Question about blood tests

shamblertine

I just had a blood test taken. Its to check if I have diabetes, but I'm just wondering will it show up if theres anything else wrong with me, eg like HIV or would something like that need a seperate blood test to show up?

sam34

shamblertine wrote: »

I just had a blood test taken. Its to check if I have diabetes, but I'm just wondering will it show up if theres anything else wrong with me, eg like HIV or would something like that need a seperate blood test to show up?

not being smart, but it depends on what they tested for.

hiv is not part of routine screening for anything, and they wouldnt test for it without obtaining your consent first.

they probably checked your liver and kidney function, blood sugar and blood count (iron)

but, the best thing to do is when getting the results ask your doc specifically what they checked.

shamblertine

sam34 wrote: »

not being smart, but it depends on what they tested for.

hiv is not part of routine screening for anything, and they wouldnt test for it without obtaining your consent first.

they probably checked your liver and kidney function, blood sugar and blood count (iron)

but, the best thing to do is when getting the results ask your doc specifically what they checked.

Thanks. Do you think it would be possible to ask them to check for other things with the sample they have now or would a new sample be needed?

imported_guy

shamblertine wrote: »

Thanks. Do you think it would be possible to ask them to check for other things with the sample they have now or would a new sample be needed?

depends, if they dont get rid of the sample you could request a STI screening which would test for hiv and stuff, but for diabetes, dont they have to take 2 tests? fasting and random?

shamblertine

imported_guy wrote: »

depends, if they dont get rid of the sample you could request a STI screening which would test for hiv and stuff, but for diabetes, dont they have to take 2 tests? fasting and random?

Ok thanks I'll check with them. They never mentioned anything about 2 tests, I just had the fasting test, so I presume if that shows up abnormal they request a random test too.

sam34

imported_guy wrote: »

depends, if they dont get rid of the sample you could request a STI screening which would test for hiv and stuff, but for diabetes, dont they have to take 2 tests? fasting and random?

shamblertine wrote: »

Ok thanks I'll check with them. They never mentioned anything about 2 tests, I just had the fasting test, so I presume if that shows up abnormal they request a random test too.

usually its the other way round - ie if a random sample is abnormal, they then proceed to a fasting sample.

they wouldnt just add on hiv testing to a pre-existing sample.

it really depends on what extra stuff you want tested for, and it depends on what was already taken. samples go to different labs, depending on what the test is for, and they get put into different bottles with different reagents too.

best bet is to ask your gp

shamblertine

sam34 wrote: »

usually its the other way round - ie if a random sample is abnormal, they then proceed to a fasting sample.

they wouldnt just add on hiv testing to a pre-existing sample.

it really depends on what extra stuff you want tested for, and it depends on what was already taken. samples go to different labs, depending on what the test is for, and they get put into different bottles with different reagents too.

best bet is to ask your gp

well I was reading about a new test for diabetes so maybe that was the one I had taken

Gazza22

shamblertine wrote: »

well I was reading about a new test for diabetes so maybe that was the one I had taken

That's the A1C test. If you had a full blood test done, which you were asked to fast for then you just had the common gold standard diabetes test - fasting blood glucose.

The new A1C only requires a finger prick amount of blood and you don't need to fast.

shamblertine

Gazza22 wrote: »

That's the A1C test. If you had a full blood test done, which you were asked to fast for then you just had the common gold standard diabetes test - fasting blood glucose.

The new A1C only requires a finger prick amount of blood and you don't need to fast.

Well I say fast, but the doctor said to just dont eat or drink about 2 hours before the test, but since I went for the test first thing in the morning, I hadn't eaten for about 10 hours.

imported_guy

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sam34

im going to lock this thread now, as i odnt think there's anything else that can be added on this forum.

as before, discuss your tests, results and any fyrther tests you want with your GP