Blood Test Results Information, Where to find out what they are for and what they mean etc for someone who is totally ignorant about it.

[White_Mist]

Have realised that I know virtually nothing about what my blood tests results mean and really need to get acquainted with as much reliable info as possible. What are the specific tests, there seem to be T this and T that etc plus a whole lot more,? What happens if the results are outside the usual range? Many people on the forum talk in language that seems alien to me. I need to get myself informed so that the results can be relevant to me. Can anyone direct me to a link that can explain things in a language that is relevant to non medical people.

Many thanks

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

A useful and UK-oriented source is this:

labtestsonline.org.uk/

That is run effectively by the biochemists, etc. so is very much an establishment view - but VERY useful.

Wiki is also an amazingly good source - mind you always take your pinches of salt. Some medical articles are pretty darned good.

And, of course, do look round the main Thyroid UK site:

thyroiduk.org.uk

Rod

[shaws Administrator]

I think we were all ignorant about the function of the thyroid gland before we were diagnosed. For me, it was only when I didn't get well on the prescription hormones (levothyroxine) that I began to search for information, like you.

Thyroiduk.org has some books which they can lend for the cost of postage.

[Jackie]

Hi First always make sure you have a print out with ranges for all tests. Quite a few vary between Labs, so long as you have the ranges that is fine. Keep. If you google each on, you will find various sites giving the info you need, pick a simple one! Thyroid best on this site. Docs. are usually quite happy with bloods slightly out, we generally speaking are not.If there is something specifically not thyroid related and you need further help, post with the ranges I have a host of blood tests 2 weekly as a lot of critical med problems.. Thyroid most people on here can advise you.,if you want to post with the ranges.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[White_Mist]

Thank you to everyone that posted a reply. The links are very useful and I have been wading through the information bit by bit. There is a lot of it to understand and assimilate with relation to myself. I will create a post with the results of my latest blood test results