Do the blood tests for T3/T4/antibodies & B12 take a bit longer than standard bloods ie TSH?

[joannec123]

Had TSH and usual bloods done last week - all normal. So asked to get the above done, last time they only took 24 hrs, do these take longer?

[helvella Administrator]

Depends on the lab - but quite possibly. It is hard to argue that an antibody test has any urgency - so not surprising if they optimise their lab to perform the tests less frequently.

Some labs can and will do FT3 and FT4 in exactly the same timescale as TSH.

I don't know about B12, but again, would not be surprised if it took longer.

Rod

[nobodysdriving]

Yes, all the labs I had 'dealings' with take longer for vitamin B12 and the antibodies. Sometimes also for the fT4.

Typically depending on lab this is...fT3 is done very quickly (IF they want to do it), TSH and fT4 within 24 hours during weekdays, B12 if serum 2 to 3 days, if active B12 up to 5 days and if methylmalonic acid is needed to confirm B12 deficiency/sufficiency then another week on top. Antibodies take on average one week in most labs but can be up to a week and a half.

[nikkimaa]

I was told could take up to 14 days but within 5 days they contacted me with result

[nobodysdriving in reply to nikkimaa]

yes if you called me for the results I'd tell you 14 days too as I would not want you to call me every other day for them LOL

[shaws Administrator]

Even though they say your blood results are normal, I would still get a print-out and post them on a new question complete with the ranges for members to comment on them.

Some GP's think that anywhere within the 'normal range' is o.k. but are apt to ignore clinical symptoms.

[joannec123]

Thanks everyone, I rang today and the receptionist said as far as she could tell.. they were all back - and all normal. but ive booked another appointment with my GP (third one in two weeks, lol) to discuss it and ask for a printout etc as im still not happy ... I just don't see whatelse could be causing this horrendous fatigue, and then all the other symptoms on top!! x