Any problems or tips with using medicheck finger prick blood test?

[Highland49]

Hi all,Just ordered thyroid monitoring by finger prick test with medichecks. Has anyone had their sample refused or had problems in getting enough blood? I'm all new to this aspect.

Many thanks.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Highland49

I have no problem with fingerprick tests although some people do.

With the Thyroid Monitoring test you only need 1 microtainer which is 0.8ml blood.

Some tips

First of all RELAX

1) Be well hydrated, drink plenty of water the day before and also before doing the test.

2) Read the instructions, make sure you know what you are doing, lay everything out ready.

3) Some people run up and down stairs to get blood flowing, that's impossible for me but I do make circles with my arm beforehand.

4) Have a bowl of hot water, swish your hand around in it until it goes red. Repeat if blood flow stops.

5) I find that pricking my ring finger, on the side, nearer to the nail bed than the tip of the finger, works best for me.

6) I have a small stool (toddler step type thing) which I stand on, and have the microtainer on the kitchen worktop. This means that when collecting the blood your arm is more or less straight and gravity will help blood flow.

7) Let the blood spots drip from your finger into the microtainer. You can help it along if necessary by scraping your finger on the lip on the edge of the microtainer. Do not squeeze your finger to get blood flowing, it damages the blood.

8) If blood flow stops and swishing hand in hot water doesn't restart it, you can use a different finger.

9) If you want to make sure your blood arrives next day, then don't rely on normal first class post, it often fails. Use Royal Mail's Guaranteed Next Day by 1pm service. You can track it with the number on the receipt. I have had that fail a few times but it's never been delayed more than a day, and you can claim the cost of the service back if you keep your receipt.

Medichecks video on how to do it

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

[Highland49 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Many thanks SeasideSusie,

I think I'm probably fretting more than I need to. Was fine sorting out all the aspects to SI for b12 deficiency but not this! Probably worse as I know I have my deadline to get results back before I see the consultant on the 3rd July. But if I have any problems, I'll just have to reschedule my appointment. The terms and condition all seem ok with medichecks. Had used blue horizon before but that time wanted to have blood taken by spire just in case my GP dismissed the results if done by finger prick but I guess the method is not even mentioned on the results?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Highland49]

Highland

No, the results don't mention how the blood is taken, it just gives the name of test, result and reference range.

Once they receive your sample, you'll have the results usually in 24 hours, occasionally 48 hours. It's quickest if you don't have their comments. You can post them on the forum if you'd like members to comment.

[Highland49 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Great, thank you.

[Highland49 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi SeasideSusie,

I'm really impressed with medichecks, I posted the sample yesterday morning with the guaranteed next day and already have the results! Thanks again with your help on all this. By following your tips and advice, I produced much more blood than I needed.

Will post my results separately.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Highland49]

Glad it worked out well for you. I'll pop along to your other post.

[Judithdalston]

I did the full thyroid / vits etc test from Medichecks- 11 tests I think, needed to fill two phials. Used to blood testing daily because diabetic but couldn't fill more than half of one phial. Did all the jumping up and down, warm water etc tricks.... If you look at video my blood just clotted at the top and wouldn't drop down; 45 mins later gave up. Got son, a medic, to do a proper blood draw next morning.

[Highland49 in reply to Judithdalston]

I'm pleased I've got lots of fingers to draw from so fingers crossed! Thanks for your reply.

[Judithdalston in reply to Highland49]

I tried 9! Good luck. A future tip if you surgery is doing some blood draws, get your private phials filled too, as I'd assume it won't cost, but very doubtful they'd be much cross over of tests!