Private diagnosis cost anyone?

[Raven321]

Hi guys, does anyone know how much it would cost to get a private test done for PA?

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Raven321. No idea but if you look on the Blue Horizons website, they list prices for different 'packages' of blood tests. Worth checking other sites (there are several) since prices tend to vary quite a lot.

Also depends what tests you want doing.

Would,your GP do these for you?

Good luck

[Raven321 in reply to Foggyme]

Thank you I will have a look

[fbirder]

£135 Blue Horizon do a private test for Intrinsic Factor antibodies - bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/e...

This is considered by many doctors to be the definitive test for PA. However, 50% of people with PA will give a negative result.

[Raven321 in reply to fbirder]

Thanks I will check this out

[Raven321 in reply to fbirder]

Hi fbirder, I have checked that website and was thinking about having the intrinsic factor one done. But I'm a little apprehensive now as you say that even people with PA might show negative results so how is one to get a definitive answer?

Sorry I'm really confused that's all.

[fbirder in reply to Raven321]

There really is no certain way of telling if you have PA or not. My haematologist said that I didn't have it - just because I hadn't had an IFAB test (not that I had a negative result - just that I hadn't been tested). So I asked him to explain why I had low B12, metaplastic gastric atrophy and antibodies to gastric parietal cells.

He conceded that I might have PA - *&^^&%*$

So the important question is - 'Does one need a definite diagnosis?'. I would say no - as long as you can get the correct treatment for your B12 deficiency symptoms (which should be the same as you'd get for a IFAB-positive PA).

[Raven321 in reply to fbirder]

That makes sense I guess. Thank you fbirder I will order the test online and take it from there.

[Mr_E]

I had a similar question recently and might be able to help by advising on my experience.

After the NHS identifying I was deficient in B12, but denying me any kind of referrals / further tests I went private for a second opinion. I think I paid about £500 all in for 2 consultations a load of blood tests (active B12 / red cell folate / vitamin D / ESR (whatever that is) / full blood count / coeliacs / intrinsic factor) and an injection to keep me going. Would of been cheaper for less tests and if my first consultation didn't happen to fall on a Friday afternoon (couldn't send bloods over the weekend).

It was with a private independant practice (not Bupa / one of the big names).

Hope this is of some help.

[Raven321 in reply to Mr_E]

Hi Mr E, thank you for your reply. I have found a company that do the test much cheaper but I'm not sure I want to be taking blood myself. Not too great with needles. It's an online website. They send you all you need and then you take the blood and send back. I'm thinking about that as its a three day turn around. It's called blue horizon Medicals. I hope it's a legit company 😖

[Raven321 in reply to Raven321]

O it's also much cheaper, which makes me think it's probably not a legit company

[fbirder in reply to Raven321]

Blue Horizon are definitely legit. A lot of people on here and TUK have used them in the past.

[SlowDragon in reply to Raven321]

It's very good service, totally legit. Fingerprick test, not a needle. Very easy.

100's (if not 1000's) of us on thyroid UK unlocked use these tests. (MP's typically won't do all necessary thyroid & vitamin tests)

[Raven321]

Thank you slowdragon,

Thank god it's a finger prick test and they don't want bottles!

I will order the test and take it from there. No doubt the results will be negative but I have read that even if the results are negative it doesn't mean you don't have PA. I am planning on taking a private B12 injection to see how I get on too.

Thank you again for your advice and time