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Health Checks FAQ Resource Centre
Health Checks
Clear, practical answers about our Men's and Women's Health Checks — from the blood-testing process and our accredited local lab to GP interpretation, results and ongoing care.
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All
General
Blood Test
Lab & Accreditation
GP Consultation
Results
Biomarkers
Prevention
Booking & Pricing
Privacy & Safety
Follow-Up
1) General Health Checks
What is a health check?
A health check is a comprehensive assessment using blood tests and clinical evaluation to detect potential health issues early, monitor existing conditions, and guide preventative care decisions for long-term wellbeing.
Who should get a health check?
Health checks are suitable for adults of all ages, especially those wanting preventative insights, managing conditions, or monitoring risks such as heart disease, diabetes or hormonal imbalances over time.
How often should I have a health check?
Most individuals benefit from annual testing, though frequency depends on age, lifestyle and medical history. Your specialist Solasta GP interpretation will help determine a personalised schedule for optimal monitoring.
What conditions can be detected?
Health checks can identify risks or early signs of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver and kidney issues, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and inflammation markers affecting overall health.
Are health checks accurate?
Yes. Results are highly accurate when processed properly by accredited, local laboratories. Combined with specialist Solasta GP interpretation, they provide reliable insights into your health status and support informed clinical decision-making.
Do I need symptoms to book?
No. Health checks are ideal for people without symptoms — they help identify hidden risks early, allowing preventative action before symptoms develop or conditions become harder to treat.
Can health checks prevent illness?
While not preventing illness directly, health checks enable early detection and intervention, helping reduce risk factors and supporting lifestyle or medical changes that improve long-term health outcomes.
Are results easy to understand?
Yes. All results are explained during your specialist Solasta GP interpretation. You receive clear, personalised explanations and guidance, ensuring you fully understand your health status and next steps.
What makes Solasta different?
Solasta offers a complete pathway including testing, diagnosis, consultation and treatment. This continuity ensures consistent, high-quality care without needing multiple providers or repeated appointments — a true continuity of care that sets Solasta apart.
Are health checks confidential?
Yes. All information is handled with strict confidentiality. Your results and consultations are securely managed in line with healthcare data protection standards and only shared with your consent, via a secure online patient portal and management system.
2) Blood Testing Process
What is a venous blood draw?
A venous blood draw involves collecting blood from a vein, typically in your arm. It is a standard, safe procedure performed by trained professionals to obtain accurate laboratory samples.
Is the blood test painful?
Most people experience only mild discomfort. The sensation is brief, and trained clinicians ensure the process is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
How long does the appointment take?
The blood draw itself usually takes under ten minutes. Including check-in and preparation, your full appointment typically lasts around fifteen to twenty minutes.
Do I need to fast before testing?
Some tests require fasting for accuracy. You'll receive clear instructions before your appointment to ensure preparation is appropriate for the specific health check you choose.
What happens after the blood draw?
Your sample is sent to our certified local laboratory for analysis. Once processed, results are reviewed by a specialist Solasta GP who will discuss findings and recommendations with you.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minimal and may include slight bruising or tenderness at the site. Serious complications are extremely rare when procedures are performed by trained professionals.
Can I resume normal activities after?
Yes. Most people can return to normal activities immediately. Avoid heavy lifting if your arm feels tender, but otherwise continue your routine as usual.
Is the process safe?
Yes. Venous blood draws are a routine medical procedure with a strong safety record. Sterile equipment and trained clinicians ensure minimal risk.
How should I prepare?
Preparation may include fasting, hydration or avoiding certain supplements. You'll receive detailed instructions beforehand to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
Can I request specific tests?
Yes. Solasta offers tailored health checks. You can choose from available packages or discuss specific concerns to customise testing based on your individual health needs.
3) Laboratory & Accreditation
What does ISO/IEC 17025:2017 mean?
This accreditation ensures our local laboratory meets international standards for testing accuracy, reliability and quality management, giving confidence that your results are precise and clinically dependable.
Where is the lab located?
