Low TSH

[annieb2013]

Hi,I have just had my results given over the phone by the practice nurse, she would not give me the ranges as I need to apply in writing and pay for them but she did say that although everything is within range my TSH is low at 0.5. I take 100 mcg levothyroxin daily and have Hoshimoto's do I need to alter my dose..?

[KatzeB]

why do u need to pay to obtain ur blood test results?

[annieb2013 in reply to KatzeB]

That is the new practice process 😢

[KatzeB in reply to annieb2013]

owh... my last blood test was 3 months ago and the surgery printed them out for me for free... hmmm...

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to annieb2013]

You don't have to pay to just look at them. The NHS constitution and Data Protection Act say so. You might be asked to pay for a print out, but they should not make a profit. So go in and ask to see the results, the ranges are printed next to them - sounds like the jobsworth was just being difficult on purpose.

[liverish]

Hello AnnieB, you are legally entitled to YOUR results, including the reference ranges that apply to them. I think a Doctor can charge for copying them, but no more than is reasonable for the copy. You might need to go into the surgery to collect them - you could always ask to see them then copy them out yourself if they are unreasonable. Also as of April 2015 all GP's are meant to provide patients with on-line access to summary information in their medical records, including test results - see nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/re...

But I won't be expecting that happen in most places anytime soon!

[annieb2013 in reply to liverish]

Thank you that is really useful

[ursa]

Everybody has a right to view their full tests results free of charge, as long as they have been updated during the past 40 days and you do not ask for a printout.

This does not make much sense, as, I think, it will waste GP's time if you have to make an appointment to 'view' your results.

To obtain a print out of any computer held results does cost £10 and £50 if you want print outs of all results.

It is every patients right to make a 'subject access request' as per The Data Protection act 1998., and get the results they want.

[liverish in reply to ursa]

Ursa there is no set fee for print outs it is up to the GP (ours never charges). If you see the link in my reply earlier, you are also meant to have free online access to your results on line.

[ursa in reply to liverish]

The doctors at my practice will hand out print outs. It is the admin/reception staff that are somehow confused.

The Data Protection act probably needs amending regarding the 'viewing' right versus the right to obtain a printout foc.

I tried to make the point that it is actually a waste of time to exercise your right to 'view' your results instead of getting a printout as a matter of routine.

I have a hunch that GP's are not very efficient at controlling their admin staff, at least not those at my practice.

[Glynisrose]

So? TSH is not a reliable test as it is NOT a thyroid hormone.

[eeng]

If you feel well on 100mcg then don't adjust your dose. The TSH varies throughout the day and is highest first thing in the morning. Your TSH result will also be affected (downwards) if you took your Levothyroxine in the 12 hours or so before your blood test. If you feel well but your doctor insists on a dose reduction either refuse or insist on a second blood test, and have it done a 8.30am having not taken Levothyroxine for 24 hours beforehand, and don't eat or drink except for water before the blood test.

[helvella Administrator]

Results really are not results without reference ranges.

I think that if someone took up a case properly with the Information Commissioner's Office, they would be forced to agree. However, I quite understand that we never quite have enough time to do that!

[Longwilloe in reply to helvella]

I have low TSH results lower than the reference range with a result of 0.16. Any advice wld be helpful. Already have diagnosis of GPA.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Longwilloe]

I really hope you will write a brand new post. Down here, on a year old post, your question will get lost.

Click on the green Write a post and ask - giving more information, if you can. You will get responses.