When should I do my blood test? : I’ve just... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,246 members166,486 posts

When should I do my blood test?

Hendie profile image
8 Replies

I’ve just ordered a home kit blood test. Last time I did it at the wrong time with my NDT dosage so I’m hoping some kind soul will advise me on how to do it right this time. I usually take 2 grains of NDT around 7.15am. The blood test says I need to fast for 8 hours so I was thinking of doing it first thing in the morning. Which would mean I’d not had my NDT for 24 hours and I think this is too long? If I am aiming to do my blood test around 9am (after school drop off then I can concentrate!) when’s best to take my previous dose of NDT please?

Written by
Hendie profile image
Hendie
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

What are you testing?

Hendie profile image
Hendie

9am in the morning 👍

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply toHendie

My question was what are you testing, as in what is the blood test for? Obviously if it's for thyroid then 9am is fine and we can work out when you last dose should be, but instructions that come with thyroid test usually say fasting is not required , hence me asking what the test is for if its a fasting test.

Hendie profile image
Hendie in reply toSeasideSusie

Sorry. I’m stressing with a 5 year old, rushing around and misread.

I’m doing it for hypothyroidism. It’s the blue horizon check plus 15. It says fast for a min of 8 hours.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply toHendie

The fasting must be because the test includes Plasma Insulin levels and HbA1c.

It does say vacutainer only so I presume you are having a venous blood draw?

To get accurate thyroid results your last dose of NDT must be between 8-12 hours before blood draw. You will have to split your dose the day before.

As you normally take it at 7.15am then the day before the test you could take one grain at your normal time then take the second grain between 9pm and 1am if you intend to do your test at 9am.

You will have to send it back by Royal Mail's Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm Next Day as it's essential for that one to arrive the next day. When you hand it over at the post office counter, make sure that you get the receipt with the tracking number because if it fails to arrive next day by 1pm you can get the fee back.

Hendie profile image
Hendie in reply toSeasideSusie

Oh God. I thought I was diy finger prick. It didn’t make me choose a blood draw when ordering. I’ll email them. I’ve a friend whose a nurse though so maybe she can do it. Thanks for pointing that out. I’m struggling to think straight right now. Thanks for the info too on when to take meds. Really helps.

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply toHendie

A venous blood draw kit will have a needle included, a fingerprick test will have 4 blue/white lancets where you twist the top off the pointed end.

Celestialbeing profile image
Celestialbeing

Good luck!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Taking NDT before a blood test

Hi, I'm taking NDT and have a blood test tomorrow morning. However I might have made a little...
davidlee72 profile image

When should I take my blood test?

Hi, I started taking T3 a month ago (in addition to levothyroxine) and want to take a blood test to...
Hattie87 profile image

How many hours before blood test I should stop taking NDT.

I totally did forget how many hours before blood tests I should stop my NDT. One...

NDT & blood tests - when to take it?

I've been taking ERFA Thyroid for the last 11 years: was told not to eat anything before blood...
carorueil profile image

Timing of NDT for blood test

I normally take my NDT in two doses - early morning and afternoon. I am doing a finger prick blood...
Rachel357 profile image

Moderation team

See all
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.