Fingerprick test with Medichecks

[Rambling9]

Morning - I just failed to get enough blood to fill the tube which is a bit frustrating - especially as I'm on aspirin ! I did all of the things I should - drank a litre of water and warmed up, exercised hands, washed them in warm water. I've requested a new kit from medichecks and hope it will arrive in time to send off this week. Any other tips or encouragement?

Thanks so much for the posts on here - they've encouraged me to get all thyroid plus vitamins etc tested - lols to fail at the first hurdle sucks rather!

[DippyDame]

Try wrapping something warm round your wrist....I use a long wheat bag that can be heated in the microwave.

BUT...DO NOT OVERHEAT!!

[Rambling9 in reply to DippyDame]

Useful - I have one of those!

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I always do a bit of exercise then have a warm shower prior to the draw. It helps my blood ‘flow’ better!

[Mividauk2]

Did you manage to fill anything at all? I struggled to fill it to the mark, but I sent it anyway and it was enough.

[Rambling9 in reply to Mividauk2]

It was between the two marks and nothing else was forthcoming - used all three lances! The replacement kit is on its way - thanks for the tips!

[DippyDame in reply to Rambling9]

I ended up buying extra lancets from Amazon, the type used by diabetics....three in test kit is never enough for me!!

[Mividauk2 in reply to Rambling9]

It was the same for me, someone here told me to sent it anyway and if it wasn't enough they would sent me a new kit. They did manage to do the test !

[arTistapple]

It’s more expensive and I use it for definite when I have a full thyroid panel - I order the blood draw option. I always have trouble - even the nurses. It would be convenient if your local practice did it for a fee?

[Rambling9 in reply to arTistapple]

This is my finger prick test debut so I'll follow the advice when the replacement comes and see how that goes - useful to know for the future though!

[joey82]

I've had the same issues, can be difficult at times. Plenty of water 2 hrs before, no alcohol or saunas the night before! Lots of vigorous exercise, try skipping works for me every time.

[DizzyD]

This is what I done prior to doing the "prick". Drank lots of water, had a hot bath, walking up and down the garden for 20 mins, put my hands and wrists in hot water, shook my hands/arms vigorously then went for it!!! NO LUCK despite also being on anti coagulants.

[Rambling9]

Thanks everyone for the tips - followed them all! Sample sent off today