Finger prick tests.

[TJc64]

Hello, I have noticed a lot of people on here have had the private thyroid tests done . I see that a lot are done by finger prick . Is that a small amount of blood in a tube or a lot ? I am needle phobic so was wondering how this works .

Thanks

[Caggie61]

Hi there, it's not a needle as you would think. You are given a lancet which you place on your finger and press. It punches a small cut which allows the blood to flow a little better than a needle prick does. Hope this helps.

Carol x

[Clutter]

Tjc64,

You are provided with lancets to cut your finger and the blood is collected into a small container.

[Fio1331]

You don't even see the needle/blade. As others have explained, it's a plastic lancet that you pop on your finger and press the top - there's a little click and a tiny ouch and there you have it. The tubes I received were relatively small, though they may vary depending on the test, so it took no time at all to provide the amount required just by gently massaging my finger.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

TJc64 The microtainer used for all the thyroid tests I've had done, from just the basic three to the Thyroid plus Eleven, also one for a full iron panel, would contain probably about half a teaspoonful or so, that's about 2.5ml, maybe a touch more.

[BlueHorizonMedicals in reply to SeasideSusie]

The volume in the little tubes is deceptive Susie, they only take about 800 microlitres which is 0.8ml although I'm sure that it feels like an awful lot more sometimes! It equates to about 10-18 drops of blood depending on how big the drops are. ☺

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to BlueHorizonMedicals]

Thanks Paul. It's quite deceptive! After I'd replied, I went and got the syringe I used for some medicine my dog had then filled to the 2.5ml mark and realised I had over estimated by quite a bit and that 1ml would be nearer the mark.

[TJc64]

Thank you for all your replays . Can I ask which one you would recommend?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to TJc64]

If you want vitamins and minerals tested as well then go for the Thyroid Plus Eleven. If you look at Paul's post above (Blue Horizon Medicals) you'll see he corrected my estimation of the amount of blood, it's actually less than 1ml collected.

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/T...

How to do the fingerprick test - click on Paul's picture - bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/F...