Mineral Screen (Whole blood)
The Mineral Screen (Whole Blood) measures intracellular mineral levels using red blood cells. It provides a more accurate picture of long-term mineral status than serum testing.
Turnaround time
Results available 5 days after arrival in lab. Doctor's report sent the day after results available (if required)
Biomarkers count
8
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Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
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Details about Mineral Screen (Whole blood)
What is the Mineral Screen (Whole Blood)?
The Mineral Screen (Whole Blood) assesses intracellular (red cell) mineral levels, reflecting how minerals are stored and used inside cells rather than what is temporarily circulating in blood plasma. Because many minerals move rapidly between blood and tissues, serum levels can appear normal even when cellular deficiency exists.
Red cell testing offers a functional, long-term view of mineral status and is particularly valuable for evaluating fatigue, muscle symptoms, neurological complaints, and chronic stress where serum results are inconclusive.
Why do I need a Mineral Screen (Whole Blood)?
Minerals are essential for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, energy production, enzyme activity, and hormonal balance. Intracellular depletion can cause symptoms even when standard blood tests look normal.
You may benefit from this test if you experience:
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Persistent fatigue or low energy
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Muscle cramps, twitching, or weakness
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Stress intolerance or poor recovery
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Brain fog or poor concentration
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Headaches or migraines
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Cardiovascular symptoms without clear cause
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High training load or chronic stress
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Long-term supplementation monitoring
This test helps uncover hidden mineral deficiencies affecting cellular function.
Benefits of the test
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Measures intracellular mineral status
Reflects true tissue availability. -
More accurate than serum testing
Less affected by short-term fluctuations. -
Supports neurological and muscular assessment
Key minerals are critical for nerve and muscle function. -
Useful in chronic fatigue investigation
Identifies long-standing deficiencies. -
Ideal for stress and recovery assessment
Magnesium and potassium depletion are common under stress. -
Supports supplementation planning
Helps avoid guesswork and over-supplementation. -
Widely used in functional assessment
Accepted for deeper nutritional evaluation. -
Single comprehensive mineral panel
Multiple intracellular minerals assessed together.
Step-by-step: How we offer testing
Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)
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Choose your nearest UK clinic
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Attend your appointment
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Whole blood sample taken by a clinician
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Sample sent to the laboratory
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Results issued once analysis is complete
Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)
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Mobile phlebotomist attends your location
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Whole blood sample taken at home or hotel
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Sample securely transported to the laboratory
Your results explained
Low levels (cellular deficiency)
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Low red cell magnesium – fatigue, cramps, poor stress tolerance
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Low red cell potassium – weakness, palpitations
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Low red cell zinc – immune and skin issues
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Low red cell selenium – oxidative stress and thyroid strain
Typical UK reference examples (vary by lab):
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Red Cell Magnesium: <1.65 mmol/L
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Red Cell Zinc: <130 µmol/L
Normal levels
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Red cell minerals within reference range
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Suggests adequate intracellular storage and utilisation
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Supports normal nerve, muscle, and metabolic function
High levels (excess or accumulation)
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May reflect excessive supplementation
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Possible reduced cellular utilisation
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Requires interpretation alongside symptoms and intake history
Whole blood results should be interpreted differently from serum values.
Biomarkers included
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Red Cell Potassium
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Red Cell Magnesium
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Red Cell Calcium
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Red Cell Manganese
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Red Cell Zinc
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Red Cell Copper
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Red Cell Selenium
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Red Cell Chromium
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
Book Online
Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
Take control of your health with London Blood Tests
WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.