McCabes Pharmacy tests

jeanjolie

I'm just wondering, how accurate/up to standard are the tests performed at their pharmacies? I've already gone to a GP for a test but I want to do another one in McCabes.

Not exactly asking for medical advice but just whether they're effective or not. I don't have any critical health problems just a bit concerned about wasting money on another test.

Dingle_berry

That depends on the test that you want to compare. Though a reason that diagnostic medical labs still exist is that they provide the most accurate and precise information.
For example a home pregnancy test kit will tell you if there is more than a certain quantity of the HCG hormone in your urine. It's yes/no and you can't differentiate the strength. A diagnostic lab can measure HCG to a few decimal places, can measure different forms of HCG. Also most irish diagnostic labs are ISO15189 accredited.

jeanjolie

Dingle_berry wrote: »

That depends on the test that you want to compare. Though a reason that diagnostic medical labs still exist is that they provide the most accurate and precise information.
For example a home pregnancy test kit will tell you if there is more than a certain quantity of the HCG hormone in your urine. It's yes/no and you can't differentiate the strength. A diagnostic lab can measure HCG to a few decimal places, can measure different forms of HCG. Also most irish diagnostic labs are ISO15189 accredited.

For me it would be a Diabetes (Glucose) test, Thyroid test and Bone Density.

Peregrinus

The pharmacy tests are not going to be more accurate or more reliable than the ones you get through your GP. But if you want the reassurance of a second test, by all means go for it. However accurate a diagnostic test is in principle and in design, it's always possible at least in theory that there could be errors or accidents in implementation, and the result may be unreliable. A second test may help to reassure you that this has not happened.

If both your tests produce the same result, well, great; you have the reassurance you are seeking.

And if the two test results differ, then go back to the GP and discuss with him whether this warrants further investigation, a different diagnostic procedure, etc.

Vorsprung

Depends what kind of test it is. Tests are only as good as the method by which they are carried out and how they are interpreted. There is also value in sometimes not doing tests in that you may pick up non specific abnormalities that might lead to further, non necessary interventions.

Doing a test is easy. Knowing when not to do a test is the challenging part.

Wesser

If it a desk top test done at a pharmacy compared to a hospital lab, then the lab is way more accurate.

Bone density cannot be done at a pharmacy you will need a dexa scan, hospital based for this. Low bone density does not cause any symptoms by itself per se.