blood tests

[anbuma]

original kit returned as gp surgery s would not administer it for me and no phlebs in the area had someone doit for me as couldn't finger prick myself-posted and now just wait for the results.hope its worth the money.

[yorkshiregirl44]

Its not easy doing bloods from a pricked finger. I did it and made a mess of my first card and had to re-do it. At least you have done it now and its just a waiting game.Iv had to wait 2 months for mine, they are dye middle of April.

[anbuma in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

i was told the turn around is a few days-to a week.

[Jackie in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

Hi Blue Horizon, use a small phial for finger prick, so very reliable and well tested.. 24 hours, working day , from when they receive the blood. Always for any bloods. drink a glass of water about half an hour before, if very dehydrated more. Then run hand ( if hand) under hot water. Easy then, unless sticky blood , condition I have.

best wishes,

Jackie

[Fruitandnutcase]

Well done for keeping going think you need to get someone to take you by surprise - when I did a finger pricked I think I jumped as I did it and only just managed to squeeze out the four drops I needed. I've decided if I get round to doing the Blue Horizon one I'm going to get my scientist friend or her scientist sister to stab my finger for me. I can look the other way. Very hard to do it in cold blood - so to speak.

[anbuma in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

my brother came over today and so got him to do it for me.middle finger didnt work -only got a few drops so did 4th finger-success-had to fill a small tube.we thought it would be less painful if you cut yourself on paper or a tin can or something cos then you dont feel it when its accidental.i would have thought my surgery would have administered the one in the arm for a fee.

[BlueHorizonMedicals]

Anbuma,

Well done with the blood extraction! The finger prick kits can be difficult admittedly. Always happy to send a replacement kit FOC if the first is unsuccessful.

[anbuma in reply to BlueHorizonMedicals]

thanks btu not required .having the extra pieces helped as needed a second "stab"at it (pardon the pun).couldnt have done it by myself .

[Angel_of_the_North]

I preferred to pay for the Spire hospital to do it. I had an awful time with the finger prick vit D test - I had to use a kitchen knife as the lancets just didn't work for me.

[Lilian15]

To make blood less sticky drink as much water as you can for a while before you prick your finger

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Lilian15]

Yes, this is great advice! I wish I had known it earlier. All my life I've been told about my bad veins, but the lovely phlebotomist in my gp's surgery told me 1) drink water, 2) have a brisk walk and, if necessary, 3) run hands/forearms under warm water before the blood test, and I've never again had a problem. Have never had to resort to no 3, but I hear it helps with finger-prick tests.

[Lilian15]

Yes putting finger in warm water certainly does help. When you jab your finger do not do it on the pad but slightly to the side. The inside of your thumb might be a less sensitive place. Perhaps someone will do it for you.