Tips for Finger blood sample, please

[JMN2017]

I've got a private blood testing kit, for TSH, T3 & T4. I've seen some tips regarding getting blood from finger but can't find now.

Please could someone post a link, so I can be best prepared.

Many thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

link in my reply to your previous post

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning, last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Hope you are also testing Vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 ….if not request GP does so

What vitamin supplements are you taking

If taking vitamin B complex stop this 5-7 days before test

In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12

[JMN2017 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon, many thanks for your detailed reply and links. All extremely useful

Yes, I can likely get GP to request B12 , Folate, Vit D and Iron as I haven't had them checked for a while. I self-inject B12, generally Folate is high, take Vit D and Iron and request checks on these two latter on from time to time, just to be sure I'm well up within the range (have previously been low)

I've ordered TSH, T3 and T4, because NHS won't test for T3 levels now!

Again, thanks very much for your very prompt advice and links

J

[humanbean]

One thing that makes a massive difference for me is drinking a lot of water the day before I want the blood. For me that means drinking a full beaker of plain water every hour or 1.5 hours throughout the day. That is on top of the normal water, tea and coffee I drink. I will also drink another beaker of water as soon as I get up the day I want the blood.

I also use the "Guaranteed Next Day Delivery By 1pm" service at the post office on a Monday or Tuesday rather than the Tracked 24 that comes supplied on the envelope. It does cost extra at the Post Office counter, but at least I know that my blood won't get stuck in transit or sit in a sorting office for a few days.

royalmail.com/sending/uk/sp...

[JMN2017 in reply to humanbean]

Thanks, HumanBean. I appreciate your advice, especially re hydration. I had almost forgotten this one!!!

I also like your idea regarding paying for next day delivery. I think that's rather wise suggestion

J

[Bearo in reply to JMN2017]

I agree with HumanBean, drinking loads of water the day before and the hour before made a huge difference to me.

[wavedancers]

I had a problem getting the blood out on my first test, so when it came time for the second, I did a tiny bit of exercise (stationary bike) for about 5 minutes and made sure my hands were WARM... then, and I believe this made the biggest difference... I did it standing up with the tube in the holder on the table in front of me. On the first, I was sitting and struggled for every drop, but STANDING, it flowed right out and filled the tube fast!

[JMN2017 in reply to wavedancers]

Thanks, WaveDancers. Yes, getting the circulation going sounds a good idea. I'm not very mobile, I have to say, but when I get up I generally have shower, then come downstairs, so I'll maybe try to [lightly] jog a bit while doing my teeth too LOL

Many thanks

J

[wavedancers in reply to JMN2017]

Please do try to do it standing up and make sure your hands are warm. I'm not very mobile either, so understand where you're coming from!

[JMN2017]

Again, thanks to you all. I have a glucometer and, for finger pricks, I only need it on '1.5' so, if I turn it up a bit more, I'll use that as I'm chicken an sticking other lancets in my fingers LOL

J

[mourneadventurer]

Hydrate beforehand. Wash hands in warm water, knee bends, arm windmills., running on the spot. Puncture outside of 4th finger.tip. Taking cod liver oil is also beneficial for blood flow.

Try not to scrap blood in as it can affect the test.result.