Swelling in Neck

[AppleOrchard]

My partner has a swelling the neck. The receptionist mentioned goitre or thyroid. I suspect a blood test will be required. Do the same rules apply? Early morning test, with no food? If my partner goes for an appointment, I think the doctor will want to do the blood test there and then.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

AppleOrchard

Do the same rules apply?

Yes. When looking for a diagnosis we need the highest possible TSH so early morning is when it's highest - 9am being the highest point as shown in the graph below - plus to avoid any chance of any food or drink affecting TSH then it's best to have water only before the test.

TSH

[AppleOrchard in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you! He’s going for an appointment today at 12.45. I hope the doctor doesn’t do the test. It would be hard to say no.

I can see on the chart that early in the morning is best. Thank you again.

[JenniferW in reply to AppleOrchard]

Usually you would book an appointment for a blood test with a trained nurse.

[AppleOrchard]

Thankfully they didn’t do a blood test. A scan will be done within six weeks. The doctor didn’t think it was a thyroid issue.

Thank you for your help. I’m glad to have the chart as reference for myself.