repeat blood tests

[Antipas]

I have been asked to return to the hospital for repeat blood tests. I have primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Any ideas why? TIA.

[PMRpro]

The usual reason is because there were problems with the original samples OR they have found something that needs further investigation. A lot of specialist tests must be done at or close to the hospital lab because the samples need special handling - short times between taking and processing or other special procedures.

[Antipas in reply to PMRpro]

thank you for your response.

[LalaH52 in reply to PMRpro]

Or a result is borderline or slightly above normal maxima.

Some of my recent blood test results have come back from Sheffield, 5 weeks after I had the bloods done at Addenbrookes in Cambridge!

[PMRpro in reply to LalaH52]

Yes - something that needs further investigation, as I said

[LalaH52 in reply to PMRpro]

No need for the spikiness!

[LalaH52]

you could contact the rheumatology helpline at your hospital to ask which blood tests need to be repeated. You could also ask your GP surgery to download your hospital blood test results so you can see them. Mine does this so that the blood results can be uploaded to the GP practice app for me to view.

I am also treated at Addenbrookes, which has its own app for patients - it’s pretty fantastic. All my blood results from tests done at Addenbrookes automatically appear in the app as they become available. All letters appear there too. I get app notifications letting me know there’s a new result or letter. I wish my local hospital had such an app - it really makes a difference to the patient experience.

[Potatoheat]

Could be they need to recheck something but also may be that the sample clotted, wasn't enough or even put in wrong tube. It happens ! Good luck.