Blood test

[walden53]

I know from this community how important it is to test first thing in the morning but my doctors' surgery is very stretched and my blood test appointment can't be changed from late morning. I'm not sure I can last without any food until 30 minutes after the appointment. How bad is it to eat something first, have the test then take my Levothyroxine after the test ? I

[RedApple Administrator]

walden53, Fasting is not essential for thyroid testing., so go ahead and have breakfast 😊 The important thing is not to take your levothyroxine to close to the test. Leave at least twelve hours (up to 24hours is fine, but not more) between last levothyroxine dose and the test.

[Regenallotment]

if you can figure out how to take half your Levo 12 hours before the test time you won’t have a ‘ more than 24 hours from last dose’ scenario which will be meaningless.

🌱

[Jayneywales]

I’ve done this before with no issues. I’ve taken my medication as soon as out of the doctors and then waited at least an hour before eating lunch. I do avoid my bucket of coffee in the morning though. Compromise eh?

[BenLabrador]

My understanding is that a blood draw early in the morning is advised because that is when the body’s TSH level is naturally highest. I cannot get my blood flowing sufficiently for the draw until I am fully hydrated which is later in the morning. I also eat normally.

[walden53 in reply to BenLabrador]

Thank you. Have had it done now but I’m going to insist next time it’s an early appointment.

[LynneG]

If your blood test is requested by GP on your patient computer record as they always are even if blood is to be drawn at the surgery - to inform the nurse /CA what test to take. I don't know about your practice, once the blood is drawn it waits to be collected and then enjoys travelling around the city for all surgeries to e delivered together - not impressed

Go to your local phlebothamy dept for your blood drawing, no appointment needed. just walk in. Take your NHS or hospital number with you so the phlebothamist can access your record and GP request. These depts are usuall open from 7am

Cheers x

[walden53 in reply to LynneG]

Thanks for the helpful suggestion. It used to be possible to do that but since Covid the hospital lab in the town I live in is appointment only. I suppose next time I can say that’s where I want it to be done,

[LynneG in reply to walden53]

Certainly do that. I had my most recent blood tests in May. So you can just walk in to the Sheffield Hallamshire. A shame that the procedure has been altered in some hospitals but the no appointment is not the main issue, just refuse until get an early morning appointment. I'd still rather have taken at the hospital by a phlebothamist.

And anyone who is newly diagnosed with methylation issues with B12, Flolate deficiency need to have their homocysteine serum level tested as it is quite possible that the level due to their defiiciencies will be sky high. Seriously bad for heart and brain. Read Dr Malcolm Kendrick's most recent book ' The Clot Thickens'

[walden53 in reply to LynneG]

I live in Lincolnshire! Say no more . Sheffield Hallam is where I saw my consultant until he discharged me - it’s a much better hospital.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

just testing TSH and Ft4 is completely inadequate, but all that’s typically tested on NHS

You need to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together

and testing earlier in morning will give higher TSH (all most medics look at)

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

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Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

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Link about Hashimoto’s

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Symptoms of hypothyroidism

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Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

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Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

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Monitor My Health also now offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65

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[walden53 in reply to SlowDragon]

I’m going to come back to this once I get my results. I may decide to go for further tests. I’m not sure it’s my hypothyroidism or something else but not feeling too sparkling and picking up every single bug at the moment. Thank you. Your advice is always so knowledgeable.