Blood test prior to Rituximab.

[juneann]

Hi all,

I am due my Ritiuximab on a Wednesday for Rheumatoid Arthritis and I have been told to have bloods 2 - 3 days before. I am sure that I have had blood a week before in the past and when I enquired at the hospital, one person thought even two weeks would be fine yet someone else said, "No protocol states 2 - 3 days.

My dilemma is my local surgery only takes blood on a Wednesday therefore it would be a week before, on Saturdays there is no phlebotomy service in my town. I may have to take time out of work, take a round trip of four buses and have bloods on a Friday which will still mean 5 days before. I'm afraid the Monday may be leaving it a little late.

Any thoughts anyone? How long before Rutuximab do you have bloods taken?

[AgedCrone]

I have my infusions on Mondays & have the blood test the previous Wednesday....6 days, & it has always been OK.

[juneann in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks AgedCrone, MES can only go by protocol but I have mine in the past a week before, so I think I'll nust go for it,

Thanks.

[weathervane]

Hi june , last infusions 3 weeks ago i was tested a week before on 1st one and had more bloods done on the day of the second one . It looks as if different hospitals have different protocols. Can you get the bloods done at unit you get infusions if your gp won’t do it , thats where i get mine checked . Good luck !

[juneann]

Both can be done at hospital six miles away abd four buses round trip, or bloods at the end of my street.

[Hidden]

I would do it as close to what the doctor said and most convenient for you. If it’s one week before, that’s close enough in my mind. I do one week before methotrexate visit. Could be they meant no later than one to two days to ensure they got the results in time for your visit.

[Gwara]

Hi there I have always had my bloods done 2/3 days before my treatment this as been in place at my unit for many years and my gp practice is always very helpful to make certain that I’m booked in or given alternative to go to the hospital for them