GP and private blood tests. Info please.

[siskin]

I am in a bit of a state and I am pretty sure I am hypo. Dr. says can't do T3 as TSH 2.7 (upper 3.5) T4 17 (upper 22) so am normal. Duh.

I am going to get private tests with Genova, how do people on here get the blood taken? Will drs allow their nurses to do it?

Spire don't seem to know about Genova, only Blue H.

Do drs. have any policy on this.

I am too old and unwell to travel to London or even across my own city.

I am now getting desperate.

[siskin]

In post about GP and blood test my name doesn't show on my screen. I am siskin

[Clutter in reply to siskin]

Siskin, I've emailed [e-mail] and asked them to sort it out. Thanks for letting us know who you are

[NadeNud]

Could you request your doctor does the T3 if you pay for it?

[siskin in reply to NadeNud]

Hi NadeNud, Not sure, me and doc seem to be at odds.

Will try if all else fails. Thank you for responding.

[humanbean]

There are a few ways to get blood drawn for private tests.

1) You can hire a private mobile phlebotomist who will come to your home - I've never done this and it isn't cheap. See this link - there must be other groups doing the same thing but I haven't looked for them :

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

2) You could phone up your surgery and ask if you can get blood taken by one of the nurses for private blood tests. If they say no, ask if it is possible for a fee (and how much). I've never done this either. I don't want to involve my GP in anything I do privately.

3) You could phone up the phlebotomy service at your local hospital. Ask if they will take blood for you for private tests. You will be supplying all the tubes and instructions. I've read that some hospitals don't charge, but some do. If they say they have to charge, ask how much it will be when you make the initial phone call. I have used this method, it was completely anonymous, nobody even asked my name. I was charged just over £7 for doing it, which I paid in cash. When the blood had been taken I just took the tubes away with me, packaged it up, then sent it off.

4) Private hospitals - they may not do this often, but some private hospitals will provide a phlebotomy service. I went and asked my local Spire hospital in person, in advance of wanting the blood, and since then I've used them a few times. I had to convince them to do it because I didn't have a doctor ordering the tests. I was quoted £24 or £25 per blood-taking. I only use the Spire Hospital for tests I consider time-critical e.g. thyroid tests I want done as early in the morning as possible. Spire opens 30 minutes earlier than my local hospital phlebotomy department.

5) Do you have any nurses or midwives or doctors or dentists or vets amongst your friends? Ask them for a favour perhaps?

[siskin]

Hi humanbean, option 1 is expensive as not on their post code so £65.00. region NR.

Option 2 possible but will try for option 3 seems most appealing.

Option 4 have tried Norwich Spire had no info if possible, but do deal with Blue H. who make the arrangement.

Option 5 not feasible have a physio grandaughter and daughter in law very senior OT.

I really appreciate your time to respond. Thank you so much for all that info.

Regards siskin.

[humanbean in reply to siskin]

I get my local Spire to take the blood for me for Genova Diagnostics thyroid tests. I did have to use a bit of persuasion, and asked the receptionist if she could ask the phlebotomist and the accounts department if it could be done. I got there in the end. Maybe I was just lucky. I did have to set up an account with them.

[Jackie]

Hi I use Blue Horizon as recognised Ok by docs. They can send you requirements for a special finger prick test, still a phial of blood, then all DIY , cheapest way. Quote TUK 10 for discount.

Jackie

[siskin in reply to Jackie]

Hi Jackie, thanks for responding bit finger prick tests are not an option. I have Raynauds and getting blood out is a nightmare.

I had a finger prick test for Vit D from the hospital in Birmingham. It took my son ages to get just 3 drops for the test card. Shaking my hand, warming my hand and the squeezing eventually caused a bruise.

I used to be a blood donor and the professionals had a problem getting the test drop.

I do appreciate your help, thanks Jackie. siskin

[Jackie]

Hi I cannot do finger prick for similar reasons I use Blue Horizon, not through spire, expensive but my GP takes the extra venous blood for their phials when having my normal blood tests. Cheapest option. For taking any blood always drink glass or 2 of water 30 mins before, Run arm/finger under hot water then..

Jackie