Levo pre blood test?

[LucieDoodle]

Hi I’m after some advice please. I was diagnosed with UAT 20+ years & have been fortunate to have not had many problems during that time. I’m due a blood test on Thursday as my thyroid results have been all over the place since being diagnosed with GCA & PMR last June. I’ve never been told not to take Levo prior to a blood test before but since joining this forum have seen posts which advise against doing so. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 ideally at least once year minimum

Which brand of levothyroxine are you taking

Lower vitamin levels more common as we get older

Are you taking any other medications

What and how long away from taking your levothyroxine

All other medications should be at least 2 hours away

Some need to be at least 4 hours away

[LucieDoodle in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon, thank you for your reply & apologies for my slow response. I’ll definitely not take my Levo (brand TEVA) before the blood test. I believe my tests will include TSH & FT4 but not FT3 plus Ferritin, Folate & B12. Not sure if Vitamin D is being tested but I was advised to take Vit D as a supplement when diagnosed with the GCA & PMR.

I also take Methotrexate (15mg) & folic acid (5mg) weekly (on different days) as well as Sertraline 100mg (morning) & Atorvastatin 20mg daily (night). I leave a minimum of 1hr between taking Levo (75mcg) and my other meds & eating/drinking.

Hope this all makes sense & thanks for your valued advice.

[Zolap]

I always took mine as normal before my blood test but was thinking that this time I will not take it prior to test and see if there is any difference.

[LucieDoodle in reply to Zolap]

I’ve definitely decided not to take it prior to blood test. It will be interesting to see if the results vary! Thank you for replying, Zolao.

[Jules18]

Hi, I've never specifically been told not to take Levothyroxin before blood tests. I do have quite regular CT scans with contrast and they do always ask if I've taken levo that day. Maybe don't take them next blood test but check 2ith them if you need to stop taking it before the test and how long - good luck

[LucieDoodle in reply to Jules18]

Thanks for your input, Jules18. I’ve decided not to take it prior to the test - will be interesting to see if results vary!

[tattybogle]

The rationale for testing 24hrs after last dose (and research evidence to back it up) is explained in the 3rd reply to this post :

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu....

[Janeylou69]

Hi luciedoodle I normally don't take the levo before I'm going for my blood test ,I suppose it's more accurate results xx

[LucieDoodle in reply to Janeylou69]

Thank you for replyingJaneylou69. I’ve decided not to take the Levo prior to the test - will be interesting to see if results vary!