Boots UK has introduced a range of at-home health checks from Medichecks for various lifestyle issues.

The tests have rolled out after a study by Nesta found that 64% of people want to take greater control of their health, but feel they lack the confidence, skills or knowledge.

To overcome this hurdle, Boots have made the tests easily available to order online. The customer will then need to activate the test kit and collect either eight to 10 drops of blood in the small tube provided, or provide a saliva sample. The samples will then be posted lab in the prepaid envelope provided.

Once results are ready the customer can view them on a personal online dashboard, alongside the Medichecks doctor’s recommendations. The doctor will recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, or direct the customer to their GP if there are any concerns.

The ten tests included in the kit are for vitamin D, cholesterol, diabetes, testosterone, vitamin B12, iron deficiency, cortisol (stress), tiredness and fatigue, thyroid, and a health and lifestyle check.

Richard Bradley, pharmacy director at Boots UK, said: “Increasingly, customers want information to help them proactively manage their health. By offering Medichecks online, we’re helping to increase accessibility to specialist testing services, complementing the testing available through the NHS and helping people feel in control of their health.”

Medichecks established the UK’s first online, direct to consumer blood test and health check service, and the collaboration makes Boots the first national high street retailer and nationwide pharmacy chain to sell the Medichecks tests direct to consumers.

The ten tests included in the kit are for vitamin D, cholesterol, diabetes, testosterone, vitamin B12, iron deficiency, cortisol (stress), tiredness and fatigue, thyroid, and a health and lifestyle check.