Serum iodine test, UK: Has anyone in the UK had a... - Thyroid UK

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Serum iodine test, UK

userotc profile image
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Has anyone in the UK had a serum iodine test and can recommend a postal test supplier? I had one 6y ago done by Doctors Lab via Blue Horizon but there is some doubt if it can be done via post (I await confirmation but seek options anyhow). I live well away from London where I believe it could be done.

This follows a Complimentary Consultation after a high reading with Genova's END 25 non-loading urine test. The consultant said that test doesnt reflect cellular, iodine level (adaptive response/excreting minerals) so suggested a serum test is better.

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SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

userotc

The consultant said that test doesnt reflect cellular, iodine level (adaptive response/excreting minerals) so suggested a serum test is better.

But a serum test wont reflect cellular iodine level either, it can only show what's in the blood that's taken at the time of the blood draw, not what's in the cells. Or am I missing something?

userotc profile image
userotc in reply to SeasideSusie

She suggested serum testing is a better indicator of cellular iodine. I didn't challenge strongly, partly as I know Genova don't do serum testing so there is no financial incentive for suggesting that. But I realise it does beg the question - why do their urine test!Do you have any contacts re a 2nd opinion?

NB TUK link below states Medichecks do serum iodine but they don't (I called):

thyroiduk-org.cdn.ampprojec...

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to userotc

userotc

She suggested serum testing is a better indicator of cellular iodine.

I would ask how a serum test can indicate what's in the cells. I often point out that a serum magnesium test is unreliable as about 99% of magnesium is stored in bone, muscles and soft tissues, leaving about 1% in the blood. So testing what's in the blood isn't giving an accurate picture of our magnesium status. We would need a red cell magnesium test which is the better indicator of magnesium status, not the standard serum magnesium test. So one assumes that this also applies to any serum test not being able to tell us what is in the cells.

Do you have any contacts re a 2nd opinion?

No, I'm afraid not.

NB TUK link below states Medichecks do serum iodine but they don't (I called):

You will need to contact ThyroidUK and point this out. The page is probably due for review.

This is the contact form to give feedback about their website:

thyroiduk.org/about-thyroid...

or you can email tukadmin@thyroiduk.org

userotc profile image
userotc in reply to SeasideSusie

OK, thanks. I'll contact TUK re out/date site and also ask if they can offer a 2nd opinion as to whether or not a serum iodine test is a better indicator of cellular levels than urine. I can then challenge Genova before incurring extra cost/time. I'm sure you'll understand why I now also question the value of the urine test(s) I've had due to the consultation? For now, I've stopped supplementation (<RDA) - the consultant didn't suggest but agreed it's wise.

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