak into blood when liver cells are damaged. Causes include alcohol excess, fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, medications, and autoimmune disease. Liver disease often causes no symptoms until cirrhosis develops; early detection allows treatment of underlying causes.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
A non-specific marker of inflammation in the body. Elevated ESR can indicate infection, autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), inflammatory bowel disease, or malignancy. It's a screening tool requiring further investigation if elevated.
Thyroid Function Tests (Free T4, TSH)
The thyroid gland produces hormones regulating metabolism, energy, temperature, heart rate, and numerous bodily functions. Screens for hypothyroidism (causing fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression) affecting ~2% of UK population, and hyperthyroidism (causing weight loss, anxiety, palpitations). Both conditions are easily treated once diagnosed.
Iron Studies
Measures serum iron levels and storage. Iron deficiency causes fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Deficiency can exist before anaemia develops. Causes include inadequate dietary intake, blood loss (heavy menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding), or poor absorption.
Results Consultation
Once your blood results return from the laboratory (typically 3 to 5 working days), you'll attend a follow-up consultation with your doctor. This appointment, included in your package price, involves comprehensive review of all results, explanation of what they mean for your health, and personalised recommendations. This consultation typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and provides opportunity to ask questions about your health.
Your Doctor Will:
- • Explain each result in language you can understand
- • Place results in context of your age, sex, lifestyle, and family history
- • Identify any abnormalities requiring further investigation or treatment
- • Discuss modifiable risk factors and lifestyle interventions
- • Provide a written health report summarising findings and recommendations
- • Arrange specialist referrals if needed
Is the Essential MOT right for me?
The Essential MOT is ideal if you're healthy, have no significant symptoms, and want a comprehensive baseline health assessment. It covers all major organ systems and common diseases.
However, if you have specific symptoms (such as persistent cough, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss), those warrant symptom-focused GP consultation rather than routine screening. If you have significant family history of disease, or want more detailed investigation, consider the Advanced, Elite, or Ultimate packages.
Want More Comprehensive Screening?
Upgrade to include imaging, hormone profiling, and ongoing GP access
Treatment Menu & Fees
Transparent pricing for all our services.
