Online tests?

[5reasons]

Hello. Trying to make the most of lockdown to crack down on my drinking, and wondering about online tests to see what state i am in at the moment?

Are the tests you can buy online worth while or are NHS tests the only way forward? While I dont feel great, I dont have any obvious symptoms. But dont want false hopes (or fears) from paying for a meaningless test online?

thank you

[Hidden]

Hi,

The British Liver Trust would only advocate obtaining a liver function blood test via the GP service or NHS . This way the blood test can be assured to be performed under clinical conditions and reported appropriately in an NHS lab then sent to the GP/specialist for clinical consideration.

This process ensures that the doctors can assess the results and then order further investigations if necessary.

We cannot comment on the validity or accuracy of any home tests.

If people choose to buy these then it is often difficult to obtain medical interpretation as many GP’s will then request liver function tests again via the routine route to ensure validity.

Liver function tests are one part of a diagnostic process that often also includes assessment of medical history, symptoms, physical assessment, imaging tests and other medical tests.

We hope that is helpful and you can chat to your GP to get the tests you need.

[5reasons in reply to Hidden]

That all sounds very sensible. Is it possible to request tests through the NHS as a precautionary measure (without having any symptoms). I asked my previous GP and was was brushed off as unnecessary.

While i totally get the importance of properly applied and interpreted tests, i wondered whether the online tests might at least give an indication of my current liver health?

[Hidden in reply to 5reasons]

If you explained to your GP you are concerned about your liver due to alcohol usage they may be willing to investigate.

It is completely your choice if you wish to purchase any online testing, it is worth thinking if any enzymes were not in the reported reference range, who you could see to discuss a that with? as many GP's would want to order bloods via the conventual NHS system.

Hopefully your GP can clarify matters with you.

Good luck.

[5reasons in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I have recently moved so I shall see if my new GP is more sympathetic to exploratory tests. Because you are right. if anything were to be uncovered all i would do with it is to go to the doctor.

[DJEligio in reply to 5reasons]

Just for info - I have used an online blood test service on two occasions and found them to be very good and accurate as they send samples to accredited labs used by doctors and hospitals. Sample is taken via finger prick and posted directly to the lab. As I live not far from the lab I delivered the samples myself. Results are reviewed by a doctor who makes some comments. Just to be clear this is no substitute to getting proper medical advise from your GP, however, for me it was useful to have an overview during lockdown. And just an observation, the term liver function tests, or LFTs, has been replaced by "liver blood tests"

[deanw41 in reply to 5reasons]

Just say you want one,you do pay for the nhs!!

[bantam12]

I use online test labs to keep track of my liver function and other medical issues, you can choose to have their Drs comments with results or not, they are very good and accurate. I use Medichecks.

[Richard-Allen]

Hello 5reasons, I do have certain concerns about online testing. As you’ll know, when you go and visit your GP, he/she will be able to call up your medical history. They can get a better picture as to what is going on by looking at previous readings and patient history.

If people then go and have tests carried out elsewhere, then the GP to a certain degree will be kept outside the loop as far as your medical condition is concerned.

Any tests you had done privately, will have to be repeated on the NHS so that a doctor can see the fuller picture and order up any further treatment or recommendations. So really all your paying for is peace of mind, or not as the case maybe.

This is just my opinion.

Good luck

Richard.

[Roy1955]

Are you testing to find out if your sick.Or testing so you can carry on drinking!

[HJ30]

Hi 5reasons. You can get a private blood test done (LFT, ELF) at home, by a nurse and results sent to your NHS GP for their records and follow up. Visit Livaware.co.uk - They’re CQC regulated and are based in London. Hope this helps!