Blood test (basic panel)
Typical UK price: £70–£180
What is blood test (basic panel)?
A basic blood test panel checks the health of key organ systems including the liver, kidneys, and red and white blood cells. Blood is drawn by a veterinary nurse or vet and analysed either in-house or sent to an external laboratory. Results can help detect infections, anaemia, organ disease, diabetes, and other conditions before they become serious.
Why do prices vary between vets?
- In-house vs external laboratory — in-house analysers give same-day results but have different cost structures to laboratory submissions
- Panel breadth — a basic haematology and biochemistry screen costs less than an extended panel including thyroid, cortisol, or specialist markers
- Practice location — overheads vary significantly between urban and rural practices
- Whether taken as a standalone test or part of a pre-anaesthetic screen — bundled pricing may differ
Frequently asked questions
When does my pet need a blood test?
Your vet may recommend blood tests before anaesthesia, to investigate symptoms such as lethargy or weight loss, to monitor ongoing conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, or as part of a senior wellness screen for pets over 7 years old.
How long do blood test results take?
Practices with in-house analysers can provide results within 30–60 minutes. If the sample is sent to an external laboratory, results typically arrive within 24–48 hours. Your vet will contact you to discuss the results and any recommendations.
Does my pet need to be fasted before a blood test?
For most routine panels, fasting for 4–6 hours gives more accurate results, particularly for liver enzymes and cholesterol. Your vet will advise whether fasting is required for your pet's specific tests. Water should always be available.
CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order
From September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK vet practices to publish prices for this procedure on their website. VetPricelist aggregates these published prices so you can compare them in one place.