Our laboratory is based in Northern Ireland, ensuring efficient processing, local expertise and timely turnaround without reliance on overseas facilities. Unlike many providers, we centrifuge samples immediately in clinic for the most accurate results.
Are results reliable?
Yes. Accredited laboratories follow strict quality-control procedures, ensuring consistent, accurate and validated results that healthcare professionals can confidently use for diagnosis and monitoring.
How are samples handled?
Your sample is carefully labelled, transported and processed under controlled conditions to maintain integrity and prevent contamination, ensuring accurate and dependable analysis.
Who analyses the samples?
Qualified biomedical scientists and laboratory professionals analyse all samples using advanced equipment and validated methods to ensure high standards of accuracy and consistency.
How long do results take?
Most results are available within 48 hours of the sample arriving at our laboratory, depending on the complexity of tests. You'll be informed of expected timelines when booking.
Are international standards followed?
Yes. Our laboratory adheres to internationally recognised standards, ensuring consistent quality, reliability and comparability of results across healthcare systems.
Is my data secure?
Yes. Patient data is securely stored and managed in line with healthcare data protection regulations, ensuring confidentiality and protection of your personal health information.
Can results be shared with my GP?
Yes — with your consent, results can be shared with your NHS or private GP to support continuity of care. Solasta also has dedicated specialist GPs who can interpret your results in a private consultation.
Are repeat tests consistent?
Absolutely. Consistent laboratory standards ensure reliable repeat testing, allowing accurate monitoring of trends and changes in your health over time.
4) GP Interpretation & Consultation
Is a GP interpretation included?
Yes. Every health check includes a specialist Solasta GP interpretation, where your results are reviewed, explained and discussed, ensuring you receive personalised medical advice and next steps.
What happens during the consultation?
Your Solasta GP explains your results, answers questions, assesses risks and provides tailored recommendations, including lifestyle advice or further investigations if necessary.
How long is the consultation?
Consultations typically last around fifteen minutes, allowing sufficient time to review results and discuss any concerns or recommended actions.
Is the GP qualified?
Yes. All consultations are conducted by fully qualified, experienced GPs registered and trained to interpret laboratory results and provide clinical guidance — dedicated to Solasta for true continuity of care.
Can I ask questions?
Absolutely. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your results, ask questions and gain clarity about your health and any recommended changes or treatments.
Is the consultation remote or in-person?
Consultations are typically conducted via phone or video call for convenience, though options may vary depending on your preferences and availability.
Will I get a treatment plan?
Yes — if needed, your GP provides a clear plan outlining next steps, including lifestyle changes, further tests or treatment options tailored to your needs. A further consultation can be arranged if required.
Can I follow up after?
Yes. Follow-up consultations are available if required, ensuring ongoing support and continuity of care after your initial consultation.
Is it suitable for ongoing care?
Yes. The Solasta service is designed to support continuity, allowing regular monitoring and consistent medical oversight. You can see the same GP repeatedly for genuine continuity of care.
Can prescriptions be issued?
If appropriate, the GP may recommend treatment options and guide you on obtaining prescriptions. Solasta operates a 24-hour home-delivery service for private prescriptions for the best possible patient experience.
5) Results & Reports
How will I receive my results?
Your results are provided digitally in a secure report, accessible online, and explained during your GP consultation so you fully understand them and their implications.
What does the report include?
Detailed biomarker results, reference ranges and clinical notes. It highlights any abnormalities and provides clear context to help you understand your current health status and risks.
Are results easy to interpret?
Yes. Results are presented clearly with explanations and reference ranges, and your GP consultation ensures you understand each marker, its significance and any recommended actions.
Will I see trends over time?
Yes. Repeat testing allows comparison of results over time, helping track improvements, identify patterns and monitor how lifestyle or treatments are affecting your health — continuity of care with one provider.
What if something abnormal is found?
Your GP explains the significance and recommends appropriate next steps, which may include further testing, lifestyle changes or referral for specialist care if required.
Can I download my results?
Yes — your results can be downloaded securely for your personal records.
Are results medically reviewed?
Yes. All results are reviewed by a qualified GP before your consultation, ensuring clinical accuracy and meaningful interpretation tailored to your personal health profile.
