Thyroid blood test

[Idalmis]

Hello. I am having blood test tomorrow to check my TSH, T4 and T3 after 6 weeks on carbimazole 5 mg. Should I ask for other tests? I can’t find the link but I read on here I should ask for antibodies and vit B12. Am I right? Thank you.

[greygoose]

If you've been prescribed carbimazole, you most certainly should have your TRAB or TSI antibodies tested. If they are negative, ask for TPO antibodies.

[Idalmis in reply to greygoose]

Thank you.

[greygoose in reply to Idalmis]

You're welcome.

[Valarian]

5mg is a pretty low dose of carbimazole, was it prescribed by an endocrinologist, or your GP? You should definitely have antibody tests, as these will help identify the cause of your hyperthyroidism, but sometimes people have had to wait for an endocrinologist to order these. If the tests were ordered by your GP, was anything said about a specialist referral?

When you go to the surgery to have your blood drawn, you could ask for a copy of previous test results. People here will probably be able to help you interpret them.

[Idalmis]

Well, it is a long story. 2 of my gps say I am not hyper, the 3rd one sent me to an endocrinologist. I had an ultrasound and I have nodules. The endocrinologist prescribed carbimazole low dose. My hands have stopped trembling and my heart palpitations have stopped. However, I still feel unwell with nausea but I also have Ulcerative colitis and IBS.

[greygoose in reply to Idalmis]

Do you have copies of your blood test results? You really do need to see them and not just take your GP/endo's word for anything. If you don't understand them - your doctors probably don't, either - then post them on here, and people will explain them to you.

Having nodules doesn't prove anything one way or the other. The majority of the population have nodules, whether they have thyroid problems or not.

[Idalmis]

I have but I posted them on here before. I am all new to this thyroid business. I will post them again with the new results next week. Thanks for your help .

[Rmichelle in reply to Idalmis]

Also get a full blood count as you are on carbimazole and this can effect white blood cells, i always get a fbc every 4 weeks alongside my thyroid panel.

[Idalmis]

Thank you. I will ask.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Essential to get TRAb or TSI antibodies tested, this is only test to confirm Graves

See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3

Private tests are available

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results

Link about antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Idalmis]

Thank you for your advice. I will ask the nurse tomorrow.