Private Health Screen

Private Health Screen at The Health Equation

Be Proactive About Your Health

Most people react to health concerns: symptoms appear, they seek help, receive a diagnosis, and start treatment. More patients now choose to act before illness develops.

That’s why The Health Equation provides a comprehensive Private Health Screen.

Why Book an Annual Health Screen?

An annual health screen with an experienced clinician will:

  • Detect problems that need medical intervention

  • Identify functional disturbances before they progress

  • Highlight lifestyle factors that affect health, including:

    • Stress and anxiety

    • Poor nutrition

    • Weak neuromuscular function

    • Lack of regular exercise

    • Smoking, alcohol, or recreational drug use

By assessing both pathology and functional imbalances, our health screen enables patients to reduce risks and make positive lifestyle changes for long-term well-being.

The Health Equation Health Screen

Our comprehensive screening programme delivers:

  • A clear overview of your current health

  • Insight into lifestyle-related risk factors

  • Personalised recommendations for prevention and optimisation

✅ Take control of your health with a Private Health Screen at The Health Equation clinics in London and Marlborough.

Click on the image above to download our Heath Screening Brochure.

Private Health Screen

Comprehensive Health Screening with The Health Equation

Mr. Gerry Gajadharsingh DO, our Diagnostic Consultant – Complementary Medicine, delivers the Private Health Screen at The Health Equation.

The full health screen takes around 90 minutes. During this time, Gerry combines advanced diagnostic testing with a detailed clinical assessment to give you a complete picture of your health.

Why Diagnostic Testing Matters

Diagnostic testing plays a vital role in health screening. These tests:

  • Rule out suspected disease processes

  • Identify potential health risks early

  • Support effective management and treatment strategies

  • Guide personalised lifestyle and care recommendations

What Your Private Health Screen Includes

Your Individual Health Screen features a series of diagnostic tests that assess functional physiology and overall health status. These results form the foundation for tailored recommendations and, when necessary, additional clinical investigation.

Explore our Health Screen packages here

✅ With clinics in Harley Street, London and Marlborough, Wiltshire, The Health Equation helps patients take a proactive approach to long-term health and well-being.

As part of the Private Health Screen, Gerry is happy to review any previous medical reports, blood test and imaging results prior to the Private Health Screen consultation and then to discuss appropriate additional investigations in addition to what is provided at the Private Health screen

This is a critical part of the health screen. Gerry will go though a full

  • a case history (exploring any current symptoms)
  • past medical history
  • family medical history
  • general health and a review of systems (such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, neurological, Osteopathic neuromuscular-skeletal/orthopaedic, dermatological, psychological etc).

This specialised piece of equipment is used for measuring (non invasively) the following:

  • ETCO2 levels
  • breathing rate
  • heart rate
  • heart rate variability

It is the most scientific method of diagnosing Breathing Pattern Disorder (BPD). It also evaluates an individual’s autonomic nervous system response.This is cutting edge technology and gives the clinician great insight into not only respiratory behaviour and function (which influences many chemical reactions in the body and mind including cellular oxygenation and control of pH) but evaluation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls all of our body systems.

  • Comprehensive blood analysis, 1MBR, including haematology (Full blood count & 5 part differentials & ESR) & biochemistry (24 parameters) & CRP –
  • Includes lipid profile & blood glucose, and  thyroid function (TSH & FT4)
  • Pancreatic Markers Amylase & Lipase
  • HbA1C (3 month glucose marker)
  • Vit D 25OH

There are literally thousands of markers that can be tested for using blood samples.
We have chosen a screening blood panel 1MB for the Individual Health Screen which is a Haematology (Full blood Count & 5 part differential/ Biochemistry (24 parameters) screen. This looks at red blood cells, white blood cells, and inflammatory markers ESR/CRP, kidney function, liver function, blood glucose, lipid profile, uric acid, calcium, phosphate and iron markers. The 1 MBR also includes thyroid function using TSH & Free T4, pancreatic markers Amylase & Lipase, H1A1C (3 month glucose marker) and VitD 25OH.

It is very useful to use screening panels of blood tests, that cover the major body systems in the first instance, rather than just choosing individual parameters, especially as a screening test, when patients may not actually have any significant symptoms.

