You don't have to go via the GP to have your blood values measured. As an athlete you arrange it yourself online, get blood drawn at a location near you, and get your data back with a doctor's explanation. You decide which markers to follow.
Below we walk through the steps, plus which markers make sense per goal.
Why the GP often won't measure your sports values
The GP tests on medical necessity. If you want to follow your ferritin, testosterone or hsCRP to optimise, there's often no medical indication. Not unwillingness, but how the system is set up.
That's why many athletes choose a private test, picking the markers themselves.
Arrange it in four steps
- Pick your test online. A panel or your own markers via build your test.
- Receive your referral. At Enhanced Health usually within 2 to 3 hours on business days via ZorgDomein.
- Get blood drawn at a location. A venous draw by a trained professional, close to home.
- Read your data. With an explanation from a BIG-registered doctor, not just numbers.
Which markers do you pick per goal?
It depends on what you're steering by. A few commonly tracked data points and where to read deeper:
- Hormones and recovery, see how to test testosterone.
- A broad baseline with the 360 Health panel.
- Hormone-specific with general hormones.
How quickly do you get your result?
Usually within a few business days of the draw. Exactly how long depends on the markers you chose. Prepare for your appointment: check whether you need to fast and bring an ID.
What does it cost, and is it reimbursed?
You pay for it yourself, separate from your deductible. Want to know how that compares to the GP route? Read are sports blood tests covered by insurance. The whole picture is in our guide for athletes.
Which markers fit your sport type?
No fixed rule, but a handy starting point. This table links a goal to data points athletes often follow for it. What's useful for you depends on your phase and your question.
| Your focus | Commonly tracked data points |
|---|---|
| Strength and muscle growth | Testosterone, SHBG, haematocrit |
| Endurance and recovery | Ferritin, iron, hsCRP |
| General baseline | Full blood count, vitamin D, thyroid |
Treat these rows as a starting point, not a prescription. Many athletes start broad and then zoom in on what stands out. A doctor can help place your result in the context of your training.
How to get more from your test
A few simple things make your result more usable. Test on a calm moment, not right after a hard session, because markers like CK can run temporarily high then. Draw your hormones at a fixed time, so you can compare honestly later.
And maybe the most important: treat your first measurement as a baseline. The value of testing is in the trend you build after it, not in that single number.
When are you better off seeing your GP?
A private test isn't a replacement for care when you have symptoms. With real complaints, the GP is the right starting point. Self-testing can even slow things down then.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or sudden loss of function.
- Complaints lasting longer than a few weeks or getting worse.
- A result that worries you and calls for follow-up.
In doubt: discuss it with your GP. Your blood values are data, not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a referral to test your blood values?
No. You request a private test yourself and the provider arranges the referral for the lab.
Can you decide which markers to measure?
Yes. You pick a panel or build your own markers via build your test.
Do you need to fast before the draw?
For some measurements yes, for others no. Check the instructions with your test and bring a valid ID.
How often do athletes get blood drawn?
It varies by person and goal. Some follow a trend across a season, others test around a specific question. There's no fixed rule.
Every blood test result at Enhanced Health includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, always discuss your results with your GP.
References
- RIVM. Reliability of health tests. rivm.nl/gezondheidstesten/betrouwbaarheid, 2022.
- Rijksoverheid. When do I pay a deductible for my care? rijksoverheid.nl, accessed 2026.
- Zilveren Kruis. Is laboratory testing reimbursed? zilverenkruis.nl, accessed 2026.
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