Blood test for baby - 5/6 months old

[LexxyBM]

Hello there,

I wondered if anyone here has had a similar experience, or perhaps could give me some advice.

My partner and I wish to run some blood tests for our baby who is currently five months old. Due to immunological health issues my partner has it is important for us to get a current reading of his levels etc. The NHS won’t do it so looks like we will have to go private. Consultation alone is £300 and then the price of the blood tests too. Does anyone know of anywhere else that would do this or is private the only option? At those prices?

Thank you in advance.
Alexandra

We’ll no one would do a blood test on a baby if it wasn’t clinically indicated. (Even privately) What condition are you worried about?

Why won’t the NHS do the tests? I would discuss this in person with a medical professional (either private or NHS) and decide whether or not this is necessarily something they is needed right now. Baby is very little. My DD needed a blood test at 4 months to check her white blood cell levels and I can tell you it was heartbreaking seeing her go through that.

If you really want to go ahead I’d book a consultation with a private GP who will likely have more time to discuss this in more detail and potentially point you in the right direction of a private clinic who can assist.

I have never heard of paediatric blood tests being done privately except with a clinician (usually consultant) overseeing them. And even then bloods privately is quite rare.

You don't have to give out your private info but is your partner's condition hereditary, what does his immunology service think for your child, how are you hoping to change the child's plans by doing the bloods? Is your child well or unwell?

I’m not sure what you’re hoping to achieve by having bloods done on a small baby.

If your partner has a hereditary issue likely to impact your baby then your GP would refer to the genetics service who will request any bloods that are necessary.

Even privately you can’t really just self refer to a paediatrician and request a panel of bloods - they need to be clinically indicated and someone will need to action any results.

We used private healthcare for my daughter when she was 4 months old (gp referral though as it was medically necessary) and her private consultant ordered blood tests to be done at the local children's hospital, who sent the results back to him.
It was awful and took a long time even with a specialist nurse. I wouldn't do it unless you absolutely have to.