Thyroid tests

[Nayway7]

Is there any difference between the private tests you can take in the UK? Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Welcome to the forum Nayway7

In what what do you mean is there any difference?

There are lots of different test bundles, you can have just a basic thyroid panel testing TSH, FT4 and FT3. You can have an advanced thyroid panel which includes the basic plus TPO and Tg antibodies. You can have the advanced thyroid panel plus key nutrients in one test bundle.

As for differences between the testing companies, MonitorMyHealth is an NHS lab but they just do the basic thyroid panel (no antibodies or key nutrients) and it's just a fingerprick test. Medichecks, Blue Horizon and Thriva tend to use the same lab for processing the tests so there will be no differences there other than cost. These companies offer fingerprick or venous blood draw for extra cost. These companies are the most popular here.

Details of testing companies here:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

[Nayway7 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hello! Thank your your answer. My question reveals how new I am to all this. I have no idea which to do, really. I would like to do a test, and have my 7 yr old do one too. My issues are that the sides of my neck above the collar bone are puffy, and my son has attention/ focus problems. I listened to an iodine conference by a lady who talked about a lack of iodine affecting both these issues and that one should get the thyroid checked...Are there ones that you would recommend particularly, based on this...?? Thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Nayway7]

Nayway7

I listened to an iodine conference by a lady who talked about a lack of iodine affecting both these issues and that one should get the thyroid checked...

Where was this? Was it a UK talk?

It's uncommon in the UK to be iodine deficient, not impossible but uncommon. A normal diet that contains milk, yogurt, cod and haddock provide good amounts of iodine. If you think you may be iodine deficient then it's easy enough to get a test, a simple urine test with Genova Diagnostics:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Click on Read the list of available tests and on page 3 of the pdf you will see

Urine Iodine Test:

Specimen requirements: Urine

Cost: £71.00

Order Code: END25

Turnaround time: 5 - 10 days

Iodine is an essential trace element, vital for healthy thyroid function. Adequate levels are required to enable the production of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, whilst also being required in other areas of health.

Deficiencies can lead to impaired heat and energy production, mental function and slow metabolism. Urine iodine is one of the best measures of iodine status. This test is not performed as a loading test, but can be used to establish existing levels or to monitor iodine supplementation.

If you do this test you will need to put ThyroidUK as your"practioner" as they don't deal direct with the public.

For thyroid tests, Blue Horizon is the only company that will test under 18s so you have no choice as far as your 7 year old is concerned.

If your budget will allow it's always best to get the full thyroid/vitamin panel as this gives a complete picture. Low vitamin levels or deficiencies can have symptoms which overlap with symptoms of hypothyroidism.

For your son Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes the full thyroid panel and key nutrients. Discount code here:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Details of test here:

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Test can be done by fingerprick (maybe not easy with a 7 year old) or venous blood draw can be arranged at extra cost.

For yourself you could do the same test of you will find Medichecks cheaper. Discount code here:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Details of test here:

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon tests Total T4 (not really necessary), magnesium (not a reliable test) and cortisol, these aren't included in the Medichecks test otherwise they're the same and processed by the same lab.

However, before going to the expense of testing, have you discussed this with your GP to see if s/he will arrange any of these tests?

[Nayway7 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hello. I am sorry for not replying sooner. Things have been...a bit mad...I am very grateful for your long, detailed reply. Thank you. The iodine conference was in America. I could try and find it again (a link). Meanwhile I will start digesting your advice and move from there. Thanks again!