Is finger blood tests easy to do & are they reliable?

[Humphre]

Undecided which lab to us as my doctor was a bit off wanting to know where the lab was(Medichecks) thinking of using Monitor my Health which I know is NHS in Essex any tips advice. Plan to do test last week in Nov gives me time to stop vits for a week see what happens. Tia

[HealthStarDust]

If you feel the need to appease you doctor, then use MMH. As for accuracy, to be honest, I am not sure any test is 100% accurate. I have had tests with multiple companies at the same time as NHS and the results can be vastly different.

For this reason, I try and remind myself that it’s better to go by symptoms as confusing as they can be. Use tests as a guide only and consider repeating tests if unsure of results.

I’m afraid that’s the only answer.

[Humphre in reply to HealthStarDust]

Thanks I just want to see if finger prick as good as a nurse doing it also cost. I'm seeing if my vit levels have improved since last time to know if I'm on the right path so to speak, thanks for your info.👍

[HealthStarDust in reply to Humphre]

Sometimes the blood can not be analysed due to haemolysis with finger pricks and insufficient sample via venous draw.

Accuracy of the results is not exact. Many people have found anomalies between the two. The advise on the forum is on consistency in whichever method and lab used for best completeness.

[Humphre in reply to HealthStarDust]

Thank you, I decided to not do finger prick test as I'm checking folate etc so have gone with Medichecks again a bit pricey, managing it ok. Yes consistency is important.

[humanbean]

Medichecks isn't a company that does blood tests. They have contracts with labs that do blood tests, and some of those labs are NHS labs, some are exclusively private, some labs do work for both the NHS and the private sector.

medichecks.com/blogs/blood-...

medichecks.com/pages/our-la...

You know where your blood is going with private blood tests from Medichecks when you look at the address on the envelope that you get supplied with to send off your blood sample.

Also, if you download your results as a PDF file the laboratory used should be given on the report.

[Humphre in reply to humanbean]

Ah better informed thank you

[humanbean]

In my experience, finger-prick blood tests get easier the more often you do them.

The biggest factor for me that determines how easily I get blood out is how much water I drink the day before I intend to produce my sample The more I drink the better the blood flows. In my case this means I drink a generous beaker of water every 60 - 90 minutes in addition to what I would normally drink.

For more detailed advice see the reply from SeasideSusie on this thread :

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Humphre in reply to humanbean]

Very helpful thank

[Hedgeree]

Hi Humphre,

I'm one of those forum members that really struggle doing the finger prick tests. But you won't know until you try.

As humanbean has pointed out in their reply SeasideSusie always gave great advice in how to do finger prick tests.

I was always able to get enough blood but it was the psychological element that I struggled with (stabbing myself with the lancet) and after wasting lots of home tests I now go to a pharmacist who does a venous blood draw for me.

If you follow the guidance that others have given you'll be giving yourself a good chance of completing a successful finger prick test.

Best wishes.