Finger Prick Tests

[Bijourain]

I've sent of for the Blue Horizon' s Thyroid Check 11. I opted for the finger prick test. Has anyone done this and is it easy to do? Thanks 😊

[TraceyLE]

Hi, I have done loads of these over the years and they are very easy. The main thing for me is to make sure my hands are warm when I do it as they are always cold so the blood won't flow. There are very good instructions including warming hands thoroughly so just follow them carefully.

[Bijourain in reply to TraceyLE]

TraceyLE, good tip, cheers 🖒

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Bijourain Have you seen Blue Horizon's instructions? Click on Paul's picture here bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/F...

Some tips:

1) Have everything ready and laid out, make sure you've read and understood the instructions.

2) Drink plenty of water the day before and before your test to make sure that you are well hydrated.

3) Have a bowl of hot water ready so that you can warm up your hand. Dip hand in water until it goes read, swish it about a bit, dry before pricking finger. If blood flow slows or stops, pop hand back in hot water.

4) Stand on a toddler step or similar so that your arm is straight when collecting the blood.

I get best blood flow from my middle finger when I prick on the side nearer the nail bed rather than the tip.

Personal anecdote (not an instruction) - if I leave off my D3/K2 combo supplement for a few days then I tend to get a better blood flow. I don't know why, because it's K1 that is supposed to aid blood clotting, but for some reason this helps me.

[Bijourain in reply to SeasideSusie]

SeasideSusie, brilliant, very useful suggestions, I'll look at the picture you've linked🖒

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Bijourain]

If you click on Paul's picture a pdf will download giving full instructions with helpful pictures.

My last BH test pack had a new type of microtainer which had a little lip on the side which I found so much better. It's really useful if blood is slowing down or collecting on the end of your finger without dripping into the container, you can gently scrape your finger on the lip to help the blood get into the tube.

Don't squeeze your finger to get it out, it damages the blood. You can gently 'milk' your finger but if it's flowing well then scraping on the lip of the microtainer should be enough.

Good luck 😊 you'll be so excited when you get the email with your results!

[Bijourain in reply to SeasideSusie]

🖒, how long before you got your results? How do they send them to you?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Bijourain]

You get your results through as an attachment to an email.

I always send mine by Royal Mail's 'Guaranteed Next Day by 1pm" so I can check to make sure it's been received. I have had my results the day following receipt (so 2 days after posting), more often 2 days following receipt.

It's best to post earlier in the week, don't post on a Friday as the lab will be closed over the weekend and the blood won't be any good by the next working day.

[Bijourain in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sorry I've just seen you explained the email them, doh!

[Venicefan]

I did my first one this week. My daughter-in-law is a nurse and she did it for me. I'm glad I asked her as it would have been difficult without the extra pair of hands. I made sure hand was warm. The best finger of mine was the index finger for blood flow but the elastic band was useless as my fingers are too thin. Daughter-in-law held my finger tightly at the bottom instead of using the elastic band.

[Bijourain in reply to Venicefan]

Thank- you. I meant to ask, how long before you got your results and do they post them email or what? 😊

[Venicefan in reply to Bijourain]

I did it on Tuesday and posted it straight off and I got the results by email yesterday (Friday)

[ThyroidWest]

Hi, I have a MediChecks one sat on my desk. I am due to go for a normal blood test this week and going to ask if the nurse would be kind enough to draw some blood for the vial.

[Musicmonkey]

I couldn't manage the finger prick test, but Blue Horizon quickly sent a vacutainer instead and my GP surgery did the blood draw at no charge as everything needed is provided.