Medichecks finger prick test

[Caroline888]

I've just completed a finger prick test for thyroid monitoring. Realized immediately afterwards that I'd failed to wipe away the first drop of blood as instructed. Does anyone know why we should do this?

I phoned the helpline and was told that it shouldn't matter but that a note would be attached to my record so that the lab was aware.

I fully expected that I would need to do it again😡. What do you all think? Will it affect my results?

Would be grateful for any comments.

Best wishes to all

Caroline

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Caroline888

I don't know for certain, but I expect it's something to do with any contamination from surrounding skin that's not scrupulously clean. If you washed your hands and used the alcohol wipe included, as per the instructions included, I don't think you'll have any problems.

I have, in the past, forgotten to wipe the first drop away, but had washed my hands and used the alcohol wipe, there was no problem with my test and results came back as I expected.

[Caroline888 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you so much, SeasideSusie, for replying, and so quickly too! I did wash my hands with soap and hot water, twice actually as it said in the instructions that washing with hot water would help the blood flow. I also ran up and down the stairs twice for the same purpose!! Overkill perhaps?!?! I used the alcohol wipe also. Just panicked a bit and forgot about wiping away the first drop. Thank you for telling me you've done similar and that you didn't get any unexpected result. I feel totally reassured now but will try and do better next time!😊.

Thanks again. Being able to contact you with problems and worries like this is invaluable. I am so grateful.

Best regards

Caroline

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Caroline888]

You're welcome Caroline. I'm sure everything will be fine. I'm posting mine off this afternoon as well

I'm incapable of running up and down stairs so I whizz my arm round, windmill style, to get blood flowing oh, and I have a bowl of hot water at my side, swish my hand about until it goes very red then STAB!!!

[Caroline888 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I will try your windmill-style exercise next time! My knees didn't thank me for taking the stairs at a gallop! The blood did flow fast though so at least it worked😊.

[Kipsy in reply to Caroline888]

The windmill thing is great, especially if you stamp your feet at the same time and have one hand in almost painfully hot water! Oh, and I find wearing a coat over my PJs and dressing gown also helps as if I get cold, the blood flow is useless. Don’t worry, Caroline- you’ll be a pro before you know it 😀😀

[Caroline888 in reply to Kipsy]

Thanks Kipsy! I will certainly take note of your and SeasideSusie's suggestions for next time. Running up and down the stairs was not one of my best ideas😕. Especially as my little dog thought it was a game and insisted on joining in!!

[spongecat]

Yes the first drop to be wiped away is to lessen the chance of bacterial contamination. This is more important if the sample is to be tested for bacterial growth. A thyroid check doesn't do this anyway but it's a standard protocol.. If the lab is aware then that's fine.

[Caroline888 in reply to spongecat]

Hi spongecat, thank you so much for taking the trouble to reply. The woman I spoke to on the phone didn't seem concerned at all though she did say she would let the lab know. As you say, it is probably more important in some tests than others.

Thanks again for your reassuring reply.

Best wishes

Caroline

[spongecat in reply to Caroline888]

Your welcome, Caroline!