You will fitted with a Holter device for 24 hours to record the electrical activity of your heart. This will need to be dropped back to the practice to be uploaded online to the laboratory in order for the technician to reproduce the 24 hr ECG analysis report.

Urine analysis by Urinary dipstick in the clinic. Urine analysis helps with detection of infection in the genitourinary tract or kidneys, kidney problems, diabetes, dehydration, prostate problems, metabolic problems affecting pH amongst others. Abnormal urine analysis results may require further lab investigations at additional cost.

Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (QFIT) & Faecal Calprotectin over age 45, new in January 2022.

The QFIT test detects small amounts of blood in your faeces, which you would not normally see or be aware of.

Why is the QFIT test done?

There are several disorders, which may cause bleeding into the gut (intestine). For example, gastric or duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, bowel polyps, and bowel(colorectal) cancer. If these bleed heavily then your stools (faeces) would be obviously bloody or a very black colour. However, sometimes these disorders only bleed with a trickle of blood. If you only have a small amount of blood in your faeces then the faeces look normal. However, the QFIT test will detect the blood and also the quantity of blood. So, the test may be done if you have symptoms in the tummy (abdomen) such as persistent pain. It may also be done to screen for bowel cancer before any symptoms develop (see below). The risk of bowel cancer rises steeply from around the age of 50-54 years. QFIT testing uses specific antibodies against human haemoglobin and quantifies the amount of blood in the stool. The threshold for screening is set at 80 mcgHb/g and for symptomatic individuals at 10 mcgHb/g.

Note: the QFIT test can only say that you are bleeding from somewhere in the gut. It cannot tell from which part. If the test is positive then further tests should be arranged to find the source of the bleeding – usually, colonoscopy and/or endoscopy.

TDL now offer QFIT with Faecal calprotectin

The faecal calprotectin test has a relatively high specificity and sensitivity (approximately 90%) for distinguishing between non-inflammatory bowel disorders (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) examples of which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Calprotectin will also be elevated in some cases of GI tract malignancy (e.g. colorectal cancer).

Calprotectin is released into the faeces when neutrophils gather at the site of any gastrointestinal (GI) tract inflammation. Calprotectin can provide a non-invasive, inexpensive and objective method for assessing patients for additional possible invasive procedures e.g. colonoscopy or imaging studies.

Calprotectin <50 ug/g, not indicative of GI inflammation Calprotectin >50 ug/g, 50-150 ug/g, repeat calprotectin in 2 weeks, if 100-250 ug/g routine gastroenterology referral, >250 ug/g urgent gastroenterology referral

You will be given a QFIT/Calprotectin test kit to do the stool sample at home, it is easy to use and only needs one sample, to be posted back to TDL, the laboratory.

The NHS offer bowel cancer screening via a FIT test (not QFIT), from age 60 to 79 every 2 years. They are aiming to reduce the age tested to 50-79 over the next few years. If there is a positive result on FIT patients are then referred for colonoscopy. In the private sector colonoscopy is usually offered to patients from the age of 50 every 5 years depending on risk. The rationale is to pick up polyps, which can sometimes be pre-cancerous, in the lining on the colon.

For men

  • Prostate Profile (Total PSA and Free PSA and Ratio) from age 50 or earlier if requested. This is included in the Private Health Screen.

We do not offer a DRE (digital rectal examination) to men as many clinicians are now questioning its usefulness in screening, please see my blog post on 30.5.18

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein that is produced by the prostate gland and the urethra. Normally, very little PSA is secreted in the blood. Increases in glandular size and tissue damage caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis, or prostate cancer may increase circulating PSA levels.

Higher total PSA levels and lower percentages of free PSA are associated with higher risks of prostate cancer.

The percentage of measured prostate-specific antigen (PSA) existing in the free form (free: total PSA ratio) is useful in assessing the risk of prostate cancer in patients with borderline or moderately increased total PSA (4.0-10.0 ng/mL) and has been used to help select men who should have follow-up prostate biopsy or further investigations.

We now also have the option of requesting a new test Stockholm3 test for risk evaluation of prostate cancer at an additional cost of £395

Stockholm3 is a blood test that helps to predict risk of clinically significant prostate cancer in men aged 45-75 years with a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) level greater than 1.5 ng/ml where no previous diagnosis of prostate cancer has been made. Stockholm3 combines genetic markers, proteins and clinical data in an algorithm to help identify clinically significant prostate cancer. It allows for screening in primary or secondary care settings and is equivalent across diverse populations to reduce unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.

