Requesting bloods

[Squadinho]

In the UK, are we able to ask for bloods to be done or will the GP only do them if he feels they are needed?

I only ask because its 6 weeks till I see my consultant and that is when I have my next set of bloods and I'm curious as to what my CRP levels are like at the moment.

 

[Jennifer]

I know in the US a doctor needs to order them. Maybe you could call up your GP and ask them to request it for you.

 

[DustyKat]

I would imagine your GP would have to fill out the request form. In Roo's situation, and when my son had bloods done yesterday, I just tell the GP I want bloods done and what I want tested.

Dusty.

 

[StarGirrrrl]

So you're having them done at your next Hospital appointment? You can have them send a copy to your GP, or have them write you with the results.

Or, see your GP now and explain to see if they will order a set beforehand.

 

[Rebecca85]

Shouldn't you be having blood test more frequently than that anyway for the azathioprine? I started taking it in August and have bloods every 4 weeks, if any other tests are needed my doc just adds it to one of the aza forms.

 

[Squadinho]

My next hospital appointment is Dec 29 and I don't want to wait that long!

Shouldn't you be having blood test more frequently than that anyway for the azathioprine? I started taking it in August and have bloods every 4 weeks, if any other tests are needed my doc just adds it to one of the aza forms.

I probably should. I had blood tests every week for 8 weeks when I started on Aza, and checking the leaflet it says I can go 3 months without a test. Obviously not ideal though.

 

[georgiegirl]

I know that when starting aza a couple months ago my GI ordered bloods at 4 days, 2 weeks and 6 weeks. This was to show up any potential issues (pancreatitis etc). I also have CRP and vitamin levels tested. If you can, you should organise to have these done pretty regularly (more often than 3 months). In Aus, your GP can request these...

 

[DustyKat]

My next hospital appointment is Dec 29 and I don't want to wait that long!



I probably should. I had blood tests every week for 8 weeks when I started on Aza, and checking the leaflet it says I can go 3 months without a test. Obviously not ideal though.

Whoa, that's a long time between drinks when you are starting up!

Roo was weekly for 3 months, then fortnightly for 6 months, then monthly for 6 months before she got to two months and finally 3 months. Now she has a new GI she is back to monthly again!

Go get to your GP and get the bloods done.

Dusty.

 

[archie]

If you request it from the receptionist to ask the dr with a genuine reason then your doc should have no prob filling in the form for the treatment room, this saves you having to see the doc unless he feels he needs to see you and you get the blood test just make sure you tell the receptionist what you want tested.

 

[StarGirrrrl]

You could also make a telephone appointment too.