Many countries contain a mix of those interested in overall health, those with a genuine interest in a particular medical ailment and hypochondriacs. The UK spends £292 billion annually on healthcare, yet 51% of patients avoid making GP appointments, while those who do seek help face an average 18-month wait for diagnosis.
In terms of online searching, there are mixed effects. Searches can induce patient anxiety but more often led to patient reassurance, clinical understanding, and empowerment. There is also the issue of where to search and what are the legitimate sources of information? As a rule, health websites sponsored by federal government agencies are accurate sources of information.
Data analysis by the company Drug Testing Kits UK has recently examined the medical tests UK citizens research most frequently, revealing the health concerns that millions seek answers independently.
| Test Name | UK (yearly search) | Global (yearly search) |
| Pregnancy Test | 432,000 | 5,988,000 |
| Drug Test | 387,600 | 504,000 |
| Blood Test | 336,000 | 1,548,000 |
| Mammogram | 240,000 | 2,148,000 |
| Hearing Test | 192,000 | 1,032,000 |
Pregnancy Test – 432,000 Annual Searches
According to NHS data, 1 in 7 couples in the UK struggle with fertility issues, taking longer than a year to conceive naturally. Yet people remain hopeful, with 432,000 people turning to the Internet to research whether they might be pregnant.
Drug Test – 387,600 Annual Searches
Workplace drug policies exist in 60% of UK businesses, yet only 20% actually conduct drug testing, according to workplace safety data. This discrepancy might be one of the reasons why 387,600 people search online annually for drug testing information—whether to understand workplace rights, learn about testing procedures, or explore testing options.
Blood Test – 336,000 Annual Searches
Nearly half of UK women are either managing a health issue or experiencing symptoms without a formal diagnosis, according to NHS research. Blood tests can detect hundreds of conditions—from diabetes and heart disease to liver problems and infections. With average diagnosis times stretching to 18 months, 336,000 people search online annually for blood testing information to understand what tests they need and where to get them privately.
Mammogram – 192,000 Annual Searches
Breast cancer affects 1 in 7 women during their lifetime, yet only 64.6% of eligible women attend NHS breast screening appointments. The test can detect cancer early when treatment is most effective, with 93% survival rates for early-stage cases. Despite declining screening attendance, 192,000 people search online annually for mammogram information.
Hearing Test – 192,000 Annual Searches
In the UK, over 12 million people have hearing problems, making it the second most common disability in Britain, according to RNID data. Yet 47% of othose surveyed have never had a hearing test, the worst rate globally. With only 0.78% of the population tested in recent years, 192,000 citizens search online annually for hearing test information.
