I've been having some thyroid issues for a while and am considering using an at-home testing kit. Has anyone ever used anything like this before? What was it like? Was it easy to do etc?
The one I'm specifically looking at is from a company called medichecks, they seem to have teamed up with a pharmacy, which I guess would make me feel more comfortable than just doing it online/through the post (see link below).
Oh yeah, used them many times,they donate to thyroid UK for every order placed through thyroid UK website 🙂 I do by post and use finger prick collection method.
Medichecks are very good, many members here use them, it is one of our recommended labs.
However, looking at your link, were you thinking of the Tiredness and fatigue check at £59? If so you can do better than that by using Medichecks direct and not bother with the pharmacy.
That test doesn't include a full thyroid panel which is
TSH
FT4
FT3
TPO antibodies
TG antibodies
That gives the full thyroid picture, just TSH and FT4 in the test available from your link wont.
If you are thinking of spending £59 then I would suggest you actually spend £79 and do this test that is on special offer this month (£20 off)
You will get the full thyroid panel plus all the important vitamins and minerals to complete the picture, low nutrient levels are often the cause of symptoms that can be similar to low thyroid.
Very definitely worthwhile, easy to do although some people find the fingerprick test doesn't produce enough blood. That test requires 2 microtainers, each one holding 0.8ml blood. I can do it easily as long as I have the correct lancet. If you do order it I suggest you ask if they can supply the BD Blue lancet, they seem to have changed it recently to one which isn't so efficient.
There is the option of venous blood draw at extra cost if you think fingeprick testing isn't for you.
Thanks very much for your detailed response! To be honest I'm not a massive fan of blood-related things, so I was thinking going to a pharmacy might put me more at ease than just me being left to my own devices
Ahh thanks, I don't think the pharmacy do it themselves but they can show you how to do it, which would be good for someone like me. I will check out the link you've sent though, if there's one close by then it will be worth taking a closer look at
I’ve used Medichecks a number of times, as has my husband. Recently I’ve struggled to fill two vials when doing the test that Seaside Susie has recommended (and by the way, it’s a great recommendation and will save you extra expense down the line finding out if any thyroid condition is autoimmune and what your important vitamin levels are, something that’s essential to know.)
Having bought a finerprick test on offer a couple of months ago, which I intend using in a couple of weeks, I called Medichecks this week to ask if I could pay the extra to have someone visit me at home to draw the blood/ visit a clinic myself. They are great- they just said to send the unused kit back and call them, pay the extra, and they will send out the kit I need. I’d highly recommend their service.
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