Medichecks turnaround time?

[Pippi39]

I sent off thyroid tests on Monday and Royal Mail tracker confirms they were received on Tuesday morning. I have had no confirmation from Medichecks that my tests have even arrived. Has anyone else had this experience? It’s quite frustrating to be honest as in need the results by Monday at the at the latest for a appointment with Endocrinologist.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

They're usually pretty good at sending an email when the sample arrives. At least you've had confirmation of delivery. Maybe contact Medichecks and ask them when you may expect your results, mentioning that you need them by Monday at the latest.

Did you tick the box to say "No doctor's comments", having doctor's comments tends to delay the results by a day or so.

[Pippi39 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi, I have contacted them numerous times but they are saying that that’s haven’t received them yet. I’m quite disappointed with the service to be honest.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Pippi39]

Did you tell them that Royal Mail Track and Trace shows delivery and told them what time the delivery is said to have been made?

[Pippi39 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes, I’ve told them and sent proof. They’ve said it can take a while to reach lab from warehouse. But not to worry as the sample will be okay for up to 7 days?!! Extremely disappointed is an understatement.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Pippi39]

I don't understand that as the envelope is addressed to the lab itself (mine have always gone to County Pathology) and the longest I've had to wait is 48 hours but normally I get results the next day. I always have no doctors comments though.

[Pippi39 in reply to SeasideSusie]

The address on the package was County Pathology so I’m really confused as to why they are still ‘awaiting package’. Royal Mail have told me it was delivered at 6.39 am on Tuesday.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Pippi39]

So if RM tracking says delivered, you can rest assured it has been delivered, I don't think they ask for the recipient to sign at the moment (new rules due to COV-19 restrictions) but it's probably scanned so that the information is sent to their tracking system. So it should be there but I have no idea why their system is not showing it or how long it will take.The sample should be viable for 7 days, I believe hospital labs hold onto blood for this long in case further tests are required, but these private labs do tell us to get our samples to them ASAP.

[Pippi39 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I waited until Monday to do the test as that’s what they recommended. I have an Endocrinologist appointment this coming Monday and wanted to provide him with the results. I am now wondering if I should postpone my appointment? I have GP TSH and vitamin blood tests results. Medichecks was to provide T3, T4 and antibodies as well.

[Louise9683 in reply to Pippi39]

I’ve recently used medichecks.. sent it first thing on the Monday and got the results on the Thursday about lunch time with Doctors comments.. x

[Pippi39 in reply to Louise9683]

Did they notify you when they received your blood sample?

[Louise9683 in reply to Pippi39]

I was registered on their website, went into my account and checked.. just sample arrived Tuesday, then sample sent to lab Wednesday, then results.. I had an email when the results where done. X

[Pippi39 in reply to Louise9683]

My account says ‘awaiting sample’ so there is some sort of delay for some reason. Thanks so much for your help

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Pippi39]

Maybe contact Medichecks again tomorrow and ask them to look into it, explaining how important it is to have these results in readiness for your appointment. If they can't assure you that you will get your results in time then perhaps rearrange your appointment.Did you ask for doctor's comments or not?

[Pippi39 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I managed to get someone to phone me today who said she would try to locate the sample. I did opt for doctors comments. This is the first time I have ever used home tests so didn’t realise it would slow the process down. I will know next time not to ask for them! I will postpone if I don’t have the results. No point going without the information. Thanks so much for your help

[Pippi39]

Update: blood tests have still not arrived. I have phoned 3 times today to try and find and find out where they are. I cannot postpone my Endo appointment as he is fully booked for next two months. Feel like I am going to waste my appointment if I don’t have the right information.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pippi39]

Medichecks need to send you new kit

Previous post shows under medicated

Collect all your previous test results on to spread sheet to show results over time

Endocrinologist will likely increase dose levothyroxine

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after any dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

So use Medichecks test then

[Pippi39 in reply to SlowDragon]

Will do. Thank you.

[Tertia3]

I know it is too late now, but next time you do a test why not try "Monitor My Health". I have been very impressed with their service. I did a blood test Monday morning and put it in the ordinary post that same morning and the results, with comments, were e-mailed to me the next day by 6pm. I don't know how they do it! It is a much faster service than Medichecks, whom I have also used, and I have found them more reasonably priced too. Worth a try. I hope your appointment on Monday is not wasted and that it goes positively for you. All the Best to you.

[Pippi39 in reply to Tertia3]

Many thanks for this. I will have a look at them for sure