Stockholm3 has been prospectively validated in more than 90,000 men with results published in more than 30 peer reviewed articles. The test provides clear, interpretable results (High risk, Normal risk, Low risk) and treatment recommendations.

Gender Male
Intended age 45-75 years, not had prostate cancer, PSA >1.5 ng/ml
Clinical data required Age, family history of prostate cancer, previous biopsies, use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (Avodart [Dutasteride] or Proscar [Finasteride].
Test codeSTK3 2 x EDTA tubes must be received within 24-36 hours of sample taking. TAT up to 2 weeks
Test code STKR PSA levels of >1.5 combined with reflex testing to STK3. 1 x SST, 2 x EDTA tubes must be received within 24-36 hours of sample taking. TAT up to 2 weeks.

Why use it?

 Higher accuracy compared to PSA and prostate cancer risk calculators, validated for use of MRI selection and in multi ethnicities, shown to detect clinically significant prostate cancer in PSA 1.5-3 ng/ml, reduces over diagnosis of low-grade cancer, Stockholm 3 combines genetics, proteins and clinical data in an algorithm to produce the result.

 What is the procedure ?

A blood sample is taken, as part of a Private Health Screen or separately requested as part of a routine consultation or booked at a separate short phlebotomy appointment at The Health Equation.

 STK3

If you already have a Total PSA result from a previous blood test , we then request STK3 on a new blood sample, but WE NEED to know your previous Total PSA result to put onto the TDL request Form. The prepared sample will then be sent to Sweden for analysis for Stockholm 3.

You will be invoiced for the cost of the STK3 by The Health Equation at the current TDL patient price, £395

STKR

For those without a previous Total PSA or those who need an updated Total PSA, we then request STKR on a new blood sample. This blood test initially tests for a Total PSA level, if the PSA level is >1.5 ng/ml, the prepared sample WILL then be sent to Sweden for analysis for Stockholm 3. If the PSA is <1.5, the sample WILL NOT be sent to Sweden for Stockholm 3 analysis.

You will be initially invoiced for a SPSA (Total PSA). If the Total PSA result is >1.5 ng/ml in which case the prepared sample will be sent to Sweden for STK3 (Stockholm 3 analysis), you will then receive a further invoice for the cost of the STK3 by The Health Equation at the current TDL patient price, £395

As part of your Private Health Screen, we will automatically request STKR (assuming you have no history of prostate cancer),on the blood samples taken during the Private Health Screen. If the Total PSA result is >1.5 ng/ml in which case the prepared sample will be sent to Sweden for STK3 (Stockholm 3 analysis), you will then receive a further invoice for the cost of the STK3 by The Health Equation at the current TDL patient price, £395

 A Stockholm3 risk score of >11 is considered to be an indicator of clinically significant prostate cancer risk and referral to a urologist for further investigation is recommended.

 

For women

  • HE4 ROMA (includes CA125)

Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) utilising human epididymis secretory protein 4 (HE4) and CA125 can classify patients as presenting a high or low risk for ovarian cancer. This is included in the Private Health Screen.

The NHS offers comprehensive screening for breast and cervical cancer, therefore we do not offer mammogram or cervical smears as part of womens’ health screening.

As the likelihood of getting breast cancer increases with age, all women aged from 50 to their 71st birthday, and registered with a NHS GP, are automatically invited for breast cancer screening via mamogramme every 3 years.

You may be eligible for breast screening before the age of 50 if you have a very high risk of developing breast cancer

Cervical screening (smear) isn’t a test for cancer, it’s a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix, usually also, checking for HPV (human papilloma virus), which is the virus normally associated with sell changes)

Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for around 1 in 20 women the test shows some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.

Most of these changes won’t lead to cervical cancer and the cells may go back to normal on their own.

But in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be removed so they can’t become cancerous.