Do results include recommendations?
Yes. Your report and consultation include personalised recommendations, which may involve lifestyle adjustments, further investigations or treatment options depending on your results and goals.
How long are results stored?
Your results are securely stored in line with healthcare regulations, allowing future access and comparison to support continuity of care and long-term monitoring.
Can I discuss results later?
Yes. Follow-up support may be available if needed — you can revisit your results and discuss further questions to stay informed and confident about your health decisions.
6) Conditions & Biomarkers
What biomarkers are tested?
Health checks measure a range of biomarkers including cholesterol, glucose, liver enzymes, kidney function, hormones, vitamins and inflammation markers, providing a comprehensive overview of your health.
Can heart disease risk be assessed?
Yes. Cardiovascular risk is evaluated using cholesterol, triglycerides and other markers, helping identify early risk factors and guide preventative strategies for long-term heart health.
Can diabetes be detected?
Yes. Glucose and HbA1c levels are tested to assess blood-sugar control. These markers can identify prediabetes or diabetes, enabling early intervention and effective management.
Are hormone levels included?
Yes. Many health checks include hormone testing, such as thyroid function or testosterone, providing insight into metabolism, energy levels and overall hormonal balance.
Can vitamin deficiencies be identified?
Yes. Key vitamins such as vitamin D and B12 can be measured. Identifying deficiencies allows targeted supplementation and dietary changes to improve energy, immunity and wellbeing.
What about liver and kidney health?
Liver and kidney function tests assess organ performance using specific enzymes and waste markers, helping detect early dysfunction and support timely medical intervention if necessary.
Are inflammation markers tested?
Yes. Markers such as CRP can indicate inflammation within the body. Elevated levels may signal underlying issues and help guide further investigation or preventative measures.
Can results detect serious illness?
Health checks can highlight abnormal markers associated with serious conditions. While not diagnostic alone, they provide valuable early warning signs that prompt further medical evaluation if needed.
Are tests personalised?
Yes. Testing can be tailored to your needs, considering age, lifestyle and health concerns, so relevant biomarkers are assessed for a more meaningful, personalised evaluation.
Do biomarkers change over time?
Yes. Biomarker levels can change due to lifestyle, treatment or ageing. Regular testing helps monitor these changes and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions over time.
7) Preventative Health
What is preventative healthcare?
Preventative healthcare focuses on identifying risks early and taking proactive steps to maintain health, aiming to reduce the likelihood of disease through monitoring, lifestyle changes and early intervention.
Why is early detection important?
Early detection allows conditions to be managed before they progress, often leading to better outcomes, simpler treatments and reduced risk of complications over time.
Can lifestyle changes improve results?
Yes. Improvements in diet, exercise, sleep and stress management can positively influence many biomarkers, helping reduce health risks and improve overall wellbeing.
Are health checks part of prevention?
Yes. Health checks are a key component of preventative care, providing valuable insights that guide proactive decisions and help maintain long-term health.
What risks can be identified early?
Health checks can identify risks such as high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, inflammation and nutrient deficiencies, enabling early action to prevent more serious conditions.
Does family history matter?
Yes. Family history plays an important role in assessing risk. Sharing this information helps tailor your health check and identify areas needing closer monitoring.
Can prevention reduce healthcare costs?
Yes. Early detection and management can reduce the need for more complex treatments later, potentially lowering long-term healthcare costs and improving quality of life.
Is prevention suitable for young people?
Yes. Preventative health checks benefit adults of all ages. Early monitoring helps establish baselines and encourages healthy habits from a younger age.
Can prevention improve longevity?
Yes. Proactive health management can support longer, healthier lives by reducing risk factors and enabling early treatment of potential conditions.
How does Solasta support prevention?
Solasta provides integrated testing, consultation and follow-up care, enabling continuous monitoring and proactive management of your health through a convenient, comprehensive service.
8) Booking & Pricing
How do I book a health check?
You can book online through the Solasta website, selecting your preferred package and appointment time. The process is simple, secure and designed for convenience.
