On trial: Randox Health Everywoman health check

The phrase ‘health is wealth’ is one that I utter to friends and family on a weekly basis, but something I have never taken seriously myself, preferring to wait until something is wrong before I seek help. But this is the year I become more proactive when it comes to my health and wellbeing (prevention being better than cure) and that starts with a full-service health MOT with Randox at my local John Lewis. 

A Randox Health Everywoman health check is a revolutionary way to get a technologically advanced screening that provides a snapshot of your health status. It screens for vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and gut problems (among other things), and can highlight early signs of possible health concerns in a bid to catch, lessen or eliminate them before they become a problem.

The health test checks up to 150 data points, all measured from blood and urine samples. 

Alongside taking the full suite of personal body measurements (from height, weight and waist circumference to more complex tests such as systolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation), the blood test provides data to better understand your hormonal, heart, kidney, liver, thyroid, digestive and nutritional health.

Key issues covered in the Everywoman health check include:

• Cholesterol
• Hormonal health 
• Cardiovascular risk score
• Diabetes risk
• Iron count
• Thyroid health
• White blood cell count
  

My appointment took place at the newly opened Randox clinic inside the High Wycombe branch of John Lewis. After checking in at reception, I was greeted by my health professional Harnish, who was friendly and incredibly informative (I asked many, many questions) and made the whole experience seamless. 

You have to fast for six hours prior to your appointment (you’re allowed water). My tip is to choose the earliest appointment available so you don’t have to wait too long before eating and, most importantly, having a coffee.

The check-up itself lasts 20 minutes. I was asked questions about my medical history, lifestyle and menstrual cycle (you also fill out a health questionnaire ahead of your appointment) before getting my measurements taken on a state of the art body composition analyser. After that my blood pressure was taken before ending the appointment with a blood test. Harnish was the ultimate pro phlebotomist, leading to a pain-free and, dare I say, pleasant experience.

I left with a urine sample kit to do the following day (they provide everything including pre-paid packaging to send back the sample) and booked my appointment for a health and wellbeing discussion where I will go over my results with one of Randox’s consultants.

Randox promises results will be with you within two to five days. I received mine by email two days after my appointment (my test took place on a Saturday) and received the full report by post a day after that. The results are staggeringly comprehensive. 

Helpfully, along with the full results document, you also get a smaller ‘key findings’ booklet – essentially a summary to highlight any areas that need your attention. 

‌For any abnormal results, Randox offers the option of an appointment with a consultant, or you can take your test results to your GP and discuss the results with them. 

Every health check comes with a six-month repeat test appointment to see how your results have changed over time. Inspired to make some serious lifestyle tweaks after getting my results, I’m hoping that this is just the jolt I needed to protect my current and (more importantly) future health.  

The Randox Health Everywoman health check costs £295 and is available in selected John Lewis stores now. Find your nearest location here