Blood Testing Prep on NDT

[Projectgirl]

Hi ,

I am due to have follow up blood tests after an increase in NDT. I currently take 1.5 grains at 6.30am and then another grain at 1pm.

My blood test appointment is at 8.30 in the morning and I was wondering if my last dose at 1pm the previous day is too long a gap to check my Ft3 levels.

I am assuming that I should still fast? I have also stopped taking my multi vit as it has Biotin in it.

Can I also confirm what levels I should be looking for while on NDT? Is it still a suppressed TSH below 1 and Ft4 in the middle range and Ft3 upper range?

Is there anything else I need to consider? I need to get this right as the last reading, even with a TSH of 6.8 the endo stated that there was little room for a dose increase when I was on 1.75 grains and I was feeling very ill.

Many thanks in advance.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Projectgirl

There should be a gap of no longer than 12 hours between last dose of NDT and blood draw, 8-12 hours will be fine. Any longer than 12 hours and you will get a false low FT3, 8-12 hours will give you a level that's normally circulating in your blood.

I wouldn't worry about fasting as that can give a slightly higher TSH (eating can lower TSH) but when on NDT this is probably irrelevant as NDT can lower or even suppress TSH. If you normally fast though I would keep conditions the same so you can compare results accurately.The Frees need to be where it's best for you, no set rules, but it's likely that your FT4 will be lower than if you were taking Levo only and your FT3 will probably be higher in range.