Not a great start to 2014....

SuperHotOffers

Try not to worry yourself. Being worried doesn't help nor change the situation. I'm sure you will be ok.

There_Goes_Trouble

If it was urgent they would have called, not sent a letter. I'd get checked but don't worry unduly.

*max*

I see where you're coming from with the panicking! I got a blood test last year, and got called back the very next day because there was "something unusual" with it. Let me tell you, I was bricking it all day and night, didn't sleep a wink, I was mentally writing my will. All kinds of awful things went through my head (cancer, even HIV even though no reason for it...)

I went back in a panic and asked why they had called me back: "oh, your iron levels were a bit high" was the answer. :cool:

So don't worry, it's bound to be nothing terrible. If it had been something important, they'd have called you way sooner!

hachette

There_Goes_Trouble wrote: »

If it was urgent they would have called, not sent a letter. I'd get checked but don't worry unduly.

Yes Letter is not urgent phone call is. You will be OK. Do not worry.

fluffnutter

If it were something serious, you'd feel unwell. Blood tests are calibrated deliberately to be normal for 19 out of 20 samples. That's how they determine 'normal'. That means 5% are automatically abnormal even though the people themselves will have no disease, no symptoms and be perfectly healthy.

Five percent of the population is about 3 and half million people. All walking around with 'abnormal' blood. Obviously some will be unwell but most won't. You will be fine, OP. Talk to your GP if you're worried - they should be able to put your mind at rest.

skintandscared_2

Well I have called the number and, slightly worringly, the woman answering the phone either started that job yesterday or doesn't get many people calling in after these letters, because she didn't have a clue!!!

One interesting thing is that the centre where the letter has come from specialise in infectious diseases and epidermiology. My skin has been terrible for years, no matter what I eat, drink, or "free from" soaps I use. I am actually now quite intrigued as to what the results could be and am going to take the opportunity to ask about my skin anyway, while I'm there...

cazziebo

skintandscared wrote: »

One interesting thing is that the centre where the letter has come from specialise in infectious diseases and epidermiology. My skin has been terrible for years, no matter what I eat, drink, or "free from" soaps I use. I am actually now quite intrigued as to what the results could be and am going to take the opportunity to ask about my skin anyway, while I'm there...

Is it not epidemiology which is usually alongside infectious diseases? (not derm as in skin)

fluffnutter

skintandscared wrote: »

Well I have called the number and, slightly worringly, the woman answering the phone either started that job yesterday or doesn't get many people calling in after these letters, because she didn't have a clue!!!

One interesting thing is that the centre where the letter has come from specialise in infectious diseases and epidermiology. My skin has been terrible for years, no matter what I eat, drink, or "free from" soaps I use. I am actually now quite intrigued as to what the results could be and am going to take the opportunity to ask about my skin anyway, while I'm there...

I think you mean epidemiology - the study of diseases in the population. Nowt to do with skin. Perhaps they think you've got a bug.

skintandscared_2

cazziebo wrote: »

Is it not epidemiology which is usually alongside infectious diseases? (not derm as in skin)

Yes, you are right. That's it then, I clearly have rabies LOL

Person_one

skintandscared wrote: »

Well I have called the number and, slightly worringly, the woman answering the phone either started that job yesterday or doesn't get many people calling in after these letters, because she didn't have a clue!!!

One interesting thing is that the centre where the letter has come from specialise in infectious diseases and epidermiology. My skin has been terrible for years, no matter what I eat, drink, or "free from" soaps I use. I am actually now quite intrigued as to what the results could be and am going to take the opportunity to ask about my skin anyway, while I'm there...

You're mixing up epidemiology with dermatology. Epidemiology is the study of disease and ill health in populations, that's nothing for you to worry about!