Liver blood tests

[foxglove]

Can anyone suggest what is the best (and cheapest)! private blood test - finger prick) to order? Thank you

[Hidden]

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.

[foxglove in reply to Hidden]

Your answer (no doubt given with good intention- thanks) presupposes gps with good knowledge of and genuine interest in patients Yes that is what we all want!!! I realise you're acting according to "safety" guidelines

[Hidden in reply to foxglove]

Hi,

Its actually to ensure that the test is done in a clinically safe environment and to ensure that it reported accordingly so that any problems will be correctly flagged.

[foxglove in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!

[RodeoJoe]

Not sure there even is a finger prick test. Never heard of one.

[foxglove in reply to RodeoJoe]

There are several forthwith life the most recommende one. See reply from bpsingh

[ps1lon]

I tend to use forthwithlife.co.uk there are a few other companies too.

[foxglove in reply to ps1lon]

Thank you I have already found this company and think it will be the one I use. Willhave to wait a bit to allow liver to adjust!

[Aotea2012]

First port of call should be your GP. They will be in the best position to judge which blood tests to undertake or indeed consider whether you need onward referral to a specialist. I was diagnosed with cirrhosis in late March 2021. I was admitted to hospital with a deep rooted infection which had caused my undiagnosed liver disease to flair up. I was pretty sick and had no idea before admission that I had cirrhosis. I had many many blood tests for many many things whilst I was in hospital and since! I wouldn’t have been happy to have my tests done without clinical supervision to help explain to me the significance of the results. If your concerned enough to want to get tests done then it’s important that you get the best advice to understand what they mean.

[foxglove in reply to Aotea2012]

Agree but do NOT agree that gp is nesessarily the best adviser!

[HalM]

I would not advise self testing as difficult to interpret results without medical advice. Speak to your GP or one of practice team (or consultant if you have one)

[foxglove in reply to HalM]

Thanks for reply, do not find gps and such much help, best advice comes from those who have experience of the problem themselves

[AyrshireK]

I am just wondering what aspects of your GP's care you feel is lacking and what it is you wish to find out with these tests.

From looking up your profile you seem to have multiple/overlapping health issues so somewhere along the line you've had tests and diagnosis's.

Relative advanced age can also bring about multiple health changes so I am not quite sure why a GP wouldn't be the best port of call for an absolutely routine set of monitoring bloods and way better than any online, by mail set of finger prick tests which if they show up anything will need to be checked via the NHS anyway.

(I know there are difficulties accessing NHS GP surgeries but they are still working, still available and if tests are required they will still do them).

You say you need to let your liver adjust before you get these tests so I am not sure what you hope they'll show.

[foxglove in reply to AyrshireK]

I know surgeries still working but tests are only done if gp thinks necessary. NHS is a service and I (like many others ) am a service user so am entitled to what I (yes me!) think needed

[foxglove in reply to AyrshireK]

Adjust =- best to leave (so I'm told (GP) ) 3 months between lver tests

[Salmph]

Hi, I got my bloods done through the gp and the liver function tests came back clear. I've been experiencing pains in my right side under my ribs.I was sceptical so did a private test through Thriva and it came back elevated enzymes dor me to talk to my doctor. I called them and they said all fine nothing to worry about.

I paid privately to see bupa,liver enzymes fine here but ultrasound shows fibrous liver so healthy eating and no drinking for me.

Goodluck with what you decide to do,I personally didn't get much advise or help from my GP.

Take care

[foxglove in reply to Salmph]

Agree that gp interest etc is not up to much. Like most people I resent the "private route" Bupa sounds good !