Anyone had discrepancies with blood test done by Medi checks compared to NHS?

[Lu-ck]

My sister had full thyroid panel +vit levels by medi and then GP repeated tests within few days due to B12 being reported as below range at13.6(25.1-165.0) but NHS level 283.5(197-771)

Folate levels very similar in both. According to Medi she would need injections Cytamen to improve levels but GP said not necessary.Had anyone else experienced this?

Thanks

[thyroidorwhat]

The narrow range suggests that the Medichecks test was for Active B12 as opposed to Serum B12, that's all. Double check the results it may list it.

What were the folate levels? She has insufficient B12 levels either way as evident by the Medichecks results, and I believe sublingual methylcobalamin is the best supplement for that prior to injections but push for injections.

[Lu-ck in reply to thyroidorwhat]

The Medi blood test was Active but nhs doesn’t say. Does that mean she is below range and needing treatment? Medi folate serum 6.03(2.91-50) nhs 6.2(3.9-26.8)

Thank u

[thyroidorwhat in reply to Lu-ck]

The NHS test will be for serum/total B12, not active B12.

Yeah, she is deficient in the B12 her body uses and I would at the very least push for injections and get further tests.

You can get an even more in-depth set of B12 tests through Blue Horizon to check for Pernicious Anaemia, e.g. possibly the reason her levels are low. Usually it's either due to PA or diet/absorption related.

Her folate is within range but on the lower side. But as someone else said investigate further.

[Salphy]

I'm not 100% but could it be that medichecks b12 test is active b12 (from what I understand that's b12 that your body can actually use). They used to do b12 serum test which was similar range to your sisters gp test range. Might be worth checking what they actually tested x

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Lu-ck

It's definitely different tests.

Medichecks do Active B12 and that is the correct range.

The NHS test serum B12 and that range is quite common. Serum B12 always has a range starting in the lower 100s and an upper level usually around 700-1000ish.

Get your sister to check for signs of B12 deficiency here b12deficiency.info/signs-an... and list any to discuss with her doctor. With her level she should be tested for B12 deficiency /pernicious anaemia and could very well require injections.

She should not be taking folic acid or B Complex until further investigation has taken place.

She may be better off seeing a different GP.

[Lu-ck in reply to SeasideSusie]

She has Hashi and her Medi T3 was only 3.05(3.1-6.8) Tsh 3.5(.27-4.2)T4 16.6(12-22) she is symptomatic ++ on Levo 100mcg but still not well so hard to tell if B12 to blame for some.

[thyroidorwhat in reply to Lu-ck]

I don't know much about thyroid but her TSH needs to be lower, preferably below 1 I think.

[greygoose in reply to Lu-ck]

Certain low B12 symptoms are very specific and can't be mistaken for low thyroid symptoms. She should at least check the list.

She is undermedicated, and is still hypo with a TSH of over 3. She needs an increase in levo.

[Lu-ck in reply to greygoose]

She was on 125 but her T4 went top of range. Sorry can’t remember what Tsh was at that time but I think it indicates poor conversion. She has many of the symptoms on the PA list.

[greygoose in reply to Lu-ck]

TSH doesn't indicate anything much, once you're on thyroid hormone replacement - unless it goes high, which indicates that you're under-medicated.

You cannot tell how anyone is converting without testing the FT4 and the FT3 at the same time, and comparing them.

If she has symptoms on the PA list, then the best thing is to assume they are caused by low B12 and get tested for PA. It's only a test. It doesn't commit anyone to anything. But, if she does have PA, she needs to know.

[Lu-ck in reply to greygoose]

Gp did her Intrinsic factor 2.2 think 25 was range.

Maybe asking for second opinion way to proceed as current GP reckons no increase of T4 needed

[greygoose in reply to Lu-ck]

I think a second opinion would be a very good thing. But, do bone up on hypothyroidism first, so that you know what you're talking about and can't be wrong footed by a pendantic GP! Because the odds are, he won't have a clue, and will just make it up as he goes along.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Lu-ck]

"She has many of the symptoms on the PA list"

So she needs to do as I said. List them, discuss with GP, ask for further testing for B12 deficiency/pernicious anaemia.

[Lu-ck in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes, thank u for your input and I will suggest she sees another GP to hopefully get some answers.

Thank u

[Jazzw]

The GP is being negligent if he’s seen the results of both B12 tests and says nothing’s needed. It’s not even like B12 shots cost that much. I despair sometimes...

[Lu-ck in reply to Jazzw]

Me too! Sad times if it comes down to cost!😪