Routine Monitoring Tests

The doctors in this practice monitor patients who are on certain medications or who have been diagnosed with an illness according to national guidelines where these exist. From time to time these will change. In any case we like you to know when these tests are due so that you can actively participate in your own health care.

If you collect you medication from the surgery there will be information printed on the label on your medication. These tell you how to take the medication but also if you need any special tests. If you do not understand any of the abbreviations, which we have to use so that they fit on the label, please ask one of our receptionists or dispensary staff to explain.

If you collect medication from Pharmacy this information will be printed on the right hand side of your green NHS prescription form.

Broadly the following checks are needed. Only the most common ones are given as an example:

• Blood tests
Thyroid function tests (TFTs) are needed yearly.

Random cholesterol is done done yearly only if you have diabetes or have had a stroke or heart attack etc otherwise it will not need to be done more often than 5 yearly, even if you are taking medication to lower it. Random means that you do not need to fast unless your Dr has specified this.

Below are all tests whose frequency will depend on your illness or medication.

• U&Es a test of kidney function.
• Full blood count (FBC)
• Liver function tests (LFTs)

Urine tests these can either be to check for urinary infection, or to check how well your kidneys are working particularly if you have diabetes, if previous test have suggested that your kidney function might need to be monitored.

Please also look for dates when your blood pressure (BP) is due. If you are diabetic please know when you are next due to have your feet checked part of the Annual Review by Nurse (ARN) or your eyes tested by the specialist retinopathy service.