What to Expect at a Well Man or Well Woman Health Check

A health screening appointment can feel like an unknown if you've never had one — how long does it take, what's actually tested, and what happens afterwards? Here's exactly what to expect.

Why bother with a health screen at all?

Most of us only see a doctor when something's already wrong. A health screening flips that around — it's designed to catch developing issues while they're still easiest to treat, often well before you'd notice any symptoms yourself. Things like cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar can drift in the wrong direction for years without you feeling any different.

Before your appointment

You'll usually be asked to complete a short health questionnaire in advance, covering your medical history, current health and any medication you're taking. It's there to help your clinician tailor the appointment to you — if you're unsure of any question, that's completely fine, it can be talked through on the day.

What happens during the appointment

A comprehensive health screen typically takes around an hour, and covers:

• Basic measurements — height, weight, and waist-to-hip ratio
• Cardiovascular checks — blood pressure and a heart tracing (ECG)
• Body composition analysis — a painless test using adhesive pads on the wrists and ankles, giving useful information for dietary advice
• A general physical examination
• Blood and urine testing — covering full blood count, kidney and liver function, cholesterol and lipid profile, thyroid function, and glucose control

Men are typically offered the option of a testicular examination, and women a breast examination — neither is compulsory, and if you'd rather not, your clinician can simply talk you through self-examination instead.

Getting your results

Bloods are usually reviewed within 2–3 working days. If anything needs urgent attention, you'll be contacted directly rather than waiting for a scheduled report. Otherwise, a full written report typically follows within 14 days, giving you time to read it properly and come back with any questions — by email, or with a follow-up appointment if you'd rather talk it through in person.

Well Man and Well Woman screening at Braidburn Health

Our health screening is available as Well Man or Well Woman, with an extended option (Well Man+ / Well Woman+) that adds further bloods including B12, folate and vitamin D. Full pricing is on our Health Assessments page.