What can my NHS GP test for ?

[Watermelonsugarr]

I can see that a thyroid panel is : TSH , FT4 , FT3, Thyroglobulin antibodies , Thyroid peroxidase antibodies . Can this whole test be ran by my NHS GP ? Has any one else had it done via the NHS my GP said he can only test for TSH but I’m not really in a position to be able to go and get a private test so I was wondering can NHS GPs run these tests ? I’m having horrible symptoms like loosing chunks of hair , dry flakey skin , tremors , etc but my NHS GP is not much help .

[helvella Administrator]

Technically, all those tests are done by NHS labs.

The problems lie in what your GP is willing to do to get them accepted and done.

Many GPs have limited test options on their computer systems. (Or paper forms!) Therefore the first two fences are:

Getting GP to agree to request the tests.

GP actually trying to request the tests.

It is possible that the GP would have to contact the pathology lab in order to get them to explain how to request the tests.

The next step is actually getting the lab to agree.

It is possible that the lab will refuse without the request being backed up by an endocrinology consultant.

And, when all that has been done, you need to get the blood draw done.

But don't think it is all done and dusted. We've seen members get this far and then see tests simply not done - even when agreed. Who knows whether this is an issue of the agreement to do them not getting to the person doing the work. Or someone thinking they can refuse what has already been agreed.

Until you get the results in your hand, believe nothing. And do not be surprised if you have to have another blood draw because they didn't do everything.

The two real problems are Thyroglobulin antibodies - the assumption is if TPOab are negative there is no point testing TGab. And if TPOab are positive, there is no point testing TGab. Heads you lose, tails you don't win.

And Free T3. Because they do not believe that Free T3 tells you anything. The only thing that matters (mostly) is TSH.

Best of luck.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Welcome to the group. If you could complete your profile it helps members understand your thyroid journey so far and be able to advise you better. Click on your image icon to start. Fill out the free text box at the top.

Perhaps if we could see your current results there might be a little insight just from that?

Current cheapest full thyroid panel would be from Randox at £29. You should really get vitamin levels run as well though as often many of our symptoms are compounded by low or outright vitamin deficiencies.

Monitor My health include vitamins & thyroid for £65. 10% discount code from Thyroid UK

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

Its often the lab that refuses to test certain things. Often the GP has little or no say in what gets tested unfortunately. Its really a post code lottery.

Do you have a copy of your latest blood results that you can share with us? You are legally entitled to a printed copy of your results, ask at GP reception. In England you can get the NHS app and ask for permission to see your blood results on that by asking at GP’s reception.

It's ideal if you can always get the same brand of levo at every prescription. You can do this by getting GP to write the brand you prefer in the first line of the prescription. Many people find that different brands are not interchangeable.

Always take Levo on an empty stomach an hour away from food or caffeine containing drinks & other meds. Many people find taking it at bedtime works well for them.

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins.

Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

Do you know if you had positive thyroid antibodies? Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well. These are intolerances and will not show up on any blood test.

Recommended blood test protocol: Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, last levo dose 24hrs before the blood draw & no biotin containing supplements for 3-7 days (Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood results as it is used in the testing process).

Testing like this gives consistency in your results and will show stable blood levels of hormone and highest TSH which varies throughout the day. Taking Levo/T3 just prior to blood draw can show a falsely elevated result and your GP/Endo might change your dose incorrectly as a result.

[Watermelonsugarr in reply to Jaydee1507]

Hi thanks for the reply . Was wondering do NHS GPs check for any other vitamins and minerals like vitamin A , vitamin C , omega 3s , selenium , zinc , magnesium , iodine , vitamin b2, b3 etc what vitamins can NHS GPs check for?

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Watermelonsugarr]

Again, probably this is a post code lottery and also will depend on how amenable your GP is and if you have symotms that might suggest low vitamin issues.

Some members have had zinc and selenium tested on the NHS. I doubt omega 3 would be tested but like all of them they are available privately.

Ony way to know is to try asking.