testing options...thyroid & vitamins

[diagnosed2013]

Hi...can anyone advise if blue horizon thyroid gold would be a good test to order to get an overall picture, of thyroid health? I ordered separate ones on mmh but didn't get the thyroid antibodies one done only tpo....& wandering as the blue horizon test has vitamin D, magnesium, cortisol & a fair bit more than the mmh one whether it's worth it & does anyone find they are ok? mmh were pretty good, but the last test was pretty basic & didn't cover all bases like the blue horizon one does...many thanks for any help with this...

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

It would depend on what things you are looking for in a test.

Do you need a home or lab blood draw or is finger prick OK?

How much is cost a factor?

Which items are you looking to get tested?

Blue Horizon are certainly reputable.

[diagnosed2013 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks for info...looking at all of it really....looked a good option the Blue horizon gold one. Also can I ask has anyone ever used neovos for the urine mma test? don't think my doctor will test for b12 deficiency/pa even though I have symptoms, but these symptoms could also be down to untreated/undermedicated thyroid also....

[LouieHusky]

I am looking at getting this test done too. Will be interested in your replies ☺️

[joey82]

I HAVE USED BLUE HORIZON FOR MY LAST 2 THYROID PANELS, PLATINUM (INC RT3) AND THIER BRONXE PACKAGE AND FOUND THEM VERY GOOD. I WILL CONTINUE TO USE BH FOR THE FORESEEABLE.

FOR AN EXTRA £50 YOU CAN UPGRADE FROM GOLD TO PLATINUM AND GET YOUR RT3 TESTED. IT MAY BE AN INSIGHT IF YOU ARE STILL HAVING ISSUES. RT3 TESTS ARE ALWAYS EXPENSIVE UNFORTUNATELY.

I THINK BH GIVES A DONATION TO TUK WITH EVERY THYROID BLOOD TEST ASWELL.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to joey82]

RT3 test is a waste of money though as so many other factors can affect it other than thyroid.

[joey82 in reply to Jaydee1507]

I strongly disagree with this, I've had at least 3 cases where upping my Levo made my symptoms worse. Within a week of dropping my levo back down to the previous dose it felt better. It was undoubtedly RT3 causing the issue in there cases. If you don't convert well enough you will casue RT3.

[joey82]

Thyroid antibodies, Vit D, Magnesium are all worth checking alongside Iron serum, ferritin, B12. The blood cortisol test is considered inaccurate buy many as it is unbound in the blood stream and is not useable cortisol. But always worth knowing if it's in the test.

[diagnosed2013 in reply to joey82]

That's great, many thanks

[diagnosed2013 in reply to joey82]

I'm finding getting enough blood from a finger prick test so hard any tips on which finger & which part of the tip of the finger to use the lancet on? tried this morning to complete the last part of a mmh anaemia test kit (only yellow top one needed) & couldn't get enough blood for it....what am I doing wrong? any help please....

[diagnosed2013 in reply to diagnosed2013]

used all 3 lancets & still couldn't get enough blood to even the 400 line....

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to diagnosed2013]

I was told to use the side of the finger tip. I usually try ring finger first hving strictly followed the steps below.

When collecting your sample try the following tips:

Drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated will make it easier to collect your sample.

Shower before you take your test or run your hands under warm water for a few minutes, as heat improves blood flow.

Do some light exercise (move around, go for a walk, etc.) to get the blood flowing.

Make sure your arm is below your heart level – let gravity do some of the work.

Nails that are too long can make it difficult to collect a sample.

Do not shake the sample vigorously but invert the tube gently 10 times. (gently swirl the tube after each drop of blood).

Do not squeeze (milk) the finger.

Re-warm your hands during collection where needed.

[diagnosed2013 in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks that's great advice :)...hoping it's easier for these next tests...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you had TPO antibodies tested already

If yes, were they high/positive for autoimmune thyroid disease?

If not tested, it’s definitely worth testing BOTH TPO and TG antibodies

That would be via Medichecks or Blue Horizon

Or, if not needing vitamin testing….via Randox

Looking at previous posts you only just started on separate B12 and a separate vitamin B complex?

Suggest you wait at least 6-8 weeks before retesting

Have you tested ferritin and vitamin D?

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)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

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

Randox FULL thyroid test including both thyroid antibodies just £29

Test at home or in clinic

randoxhealth.com/en-GB/at-h...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

[diagnosed2013 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi...thanks, think going to get tg antibodies checked as didn't do those on the first test, tpo was normal, learning lots on here & what tests to do...so thank you