Are there different packages available?
Yes. Solasta offers a range of packages to suit different needs, from focused screenings to comprehensive assessments covering a wide range of biomarkers.
How much does a health check cost?
Pricing varies depending on the package selected. Each option is clearly outlined, ensuring transparency so you can choose a service that fits your needs and budget.
Is payment required upfront?
Yes. Payment is typically required at the time of booking. This secures your appointment and ensures efficient scheduling.
Can I reschedule my appointment?
Yes. Appointments can usually be rescheduled with sufficient notice. Details of the policy are provided during booking to ensure flexibility when needed.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Pricing is transparent and includes testing, laboratory analysis and specialist GP interpretation. Any additional services are clearly communicated before you proceed.
Do you accept insurance?
Coverage depends on your provider. You may be able to claim reimbursement, and documentation can be provided to support your insurance claim if applicable.
Are group bookings available?
Yes. Group or corporate bookings may be available — ideal for workplace health initiatives — and can be arranged by contacting the Solasta team directly.
Where are clinics located?
Clinics are conveniently located for easy access. Full location details are available on the website when booking your health check.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Appointments are typically available within a short timeframe. Availability depends on demand, but the booking system lets you choose the most convenient option.
9) Privacy & Safety
Is my personal data protected?
Yes. All personal and medical data is handled in accordance with strict data protection regulations, ensuring your information remains secure and confidential at all times.
Who can access my results?
Only authorised healthcare professionals involved in your care can access your results. Information is not shared without your explicit consent.
Are tests conducted safely?
Yes. All procedures follow strict clinical protocols, with trained professionals using sterile equipment to ensure a safe, hygienic environment.
Is my information shared externally?
No. Your data is not shared with third parties without consent, unless required by law or necessary for your ongoing medical care.
Are clinics regulated?
Yes. Our clinics operate under RQIA healthcare regulations and standards, ensuring safe practices and high-quality patient care at all times.
How is data stored?
Data is securely stored using encrypted systems, protecting your information from unauthorised access and ensuring compliance with healthcare data regulations.
Can I request data deletion?
Yes. You have rights regarding your data, including requesting access or deletion, in line with applicable data protection laws.
Are staff trained in confidentiality?
Yes. All staff are trained in data protection and patient confidentiality, ensuring your information is handled responsibly and professionally.
Is the environment hygienic?
Yes. Clinics maintain high standards of cleanliness and infection control, providing a safe and comfortable setting for all patients.
What safety measures are in place?
Safety measures include trained staff, sterile equipment, regulated procedures and secure data systems, protecting both your physical and informational safety throughout.
10) Follow-Up & Treatment
What happens after my consultation?
You receive recommendations based on your results, which may include lifestyle advice, further tests or guidance on treatment options if required.
Can I get treatment through Solasta?
Yes — where appropriate, Solasta aims to provide a complete pathway including testing, consultation and treatment, ensuring seamless and continuous care.
Will I need further tests?
If necessary, our specialist GP may recommend additional tests to investigate findings further, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Can I track progress over time?
Yes. Repeat health checks allow monitoring of changes in your biomarkers, helping assess improvements and adjust your health plan accordingly.
Are lifestyle plans provided?
Yes. Personalised lifestyle recommendations may be provided, including guidance on nutrition, exercise and other factors. This may involve a dedicated consultation with our specialist GPs.
Can I request a female GP?
Yes. You can request a female GP or another clinician, although availability may vary depending on staffing and capacity. Please mention this when booking so we can try to accommodate your request.
Is ongoing support available?
Yes. Follow-up support may be available depending on your needs, helping you stay on track and address any ongoing health concerns.
What if treatment is needed?
If treatment is required, your GP discusses appropriate options and guides you on next steps, ensuring you receive timely and effective care.
Can conditions be managed long-term?
Yes. Ongoing monitoring and support allow effective long-term management of many conditions, helping maintain stability and improve quality of life.
How does Solasta ensure continuity of care?
Solasta integrates testing, results, consultation and follow-up into one service, ensuring consistent care, clear communication and a streamlined experience from start to finish.
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