Does any body know of a good home test kit for thyroid, including T4,t3, TSH and vitamin levels???

[IwantT3]

Hi. Im looking to get a self test kit for working out all the relevent levels for throid problems. My doctor does not test for all things only the basics.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If you read posts on here you will see 100’s, if not 1000’s use Medichecks or Blue Horizon

See Thyroid Uk private testing

You need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG antibodies tested plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and (if on levothyroxine don’t take in 24 hours prior to test- delay and take straight after)

If you have Hashimotos then look at strictly gluten free diet

Low vitamins are common

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Same test, different company, both companies recommended by Thyroid UK, full thyroid panel plus the important vitamins/minerals. Can be done by fingerprick or venous blood draw. Two small tubes of blood needed - each holding 0.8ml. Some people find fingerprick tests easy, others struggle.

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

Video slightly out of date but principle is the same

youtube.com/watch?v=w2JzToZ...(Not working as expected?)

[Judithdalston in reply to SeasideSusie]

Iwantt3,just for info, I find the self prick collecting very difficult the blobs of blood the woman gets on the lip of the phial just clotted on mine and refused to go down the tube...tried 9 fingers and gave up( tho am used to drawing blood for regular self checking for diabetes)!

[diogenes Remembering]

Absolutely not under any circumstances, obtain kits to test at home. There are far too many ill researched and some downright wrongly devised. The advice you've been given is how you should proceed. There are too many scam merchants out there.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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 ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting.

If on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get antibodies tested.