There's a particular kind of unwell that doesn't fit neatly into ‘call 999’ or ‘wait and see’ — you feel distinctly off, perhaps with a fever, aches, nausea or a general sense that something isn't right, but it's not an emergency. In that situation, a same-day, focused blood test can give real answers fast. The Acute Medical Panel 1 is built exactly for this — 29 markers covering liver function, kidney function, full blood count, blood sugar and cholesterol, giving your clinician a fast, useful snapshot of what's going on.
What a focused acute panel can help identify
When someone comes to us feeling acutely unwell, this panel is often the fastest way to help identify what's going on, including:
- Infection or inflammation — reflected in your full blood count (white cell patterns in particular).
- Dehydration or kidney strain — common with vomiting, diarrhoea or reduced fluid intake during illness.
- Liver involvement — relevant with certain infections, medication reactions or alcohol-related illness.
- Anaemia — which can explain or worsen how unwell you feel.
- Undiagnosed diabetes — occasionally uncovered when someone presents acutely unwell for the first time.
When to seek help
This panel is designed for when you feel unwell but stable enough for a same-day appointment rather than emergency care. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately for chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure, or any symptom that feels like a genuine emergency.
As a rule, seek urgent care for severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms, and book a routine test for milder, longer-standing concerns like the ones above.
What the Acute Medical Panel 1 checks
Rather than testing one thing at a time, the Acute Medical Panel 1 panel screens 29 markers across 6 areas of your health in a single blood draw. Here's what each group can tell you:
Liver function
This panel checks ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin and albumin. Liver enzymes can flag early strain from alcohol, medication, weight gain or fatty liver disease long before any symptoms appear.
Kidney function & salts
This panel checks creatinine, eGFR, sodium, potassium and urea. Kidney function can decline silently for years before it's noticed, so these markers give an early warning of reduced kidney function, dehydration or salt imbalances.
Full blood count
This panel includes a full blood count — red cells, white cells, platelets and related indices — one of the single most useful all-round checks available, screening for anaemia, infection and abnormalities in your blood.
Blood sugar
This panel checks glucose and HbA1c, screening for diabetes and pre-diabetes, which can develop silently for years with no obvious symptoms.
Heart & cholesterol
This panel checks your full lipid profile — total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, the cholesterol/HDL ratio and triglycerides, building an accurate cardiovascular risk picture. Cholesterol and related lipid markers are among the strongest predictors of long-term heart and stroke risk, and rarely cause symptoms until a problem is advanced.
Bone & mineral health
This panel checks calcium and phosphate, giving an early picture of bone and mineral health that can also flag problems affecting energy and muscle function.
Acute Medical Panel 1 — £168
CQC-regulated · Rated 4.88/5 on Doctify · Open 7 days 8am–8pm · No referral needed
Why the Acute Medical Panel 1 is the right test
Acute Medical Panel 1 is deliberately fast and focused — full blood count, kidney and liver function, blood sugar and cholesterol — so a clinician can assess you and get results back quickly rather than waiting for a broader panel designed for routine screening. If your symptoms suggest inflammation or infection more specifically, Acute Medical Panel 2 extends this with CRP, uric acid and creatine kinase for a fuller picture.
Every result is reviewed by a clinician on the same visit where possible, with clear next steps — whether that's reassurance, a specific treatment, or referral for further assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be seen and tested the same day if I feel unwell?
Yes — same-day appointments are available for acute presentations. Call 0121 387 3727 or book online to check current availability; we’re open 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
How is Panel 1 different from Panel 2?
Panel 1 covers 29 core markers — liver, kidney, blood count, glucose and cholesterol. Panel 2 extends this to 37 markers, adding CRP (inflammation/infection), creatine kinase (muscle), uric acid and iron studies for a broader acute assessment.
Do I need to fast before this blood test?
For most people no fasting is required. Because this panel includes glucose, we may ask you to avoid eating for a few hours beforehand if your appointment is in the morning. Our team will confirm any preparation when you book.
Do I need a GP referral to book this test?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by calling 0121 387 3727. Same-week appointments are available 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
Can I claim this on private health insurance?
Self-funded blood tests are usually paid for directly rather than through insurance, as most insurers require a referral first. If you would like to use insurance, call us on 0121 387 3727 and our team will advise on the best route for your policy.
Reference ranges vary between laboratories and are influenced by age, sex and other individual factors. This article is for general information only and does not replace a clinical consultation — every result in the Acute Medical Panel 1 panel is reviewed by a clinician before it's released to you. Further reading: Lab Tests Online UK →