Blood tests : Hi guys, so I'm trying to be... - Thyroid UK

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Blood tests

Elephantmad profile image
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Hi guys, so I'm trying to be productive regarding my health and trying to move forward and not just feel sorry for myself. I'm beginning to feel low and its horrible. I've been to the opticians today who has confirmed that my eyes are dry ( as I knew) and has prescribed drops to help. I have a doctor's appt in 2 weeks to try once again to ask for help and I have decided to pay for blood tests to give me a better view of where everything is before i go. I have looked up medi checks and blue horizon but which one does everyone personally recommend?

Thanks

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Elephantmad profile image
Elephantmad
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SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Elephantmad

As you are doing a private test, the absolute best one for full thyroid/vitamin status was suggested by SlowDragon in this previous thread of yours. It's the cheapest way to get them all done.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Either of the following:

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

They test

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Optimal levels of vitamins are necessary for thyroid hormone to work, so it's essential to test them.

Both can be done by fingerprick or for extra cost you can arrange phlebotomy for a venous blood draw.

Differences between the tests are

Blue Horizon tests Total T4 - not essential but can be informative, Medichecks doesn't include that.

Blue Horizon tests Serum B12, which is the total B12 including bound and unbound (free/active). Medichecks tests Active B12 which is what is available to be used the cells, in my opinion it's a more useful test.

Blue Horizon includes a basic CRP test (non-specific inflammation marker). Medichecks includses High Sensitivity CRP test which gives more information that just an inflammation marker.

Blue Horizon requires 1 x microtainer for the fingerprick test, Medichecks requires 2 x microtainers.

Elephantmad profile image
Elephantmad in reply to SeasideSusie

Thank you

anonymous45 profile image
anonymous45

Personally I have always used medichecks and found them to be efficient and helpful. The costs aren't too bad, especially for the simple thyroid panels.

If you need quick results, you can select the option to not have a doctor make note on your results; however if you are prepared to wait the extra 1-2 days or so their advice is usually helpful.

Elephantmad profile image
Elephantmad in reply to anonymous45

Thank you

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Which eye drops do you recommend?

I use hypromellose - but they aren't very good

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