How can I find a GP surgery that tests T3?

[Corinne]

Hi I want my T3 tested but myGP surgery doesnt test for this, I'm not feeling well on Levothyroxine and have had TSH and T4 tested and few people have suggested on this site I get T3 tested. Does anyone know how I would go about finding a local GP thats tests this and I would change my DR.

Thanks

Corinne xx

[rosetrees]

I can only tell you my own experience. Most GPs refusal to test seems to stem from the fact that the labs refuse to test even when asked. This is what happened to me in January. We requested T3, but the lab refused as my TSH had reduced as I was on thyroxine.

My GP phoned the lab and asked them to do it, so when I had a retest a couple of weeks ago, they did do the T3 test. Interestingly, conversion doesn't seem to be my problem.

Have you had your adrenals tested? Genova do a saliva test which you can order through this site.

[Corinne in reply to rosetrees]

Hi Rosetrees,

Thanks for your reply, my GP just says they dont do it, so I really wanted to find one who did. Havent had adrenals tested and really not in position to afford to at moment.

Corinne

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

rosetrees is quite right. I have seen a GP repeatedly request FT3 only for it simply to be omitted from the results sent back to him.

The GP had no idea why it was not done. My own investigation eventually identified that the lab were not doing the test because they thought they knew best.

My biggest complaint is actually that the lab failed to tell the GP what was going on and why. Had they done that, the GP might have been in a position to argue the case. As it was, he had no idea if the result was never going to come back - or were simply going to take a bit longer.

In my (not so humble on this issue) opinion, all labs should have an absolute duty to report back to the person requesting any test - even if that is to say "No".

So, although your doctor may or may not write it on a form, the critical issue is what the lab decides to do (or not do). Switching doctor is unlikely to help unless somehow that enables or makes you have your test performed at a different lab. Though that is also unlikely to help.

You can, at some cost, get private tests done. Many can be performed with a finger-prick sample of blood.

Rod

[Corinne in reply to helvella]

Hi Rod,

My GP just says they dont test for it and thats that! and I am not in position to afford private testing. So I need to fing Gp that is at least willing to try and requset the test.

Corinne

[kimbo]

I had the same problem, Gp requested it and the lab did not do it so i rang them and asked why it was not done, they told me that only Endocrinologists can request it to be done, and that was that

[kavidacat]

Don't blame your GP - mine tried to get it done but it is a directive from the Ministry of Health. The only way you might get it done is if your GP refers you to an Endocrinologist, but you have to NEED that referral because they are very busy people.

[Corinne]

Hi Kavidcat,

Maybe bieng a bit unfair as suppose GP can only do so much, just feed up with hitting brick walls over several years! will request Endo apt.

Corinne x