Early morning blood tests

[LKA-dot]

I see on other posts that an early morning blood test before 09:00hrs is suggested for an accurate reading.

I went to have bloods taken yesterday morning at 08:55hrs for ferritin. My phlebotomist found that my blood flow was a bit on the slow side... but ok for the lab test. She thought she might have to ask me to return later in the day... when more hydrated.

I am 68 years of age... on thyroxine, vit D and 2 bp meds.

I wish to share the following thought .. an early morning blood test could mean the blood is not hydrated sufficiently.....

I was awake at 06:00m ... drank a cup of water and had 2 cups of tea.

We are all unique.... Just sharing my recent experiences ..........😊

[greygoose]

I see on other posts that an early morning blood test before 09:00hrs is suggested for an accurate reading.

Not more accurate, no - and for ferritin it really doesn't matter. But if they are thyroid bloods, the TSH is highest before 9 am, then drops sharply until midday when it's at its lowest, then starts to rise again. And, as all doctors tend to look at is the TSH, you want it as high as you possibly can.

But at whatever time the TSh is tested, it will be accurate for that time of day.

It would be a bad idea to drink two cups of tea before a thyroid blood test, because the caffeine can lower the TSH reading.

But I'm not sure it's just about being hydrated. One time I went to the lab for a blood test with my bottle of water, and sat there swigging it while I waited. And they couldn't get a drop of blood out of me. I said but I've been wearing my warmest woolly to keep my arms warm, and drinking water since I got up this morning. She said, oh, that's a myth, keeping warm and drinking water doesn't make any difference. And, I have noticed that on other occasions, when I haven't drunk much, there was no problem taking the blood. They don't seem to really know why sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's not.

[LKA-dot in reply to greygoose]

Thx Greygoose... always happy when I receive a response from you.😊 Your last paragraph is a good read.. which is the key experience I was looking for... so, the body does it's own stuff as and when it wishes.....😉 x

[greygoose in reply to LKA-dot]

Sure does.

When I was last in hospital here in France, they wake you up about 6.30 in the morning to take your blood and check vital signs. And sometimes the blood flowed easily and sometimes it didn't. But I hadn't been awake long enough to have a drink.

[Red448]

when I go for bloods she always asks me when I last had my meds. This time she didn’t, but it was a new lady. Another time I’ve gone they’ve said to be not to have it before I go. No wonder where all mixed up

[Brightness14]

I have O Postive blood so always free flowing. It can be a problem even drinking before appointment my partner has the same problem.