Does T3 result take longer than the rest?

[joannec123]

Had bloods done and GP wrote on the form she wanted TSH, T3 and T4, as she did the first time. but so far only TSH and T4 come back...

[PinkNinja]

If your TSH and T4 were within range, and your GP didn't specify a good enough reason for doing the T3 test, the lab may well have refused to do it. This seems to be quite common, unfortunately

It would be worth checking with your doctor in another week just in case it is taking longer than the others. Hopefully it is just taking a little longer than the rest

Carolyn x

[Clutter in reply to PinkNinja]

Monkey calling shots, not the organ grinder. God knows how GPs are supposed to treat us when the labs decide which tests they'll fulfill and GPs no longer diagnose based on symptoms!

[joannec123 in reply to Clutter]

Yep,, awful

[Ansteynomad]

Where I live in the West Midlands the lab considers FT3 "to be of little diagnostic value", so they won't do it, even if TSH and FT4 are out of range and/or the GP has specifically requested it.

If it's been requested, they do put a rider on the results saying GP can call and discuss, but by the time you get in to see the GP and he looks at your test results, that window has closed and your sample has been thrown away.

Be aware that something similar may be happening to you and you may need to bang the table - a lot.

[joannec123 in reply to Ansteynomad]

The first time I had it done she did have to phone the lab and specifically ask for it,but because id started levo thought they would do it!! all down to cost I guess..

[Ansteynomad in reply to joannec123]

I think it’s all down to cost and I’ve said as much to my GP, but I’ve never been able to get anyone to admit it.

[Hidden in reply to Ansteynomad]

And bang quickly

[Fradgie]

Hello,

I am asking please if it is usual for g.p's to request T3 when the usual thyroid functioning tests are carried out - two or three times a year in my case. My doctor says 'no' - only an endocrinologist requests T3 etc. Thanks, and good cheer everyone for Christmas. Diana xx

[Muffy]

Yes, my T3 test results always take a little longer to come back.

[bantam12 in reply to Muffy]

Where I live we routinely get tsh, t3 and t4 done each time. All 3 results are back next day. Guess it's down to where you live.