Would you read blood test results ?

[wouldyouuu]

I have recently had blood tests done because I've not been very well.

I can see the results are back now in my NHS app. But I'm scared to read them without context and don't want to freak out over them.

Would you read them ? Or do you usually ring the doctor / does the doctor ring you ?

I read mine, but I was a nurse and can interpret them in context.

They’re all Vienna* to me so I ignore until I’ve spoken to the GP/nurse.

*🎵it means nothing to me…🎵

Would you know what they meant? Do you know if being 0.5 out of range is “normal” or hugely deranged? Do you know that abnormal results are common and should generally be rechecked? Do you have health anxiety or fairly pragmatic?

Oh yes, I always read mine, and looked at my x-rays on the hospital radiology system too. But I was a nurse, it was easy for me (although against Trust rules).

No I wouldn't know. I would just freak out and start Googling..

Then no I wouldnt

I read mine and can usually find an online reliable source if interpretation is needed. On rare occasions I’ve been in hospital I always photo anything on my notes they leave on the end of my bed

Take the view that anything abnormal will be flagged up to you by GP.
Our GP is very quick to message us with even the smallest problem.

Depends what they were for I think. Normally I do have a look myself, but yes, I do then start obsessively googling! On the other hand, I am always told my iron levels are normal but they are actually right on the border with low, and I have realised now that at that level, although it is technically normal, I do need to supplement.

I read mine and google anything that's out of range or looks a bit interesting.

Not a medic but well-educated on my particular medical condition.

I actually had blood tests last week and I have looked at them. Everything normal except 2 things. So I have looked at what those mean and have a question for the GP about it ready for my appointment this afternoon.

Depends what you've been tested for, but on my regular FBC there is an automatic flag (H or L) on everything they've tested for if its outside of the average parameters. They also include the usual parameters so i know what I'm looking at.

I read mine. It tells you if the results are in the normal range.

I can see any blood test results online and if they are in normal or abnormal range. Anything abnormal has a comment from a GP next to them. For example ‘patient taking supplements that cause higher reading, no action needed’ was on my last lot.

If you’re worried, call your GP surgery and speak to the receptionist - I understand results are anxiety inducing so don’t worry unnecessarily

Yes of course it tells you if they're in the normal range and it they're not normal it usually says ' ignore, insignificant ' or it says, ' contact patient '

My worry is that I'll find some that are not normal and that I'll just start googling it and freak myself out before the doc contacts me.

does anyone know how long it takes for them to call you if something is wrong ?

If they're very not normal you would know already
I got a call the same day as my bloods were taken to go straight to hospital
A bit out and they usually write, I got a letter for my vitamin D

It tells you on the patient access app if results are within normal
Parameters.

If you wouldn't be able to interpret and it would cause you to panic and google I wouldn't bother, I'd just contact the GP and ask for your blood results.

I always looked at mine but my husband is a nurse so can generally help me understand if the levels are good/bad/normal

I work in NHS blood testing lab. If there was something to be majorly concerned about, you would have been called immediately. If there is anything in there other than normal, it would be relatively minor (anemia, vitamin D deficiency etc).

Read them. Your doctor will have put a comment on them.

Failing that it is your responsibility to get your results. Ring the surgery.

I have health anxiety so I never look at mine. The doctor has always called if there is a problem. Most 'out of range' results seem to be a minor/temporary thing or not considered a problem, but only a health professional can really interpret them.

I have hypothyroidism and if I didn’t take care to retrieve and read my own boood result (and supplement annually with a full thyroid panel done privately) I’d be at the mercy of the extremely shit basic care offered by the NHS. It gives me mild fury that I’m not ‘allowed’ to see the numbers unless I speak to a doctor. I’ve had this condition for years and know more about it than your average GP, who have often Googled during appointments fgs. Take your care into your own hands, is my advice.

I look at mine because I’m an ex blood scientist so can interpret them, for blood tests I’m not familiar with I just google the reference ranges. As someone has said if they were grossly abnormal you would have been contacted by now.

Can anyone tell me where it says AKI warning stage : but has nothing next to it is that cause for concern?

I’d read mine, but then several years ago I was the one who told my Doctor that my blood test results indicated a specific health condition that could only be cured by surgery and he might want to refer me to a specialist. Fortunately he listened to me and didn’t just fob me off! (Hello to anyone else who’s had primary hyperparathyroidism! 👋🏻)

Sounds like it would be better for you to have someone go through yours with you. If you read them would you be able to stop yourself going down a Google rabbithole?

Thanks. They only became available a couple of hours ago or so. On the app I mean.