All women who are registered with a NHS GP are invited for cervical screening:

  • aged 25 to 49– every 3 years
  • aged 50 to 64– every 5 years
  • over 65– only women who have recently had abnormal tests

You can however have at an additional cost a TDL Self-Collection HPV Test, the cost of this test is £132

TDL Self-Collection HPV Test

The Self Collection HPV Test provides women with the option to self-collect a vaginal specimen that is then sent to the laboratory for testing. There is well-documented high level of concordance between the HPV DNA results from self-collected and clinician-collected specimens. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of nearly all cervical cancer. In most cases, the HPV virus is harmless and causes no symptoms. Most women who acquire HPV are able to clear the infection through their own immune systems. Persistent presence of high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical lesions which over time may develop into cancer if untreated. Testing for HPV determines the presence, or absence, of HPV and will determine whether the HPV type present is high risk for CIN and cervical cancer.

The Self-Collection HPV Test is validated, using a CE marked sample collection device for vaginal cell collection. This sample is then sent to the laboratory for processing for 19 high risk HPV DNA subtypes.

  • A negative result means that these high-risk subtypes HPV were not detected and the patient is at extremely low risk of developing high-grade cervical disease/CIN2+ before their next routine visit.
  • A positive HPV result might indicate an increased risk of developing CIN/cervical cancer, and the report from the laboratory will provide a clear recommendation for follow-up/colposcopy.

The value of HPV DNA testing in cervical cancer screening and disease detection has been proven over and over again. Self-collection of specimens for HPV testing is not intended to replace existing patient management pathways but allows for:

  • Those who wish to test following a change of sexual partner
  • Option for identifying individual high risk DNA subtypes
  • Personal preference to self-collect vaginal samples
  • An acceptable option for women who avoid having regular cervical smears
  • Self-collection for HPV increases acceptability and coverage rate of cervical cancer prevention
  • HPVZ
  • Self-Collected HPV DNA with individual reporting of all High Risk subtypes (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 35, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 26, 53, 69, 73, 82).

Additional Tests

Other additional parameters can be requested depending on the clinical picture and the results of initial screening, such as, rheumatology markers, osteoporosis markers, male and female hormonal function, tumour markers, antibodies, sexual health screening, HIV testing etc. These follow on tests are at an additional cost and will only be carried out if deemed clinically necessary or if patients specifically request certain tests.

Self-collection HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Samples: The self collection HPV test (vaginal swab) provides women with the option to self collect a vaginal specimen for HPV testing. There is well documented  high level of concordance between HPV DNA results from self collected and clinician collected specimens.

Additional investigations, if clinically indicated, such as x-rays and other imaging, Coronary calcium scan, Carotid US etc will be arranged at one of our local hospitals/clinics, usually on a drop-in basis and are charged separately.

The Health Equation Fees

Tumour Markers

Patients are increasingly asking about blood tests relating to screening for cancer, these are called tumour markers. There are pros and cons about running these tests, which can be arranged at an additional cost. Please see the information below.

Tumour Markers 2023

Private Health Screen

Results and Analysis

The Individual Health Screen will last approx 75 minutes and will include a comprehensive written report (usually at least 35 pages), this will include all your results, suggestions for any follow up investigations or opinions from Medical Specialists and lot of advice to help you be proactive about your health. It also includes a Cardiovascular Risk Assessment via QRISK 3 2018, FRAX Fracture Risk Assessment via NOGG, Sarcopenia assessment, MMSE (cognitive assessment) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4 for liver scarring). You will also be sent separately a Functional Health Report based on a functional analysis of your blood results (usually 35 pages).

Patients may also request a 45 minute follow up in person consultation or a short (15 or 30 minutes) telephone/online consultation (charged at our standard consultation rates), if they need clarification on certain aspects of their report or for follow up advice.

Functional Blood Analysis

We also use cutting edge software from the USA, to analyse your blood results, Functional Blood Analysis. Most clinicians interpret blood results using “medical reference ranges” provided by the laboratories. Which means if there is no obvious pathology, patients are told they are “normal”. Now this can be a good thing, but sometimes when results are lower end of normal or higher end of normal we can give a “functional” interpretation of these results, offering very useful advice to patients. It certainly has helped us being more accurate in advice, treatment & management for many patients who had previous been told “there is nothing wrong with you”.

The report is comprehensive and comes as part of your health screen.

  • Functional Blood Analysis
  • Functional Nutritional Assessment (indication of nutritional status)
  • Functional Index Report (indication of the level of dysfunction that exists in the various physiological systems of the body)

Please see links below to examples of the Comprehensive Report and the Functional Health Report based on a functional analysis of your blood results  

Book your Private Health Screen with Gerry