Recommend a laboratory

[Skye45]

Hi am thinking of getting a private blood test, as have only had t4 and tsh tested through GP, can anyone recommend a company, an easy to take sample and easy to read results one. Thanks

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Current discounts on tests:

thyroiduk.org/

Complete list:

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Skye45

It depends on what you want to test.

If just testing TSH, FT4 and FT3 then look at MonitorMyHealth which is an NHS lab at Exeter hospital which offers the cheapest fingerprick test. Details and discount code here:

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

If you want full thyroid panel including antibodies or full thyroid with vitamin panel then either of the following offer fingerprick or you can arrange venous blood draw at extra cost. Details and discount codes:

Medichecks thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Blue Horizon thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

All the above have easy to read results.

Some people use Thriva but they do have a confusing way of reporting their results and their website doesn't appear to be so user friendly in my opinion.

Whoever you choose don't bother with their doctor's comments, just post results with reference ranges on the forum for interpretation and comment.

[Skye45 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks v much x

[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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking, if any

Important to stop taking any supplements that contain biotin a week before ALL BLOOD TESTS as biotin can falsely affect test results. (Eg vitamin B complex)

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue to.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/signs-symptom...

[Skye45 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks v much. X