Private Blood tests

[KittyKat234]

Hiya. New to the forum, as was diagnosed with graves last week. I've done some research, and want to get various bloods done ( probably Blue Horizon, which seems to be pretty good??) My question is, amongst the plethora of tests to choose from, which ones are best. I definitely want the vitamin one, but interested to find out any other info you all may have! 😊

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum

See link for private companies with discounts with many packages & options. Including Blue horizons.

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

A full option would have thyroid function (TSH, FT4 & FT3) & TPO & TG antibodies & key nutrients, folate, ferritin, B12 & Vitamin D.

Sample recommended to be taken at 09.00 fast overnight, avoid biotin 3 days before test.

Gluten issues common with thyroid autoimmune see if Doctor can test for gluten issues.

What thyroid antibodies have been tested?

TRab (TSH receptor antibodies) - measures stimulating neural & blocking antibodies)

TSI (Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin)

TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies)

TGab (Thyroglobulin antibodies)

Graves is confirmed by positive TRab or TSI. TPO & TG can be present with autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s)

Transient hyper occurs with Hashimoto’s, Graves is continuous. Doctors often assume Graves with hyper results but it’s important to confirm.

Medicheck has a Graves - TRab as a single test, but it more expensive than most packages, must be venous draw (not by finger prick, which is option with most others) & takes a while to process. I found their thyroid advance a good option.

Have you been referred to endocrinology or started on any treatment?

What has been tested already been completed?

[KittyKat234 in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi Purple nails, Sorry for delay in replying to you, and thanks for your reply. So, Ive had 'Se thyroid peroxidase, Free T3, and TSH done by my Gp which confirms high T3 and low TSH. And my GP is organising further bloods to test for B12, Folic acid and Vit D. So with that in mind, Im wondering what other private bloods are preferable at this early stage of diagnosis. I would like to do a full vitamin analysis, but that might not be the priority for now (Or is it?) Im currently on 10mg of Carbimazole once daily, and (touch wood) Im tolerating it well, and am starting to feel better. Heart palpitations are on the decline so Im thinking Im winning. Currently waiting to see an endo. Let me know your thoughts! And thankyou!

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to KittyKat234]

Try and get hold of actual results with lab range, Low TSH & high FT4 isn’t sufficient to go on.

Vitamin testing a good idea & celiac screen.

If you been referred to endocrinology they may arrange test for graves antibodies & screen for gluten allergy. - tissue transglutaminase (tTG) immunoglobulin A (IgA) and tTG immunoglobulin G (IgG) tests.

If you test nutrients now you can start supplementing if any are low. A doctor may organise test but is only obligated to treat if at a deficient level.

10mg is a low starting dose for carbimazole, so your FT4 might be not a as high as typically seen or you doctor starting off cautiously & will need to increase. Is a recheck of levels scheduled for 6 weeks from starting medication ?

[KittyKat234 in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for reply.

So Se Thyroid peroxidase shows 68 ku/l (Range is Greater than 50 = pos result.)

Free T3 abnormal. (Range is 3.10 -6.80) Mine is 10.9pmol/L

Re vitamin testing, are there any specific ones youd recommend. (there are lots to choose from on Blue Horizon!)

My GP hasnt mentioned being re tested in 6 weeks, but Im presuming I will have got to see the endo by then!

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to KittyKat234]

Monitor my health full health screen & Medichecks thyroid advanced are both good options.

Endocrinology can take longer, depends on areas.

Don’t assume you will have something in place. GPs tend to refer & consider their role complete, but if nothing arranged by week 4 push for GP to retake levels. Or take own results to GP if dose needs adjusting.

[KittyKat234 in reply to PurpleNails]

That's great. Thanks for all the info...you've been very helpful

[pennyannie]

Hello KittyKat :

There are 2 Auto immune health issues that can cause hyper type symptoms and the only way to know which you have is through an antibody reading being over range and positive :

If with Graves Disease an Anti Thyroid drug such as Carbimazole is prescribed whereas with Hashimoto's the ' hyper ' type symptoms are transient and your levels of T3 and T4 fall back down into range by themselves.

Please check if the Graves antibody TSH - Thyroid Receptor antibody blood test - TRab - has been already run -

Can you share your blood test results and ranges at diagnosis -

ideally these should be a TSH+ Free T3 + Free T4 :

[KittyKat234]

Apologies. I missed the TSH reading from my previous post. TSH is less than 0.02 (range 0.27 - 4.20)

[Marz in reply to KittyKat234]

I think pennyannie suggested the TRab test not the TSH test. Also she won't see your reply as you replied to the OP ! 😊