If I ask my GP for blood tests......

[hillbilly]

...is she obliged to do them?

I am 45 and pretty fit and relatively healthy but would really like to have blood tests to check my cholesterol, kidney & liver function etc

Can I just go and ask her?

No. They will do tests if there is a clinical need but they are expensive so are not done without good cause. If you are worried about a condition, make an appointment and talk to your GP.

However, all adults aged 40-74 are invited for an NHS Health Check which includes tests for Thyroid, cholesterol etc, and has a nurse/Health care practitioner appointment and a follow up for results.

You may find it easier to get one of these in April when new financial year starts if your practice has exceeded it's "cap" or quota, but we still do them for anyone who asks.

Thanks - I'll give them a call and see if they will "invite" me ;-)

Mine would, and has. She knows I don't ask for random tests every five minutes for no good reason!