Blood test delay

[Dexterpuppy]

Hi guys

I had my bloods taken on 22/11/22 for hormones and Thyroid.

The results state that my bloods were received on 28th November and tested on 30th November.

surely they would not still be testable after that long. My results are pretty abnormal, just wondering if the delay could cause this?

Thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Was this an NHS done at your GP surgery ?

[Dexterpuppy in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Susie no it was a private lab where I get my Bioidentical HRT I’ve just cancelled due to the bloods delay though

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Dexterpuppy]

I know that NHS labs often keep blood for a week in case further tests are required and I think some private labs might do this but I think I'm more likely to trust results from fresh blood rather than the week blood (that's not to say results from week old blood would be inaccurate).

Did you check dates of postal strikes and time it accordingly ?

Did you send it Special Delivery as we are suggesting at the moment as this service takes priority over Tracked 24 and standard delivery ?

[Dexterpuppy in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Susie

That’s made me feel better thank you 🙏 as I thought blood had to be refrigerated and not left at room temp longer than 8 hours. The postage was special delivery as the nurse who came to my house had the packaging and took to post. The strike was on the 24th so May have affected I guess?

I don’t know if they are correct but very worried about my T4 being at 3.1

Thank you for always replying x

[Lalatoot in reply to Dexterpuppy]

Dexter when my ft4 was 4 (10 -25) I was weirdly still functioning ok but the obvious symptom I had at that level was staggering. I never had it again once the levels increased. Just incase you are staggering without the help of alcohol 😵‍💫.Hope it is an error in the test though.

[Beads in reply to Lalatoot]

Random, slightly off topic question. By ‘staggering’ do you mean the feeling that you’re drunk? If so I used to get that in the morning before I was finally prescribed levo. Is this another symptom to highlight?

[Lalatoot in reply to Beads]

Yes like I was a bit drunk.

[Dexterpuppy in reply to Beads]

hi Beads

Maybe that’s what I need also?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Dexterpuppy]

Dexterpuppy

The postage was special delivery as the nurse who came to my house had the packaging and took to post.

To be honest if the nurse took the sample to post I have my doubts if it was Royal Mail's Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm Next Day. This has to be taken to a post office counter and a fee of about £6.85 paid and a receipt with tracking number given to the customer. This service takes priority and if not delivered next day it wouldn't take longer than 2 days. If it arrives later than next day by 1pm you can claim a refund of the fee as long as you have the tracking number.

If the nurse just used the return envelope usually used with these private labs they're often Tracked 24 or Business Post and these will take priority over standard mail during the strikes but not guaranteed to arrive within a specific time.

I think you're on T3 only, is that right? If so then your FT4 will be very low.

[Dexterpuppy in reply to SeasideSusie]

thank you Susie that explains a lot. And yes T3 only but will try Slowdragons Advice of adding in some Levo if I can get some

[Jeppy in reply to Dexterpuppy]

hi just do you mind me asking

Has your TSH risen while taking Hrt, mine did

[Dexterpuppy in reply to Jeppy]

hi Jeppy no it’s actually gone lower. I think 🤷‍♀️😂