"Routine blood tests"

I joined this Practice in 2010. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and prescribed tablets to control it together with Statins. Every year I have a review which has included routine blood tests including FBC, liver function, kidney function, bone profile calcium levels, electrolytes, insulin levels and cholesterol. I had a blood test on Tuesday and was surprised to learn that the Practice has changed its policy and now only tests for matters relating to my medication, which means that I am only tested for Kidney function cholesterol and diabetes. I have been told that your doctors do not consider the other tests are required, in accordance with 'guidelines'. I would have thought that an annual FBC and liver function test would have been advisable for someone of my age as, although such tests cannot identify specific conditions, they would give doctors markers or indicators that would prompt the requirement for further investigations.

A patient may not have any specific symptoms, significant enough to give rise to a GP visit but blood test may well show up the likelihood of some underlying problem. It also gives a patient some peace of mind. The fact that I have had such tests for eight years would suggest to me that the previous doctors in this Practice thought it advisable to arrange for them, at the time of my annual Hypertension review, even though they were in addition to those considered necessary for my condition. Are these guidelines from NICE? This would seem a backward step in the Practices role of monitoring a patient’s general health.

A nurse has informed me that you do not carry out screening in this way as if you did more tests would be required such as Thyroid and PSA.tests. However, I am not saying that I should have an annual comprehensive screening of my health but, as I have to have an annual review for my Hypertension what harm would it do to carry out the more comprehensive blood tests I have been afforded since 2010.

Richard Chapman