How can I get a liver function test without going to my gp and it being on my medical records.

[1202370316]

I have spent a decade drinking heavily although I have recently stopped, but I want to establish if my liver is badly damaged or if I have liver disease

[Hidden]

Much safer to go to a Doctor to have the test done, you can then get a full range of advice if the test results are not too good best to be safe, please go to your GP.

[Hidden]

I would agree with owdsod: you are more likely to get consistent support and guidance from your GP. If you have a difficult relationship with GP, however, consider changing to another practice.

Mike

[TheBigF]

Hiya - people have liver function tests for all manner of reasons, so it's no big deal having it on your medical records. I have managed until very recently to avoid any reference to my alcohol issues being on my notes - despite it being glaringly obvious to all health professionals I have dealt with that I have way too much - and I haven't even really tried to cover it up. I get through 2-3 bottles of wine a night. I had a fibroscan anonymously last year, at the BLT Love Your Liver roadshow - if you haven't missed it, see if it's in your area, that would give you guidance as to whether you need a blood test, and you get to speak to a liver consultant too. They are very good and non-judgemental, so it's well worth a trip if you can make it. Failing that, you could tell your GP you've been feeling very run down, or describe some non-descript symptoms and ask if they'd run some blood tests to re-assure you it isn't anything serious, full blood count, liver, thyroid, .... or you could just be honest and say you've stopped drinking recently but worry about any ill effects from your habit, could they just do a blood test to be sure? It's really up to you, but I personally find that being open and frank with doctors builds a relationship that's far more beneficial than hedging around the issues. Good luck, whatever you decide to do. L

[carmik]

I agree with what you have been told.

But if you really don't want to go through your GP.

You can look up private blood testing laboratories but it will cost you a fair bit.

[Ph1ldad]

Don't quite understand why you want to avoid the tests being on your med records. These are only available to health professionals who are4 treating you. If you had the tests done "ex-directory" then the results wouldn't be available to the same health professionals, leading to delays in any treatment. They can be done using private labs. If you're worried that maybe you wouldn't be able to carry on working in your current role, perhaps you should consider whether your occupation and lifestyle are really compatible?

[Sam- in reply to Ph1ldad]

Appreciate often maybe required anonymously prior to consideration for life insurance, various governmental (DVLA?) / employment related circumstances.

Going private is avail but costly

- as suggested, approaching GP with general health MOT / concerns can easily get blood work figures WITHOUT making previous Alcohol consumption the central cause for concern. GL

[Caramberman]

You can get it done privately......Harley street is about £500 for fibroscan, blood tests and consultation all done in a day .....there may be cheaper ones try searching the internet...

[briccolone]

hi-all the responses here are valid and useful-I think the question you need to ask yourself is what is the major concern to you-A your health or B what the GP/others might say? Suggest A should be your priority! You've already done the hard bit by stopping drinking or are in the process of doing so.....go to the doctor and say, as Bigf suggests that you've been overdoing it and want to change...I can't see anything other than a positive outcome. Good luck

[julia69]

I decided to stop drinking like you not that long ago - I thought I was drinking far to much - weeknights and at weekends (mainly larger - very rarely wine and never spirits). I was pleased I went because it made me realise that I needed to stop or at least cut down and that if I didnt my GGT and any other symptoms could only get worse. GP is confidential and only with a medical consent form can other persons ie employers obtain information - also the information provided is not necessarily as detailed as if it was being seen by a different consultant. You may find your blood results are find and you will feel far better for seeing the doctor.