I am looking for a finger prick test machine to... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

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I am looking for a finger prick test machine to test my calcium levels as they keep dropping. Does any one know of any please

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helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

Do you mean something like the testers that are available for diabetics to check blood sugar?

Have never heard of such a device.

It is possible to get calcium tested from a finger prick sample - but, so far as I know, only if sent to a laboratory.

Rod

in reply tohelvella

Thank you

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi Machines to test minerals ie Potassium and calcium etc are expensive and totally unreliable, i did make extensive enquiries about these. If you use Blue Horizon, main site, quote TUK 10 for discount. Then you can have a calcium test, called bone profile, usually. It is only the corrected calcium you need , also normally at most monthly as in most people it does not change much. However, if very much above range, the GP should be testing it. Also if above range ask for a test, must be am of calcium, PTH (parathyroid) and vit D. If all 3 high or 2 and d high for you ,you need a nuclear scan and CT of the PTH.It must include all 3. If on vit D, you have to reduce and even stop it ,if corrected calcium above range. This is even if osteomalcacia and D on the floor. An Endo should be looking after this.

I hope that helps.

Jackie

Not sure if you know, to reply to a specific post, click on "Reply to this" under that post, or we do not know.

in reply toJackie

Thank you for this information. My corrected calcium keeps bottoming out and I get cramps and twitching face. Thought I could test it myself but obviously not. Will leave it to my consultant. Again thanks

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply to

Hi it could also be low sodium, especially causes bad cramps. Ask GP to do U`s and E`s ( kidney function) for sodium level. If corrected calcium is low, then make sure you vit d is in range, often low vit D is the cause of low calcium, it puts it up. It is unusual. but calcium very important as one of the electrolytes.

Jackie

Rcher profile image
Rcher in reply to

You really need to get a endo. I almost died in 2002 because no body new what was wrong with me. My calcium was 4.2. Doctor said that most people would of been dead from that low of a level. They diagnosed me with hypoparathyroidism. I'm lucky enough to have good insurance that pays for my natpara. Before i started the shots though i had to take rotical. I would either go to the er or make an appt. It took me a year to heal from my levels dropping down so low. Please don't mess around

Marz profile image
Marz in reply toRcher

You have replied to someone who has left the Forum -hence Hidden

😊😊

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toMarz

Quite true, Marz.

When you see a user name of Hidden, it means that the person is no longer a member of this forum.

We often close posts that were originated by people who have left - there is no point in wasting our time making replies. Occasionally, the thread might still be active and popular and will be left. More often, it is simply a case of none of the admins noticing!

I shall now be closing this post to replies.

Bankieanne profile image
Bankieanne

Hi

I work in a biochemistry lab and to my knowledge there is no self testing device for calcium levels. You require to have an adjusted calcium level which is calculated in relation to the albumin concentration. This is normally part of a bone profile which is offered in accredited laboratories.

Hope this is helpful.

in reply toBankieanne

Thank you very much for this information.

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