The Care Quality Commission, the CQC, in theory oversees services that perform tests and analysis. But they're sort of marketing and the consumer outreach part of it is outside its regulatory remit. It's really the advertising standards agency who currently is responsible for investigating any misleading claims that are made in the marketing of such tests. Of the companies Emma approached in her investigation, those who responded were keen to make clear that their services aimed to reduce health anxiety and the burden on the NHS. They also say having this proactive approach will save the NHS money in the longer term.
Companies selling private blood tests offer customers a way to check their health – from measuring cholesterol levels to thyroid hormones – from the comfort of their home. But what happens if there’s an abnormal result? Madeleine Finlay speaks to health journalist Emma Wilkinson and consultant chemical pathologist Dr Bernie Croal about how these tests work, how to interpret your results and whether an already overstretched NHS is being left to deal with the worried well. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod