Nurse took full thyroid test

[Dandelions]

I don't know if this works at other GP practices, but am sharing in case it does. As I (accidentally) managed to get my full thyroid test done on the NSH (hopefully), now just waiting for results.

I went to the GP and asked for full thyroid test. He said NHS doesn't do that. I explained why I need it, GP wasn't interested, said he didn't believe that there was anything wrong with me, blabla bla..

He was a student doctor and finally he agreed to discuss it with his mentor.

On the day of the blood test, I find out he hasn't discussed it with his mentor. Turns out he just wanted to get me out of his office!

I'm called in to the nurse and I ask her to check which blood tests I'm down for. And I explain that the doctor was supposed to check with his mentor and I should be getting a full thyroid test. She has a look in the computer and asks which ones and just clicks T3 and T4 on her screen!!

I couldn't believe how easily she could do that. Mind you, she is a really good and experienced nurse. But I've learned it might be worth asking the nurse who's taking bloods to send it to the lab for a full thyroid test.

[tattybogle]

unfortunately it's usually the lab who decide to do any requested tests ~ or not .

So even though fT3 and fT4 has been clicked on screen by nurse .. or even if a GP themselves has requested fT3 testing (or fT4 ) the lab may decline to do it if the TSH is in range.

Some labs, but not all , use a protocol called TSH reflex.. which means Test TSH >>>> If TSH is over/ under range THEN test fT4 >>>> If fT4 is over range THEN test fT3.

note ...They are only looking for over range fT3 levels (hyper) .. not interested in under range,, so if TSH is high and fT4 is low (hypo), then fT3 would not usually be tested .

[Dandelions in reply to tattybogle]

Oh no, I didn't know that. Sounds like I have been celebrating too quickly.

[tattybogle in reply to Dandelions]

well you never know . you might get lucky ... fingers crossed

[Dandelions in reply to tattybogle]

yeah, we'll wait to see..

[Souzy in reply to tattybogle]

That's been my experience. Nurse specifically checked T3 box and lab refused as TSH in range. I did it privately in the end. It was in range but on the low side so I've left it for now. I'll probably check it again in a year or so. I'm in Lincolnshire.

[bantam12]

I always take a list of tests I need in with me and they just tick the boxes, never had any refused by the lab.

[Dandelions in reply to bantam12]

🙌

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I get levothyroxine and T3 prescribed on NHS ….and my TSH is always well below range ….usually 0.01

So in theory that should automatically trigger Ft4 and Ft3 tested….but no…….Despite GP also requesting Ft4 and Ft3 tested …..NHS lab only tests TSH

Given up wasting my time ….and test privately

GP more than happy to accept private blood test results

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least annually too especially as you have Hashimoto’s

Have you had coeliac blood test done

[Dandelions in reply to SlowDragon]

Vitamins are being tested. I would have never have asked for that if it wasn't for this forum, so thank you!

I'll post results when I get them.

Coeliac not yet. I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the new things I'm learning, so decided to have these tests done first - and have been waiting to get a GP appointment since. Did I read/hear you say that you'll need to try going gluten-free, as gluten intolerance may not come up in a test anyway?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dandelions]

Only 5% of Hashimoto’s patients test positive for coeliac

But approx further 80% find gluten free diet helps

But get coeliac blood test done BEFORE trail on gluten free diet

[Dandelions in reply to SlowDragon]

Ah okay. Thanks!

[DippyDame]

Don't be surprised if it doesn't happen!

FT3 used to be routinely tested ( in my Health Board) until 2001

The only time it was tested after that was if TSH was suppressed.

It is madness because FT3 is the most important test followed by FT4.

They just don't get it....and patients are suffering as a result

Hopefully you get lucky....if not there is private testing available

Good luck!

[Dandelions in reply to DippyDame]

Thank you!

[SarahJane1471]

yes I’ve had similar. When having the bloods taken I ask the nurse if it includes FT3/FT4 and then say “ I ALWAYS have all TFTs as I’m on Levo and they look on my records which shows all TFTs and then she ticks them 🤷‍♀️😆…….. I always smile sweetly

[Hedgeree]

Hi Dandelions,

Hope your successful!

Any of my endo/hospital thyroid requested tests have usually (but not always!) included FT3. But the gp only does TSH and FT4.

Also any GP requested tests have to have blood taken in another walk in clinic setting so you have a choice of locations but they won't do them at the hospital. You have to collect blood forms from the gp reception and go along to your location of 'choice'.

Always very frustrating when I can go to the hospital walk in blood clinic for endo blood tests but then have to book at another clinic to get GP requested ones. The nurses at the surgery no longer do any blood tests. It makes it more complicated than it should be 🥴

[Dandelions in reply to Hedgeree]

Thanks! Yes, that does sound complicated. I'm guess we're lucky we still have a nurse at the surgery who takes blood.