Getting some blood tests done... can you just ask for them?

[BrandNewDay]

I am asking this question on behalf of someone else.

My friend is not losing weight in spite of careful diet and lots of exercise. It was suggested that he get his blood sugar levels and thyroid checked. The person making the suggestion was in America, where you can tell your doctor "Hey, test this" and they probably will. I didn't know if you can do that in the UK. I mean, if you go to an NHS doctor and you feel fine, you're just obese and not losing any weight, will they perform these tests? I suspect they'll just say, "Here's a pamphlet on diet and exercise" - assuming that you're not really doing it right. You can't just say, "Actually, I am curious about my metabolism and someone has suggested I check this, this, and this." Right?

[bandraoi]

I've asked several times to have my blood sugars checked and never had a problem. That's a cheap and cheerful test though.

[globalds]

I have just had a fairly full set of blood tests done ..(got the results today )..All normal so thats cool .
I have been feeling tired recently and went to see GP ..She basicly discussed my state of mind and I filled out a questionair ..It seemed to be testing how depressed I was ..I told her that I didn't think it was this ..
She then asked me to come in for a full blood test ...simple as that .

[Lady E]

If there is a family history eg coronary/thyroid etc , then my Doctor would arrange blood tests. I think your friend needs to check in with the GP ,to get advice re weight loss and then whilst there indicate his/her reasons for blood tests. Good luck

[tanith]

I agree your friend needs to check in with the GP... if they think it will help to do bloods then I am sure they will authorise...

The reason you can just request it in the US is because you will be paying... nothing comes for free over there.....:eek:

[Ted_Hutchinson]

I have just had a fairly full set of blood tests done ..(got the results today But did you get a Vitamin D test result? If you didn't you could ask your GP for a 25(OH)D (http://www.tdlpathology.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=84)test privately it costs £40.

Vitamin D affects both mind and body. You will be physically stronger and less likely to get tired if you have optimal Vitamin D status. 125nmol/L that level also ensures optimal feelings of well being (http://www.nutritionj.com/content/3/1/8).

Optimal vitamin D status also helps metabolic syndrome (http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/researchObesity.shtml). When all your body's systems are operating properly you'll find it much easier to lose weight (http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/newsletter/2006-nov.shtml).

[Penny-Pincher!!]

But did you get a Vitamin D test result? If you didn't you could ask your GP for a 25(OH)D (http://www.tdlpathology.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=84)test privately it costs £40.

Whats your cut Ted?:D

PP
xx

[BrandNewDay]

OK, then... I guess it couldn't hurt to ask the doctor if they'd authorize some tests.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Whats your cut Ted?:D

PP
xxIf I was getting a cut I'd post the link on the referrals board. I just want people to realise they are vitamin D insufficient and do something EFFECTIVE about that situation. I did suggest she asked her doctor first in which case it would be free on the NHS.

If you know a cheaper source for a 25(OH)D test then I will be delighted if you would post a link to it. I don't care if it's got an affiliate link either. It would be useful and helpful information and a welcome improvement to your usual contributions.

After all 90% of the uk adult population have levels (http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/85/3/860)below that required to optimise calcium absorption (http://www.europeansunlight.eu/research/uvradvitd/Heaney%20(2005).pdf)so it's a fair bet the OP does also.

I do not understand the logic of people who take medicines that are known to be relatively ineffective (http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/84/4/694). So in case the OP's doctor is as ignorant as many others I'll post another helpful link to the cheapest source of effective strength D3 I know. (http://www.bio-tech-pharm.com/products/d35.html) and I don't even get freebies from them either. But I'm sure you being in helpful mode will be able to find a cheaper better source to show how clever and helpful you really are. ;)