Blood tests

[Cogsat123]

So sorry haven't been on here more, thing is been very tired, very lethargic and more, can't remember. Saw a lovely GP end of November 21 who asked if I would like to be referred to an endocrinologist to which I said yes, hadn't heard anything, so a week or so ago, got an appt. with lovely GP. I didn't enquire before because of the possible backlog on NHS and then just lethargic about a lot of things. But got low TSH but lots of hypothyroid symptoms weight gain, low mood and more including memory loss.... anyway turns out from seeing lovely locum GP that endocrinology consultant had requested free T4 and T3 tests as low but was never actioned. Now got blood test request for Creatinine & Electrolytes, FBC, Ferritin, Folate, LFT's, TSH, B12 but when I asked about the free T4 and T3 was told they were part of the TSH test... I don't think so but I don't know where I am at the moment, really struggling... Any help/advice much appreciated! Thank you!

[OudMood]

FT3 and FT4 are part of the “Thyroid panel” test, but there’s a few things to say..

Your GP mentioned TSH..

Most NHS labs only test TSH and FT4 (even if GP requests FT3).

Labs only test FT3 if FT4 is out of range.

You may just get a copy of the blood test form, that way you can see if FT3 and FT4 are mentioned on there or not.

If lab doesn’t do FT3 you may need a request from the Endo to do the blood test at the hospital (in that case lab shouldn’t refuse).

Don’t ask me why the lab refuse to test. I still don’t comprehend it, but it happened to me, twice.

[Gingernut44]

It’s not part of the TSH test but should be part of the TFT (thyroid function test). Labs seem to have the overriding decision as to what is tested which, if it’s money saving, is scandalous so be prepared to be disappointed.