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

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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?

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Hendie
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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!

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