I am interested in private testing as my doctor only does tsh and t4. Any recommendations for what i need and by whom appreciated

[Lilackeith]

Private Testing. I am on 2 grain armour and vitamin d 25000 every 20 days but feel so tired. I want a full thyroid screen

[shaws Administrator]

This is a list of labs that do the necessary tests. Some hints before test:-

Always draw blood at the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of thyroid hormones (if you take any) and the test.

Make sure you are well-hydrated a couple of days before blood draw and hands/arms are warm. If you need info phone the lab and they'll advise.

p.s. there's no thyroid history in your Profile only your name, i.e. when diagnosed with what etc.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Lilackeith in reply to shaws]

Thanks. I was diagnosed in 2014 with hashimotos and take armour thyroid. Levothyroxine does nothing for me. I must update my profile.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Lilackeith]

Armour is the preference for many and I think one of the oldest thyroid hormone replacements.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw). This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

If/when also on T3, or Armour make sure to take last dose 8-12 hours prior to test

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

If taking any supplements containing biotin these should be stopped a week before testing

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I usually have Medichecks they have an offer on £79 for a test called thyroid ultra vit this one gives you all you require. I always order the nurse for £39 she comes to the house and takes your blood and then posts it back to Medicheck. Order the nurse early morning leave off Levo for 24 hours prior to the test, of T3 and NDT leave off 10 hours prior. Fasting is required so no breakfast beforehand.

[Lilackeith]

Thanks ever so much! I will give that a go! Do you ever take blood yourself?