Private blood tests

[Jonpaul0_1]

Have just ordered the thyroid ultraviolet test kit off medicheck website. Is it ok to do at this time ? Was diagnosed three weeks ago with underactive thyroid and have been taking 100mg of levothyroxine.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Johnpaul0_1

Wait until 6 weeks after you started taking Levo. You need this amount of time for it to be fully absorbed and levels to stabilise. Testing any sooner and the results will be pretty meaningless.

Post your results when you have them, include reference ranges, and members will comment.

[Jonpaul0_1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for the advice. Will do them around the time of my Gp test aswell so I can compare them.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Jonpaul0_1]

Good idea! Remember the advice we always give here:

When booking thyroid tests, always book the very first appointment of the morning and fast overnight (delay breakfast) but water is allowed . This gives the highest possible TSH which is needed when looking for a diagnosis, an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction. TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. It can also lower after eating and coffee also affects TSH. Also, take your Levo after the blood draw because if you take it before then your FT4 will reflect this and show higher than what is normally circulating. We usually advise 24 hours between last dose of Levo and blood draw so if you take your Levo in the morning then delay until after the test, or if you take it at night then delay that dose until after the test. These are patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.

Same applies when doing private/fingerprick tests.

[Jonpaul0_1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks seasidesusie. I've booked in my test at Gp for 08:15. I usually take my levo at 05:30 am when I get up for work. What time should I stop eating the night before my test ?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Jonpaul0_1]

Jonpaul

Eat your evening meal as normal, just delay breakfast until after the blood draw.

Also, delay taking your Levo until after the blood draw. If you take your Levo immediately after the test, then perhaps you can have something for breakfast when you get to work - Levo should be taken one hour before (or two hours after) food.

[Jonpaul0_1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Luckily I it's my day off so I'll prob have my breakfast after the test and leave two hrs and take my tablet.

Thanksfor the good advice I'm finding it really helpful on here. Much appreciated