Would you go for a blood test?

ladybella as far as I know no opticians are working at present. If you have an eye emergency they will redirect you to an emergency centre.

Cataracts grow slowly - it will not hurt to be a few months overdue for your appointment unless you have any major problems with your eyes.

I went for a blood test yesterday nurses wearing PPE safe distancing etc I felt very safe doing so

I am due my annual diabetic check, so rang the clinic number on the letter they sent to make an appointment for the blood test to be done, then a further telephone appointment with the practice nurse a week later to discuss the results of the blood tests. None of the usual blood presure or cardiac checks, no weight check, and a stern warning that no further prescriptions would be issued until I have attended for the tests. Rather concerned as my usual prescription for 10 insulin pens for the month only contained 2 in the box when it was collected today, not even a weeks supply. I will have to ring the surgery on Monday to try and organise some more before my blood tests get done in 7 days time.

If they are doing the test it must be important.

DH had a blood test last week as he is on blood thinners. The District Nurse came to our house all gowned up but after taking the blood she removed all her PPE before leaving our house! I was furious!

When I asked DH why she he didn't ask her to remove it outside he said it might appear rude.

If she comes again he will know what to say to avoid this again.

Ive been for mine. I was the only patient there

District nurse arrived unexpectedly to do bloodtests on my husband last week

I went for a blood test last week phoned reception from car park. Nurse came out wearing mask and face shield I stayed in car and stick arm out of window. I felt totally safe they wouldn't ask you to go unless it's essential.

I took my DH for a drive through blood test last week . Orders were to drive into a numbered ambulance bay At a specific time . Nurse sitting in a chair with a screen around her . DH stuck out arm . Blood was taken . I found it hard to keep my laugh in if I’m honest . It all seemed so very ... Sci-Fi.

X posts marpau

Like Ramblingrose22, my husband had a nurse come to our house to take his blood, and we weren't too pleased either. She came breezing in with her mask round her neck, and only bothered to put it up when she actually took his blood. Though saying that, he had another nurse come to do an injection for him a couple of weeks later and she had the full PPE on and was very professional.

Yes and all the medical staff were in full PPE. Door to surgery locked, only gained access by person on reception opening door (she had mask and gloves on) after seeing nurse for test directed to exit building by the side door so no encountering with others. Don't know what they will be doing by June but at the moment felt safe.

Yes I've had a blood test. Only 2 other people in waiting room so well able to socially distance. Door opened by staff when I arrived. Nurse doing blood test had protective gear on and I wore a mask and gloves. Not sure if that helped but it made me feel better. Go ahead, I'm sure all surgeries take adequate precautions/

Yes I would go- the surgeries will be fully compliant with safety issues.
Just don't be surprised if they cancel unless it is very urgent as they are up to their ears at the moment.

I went for my B12 injection
You couldn’t have felt safer
They allow a lot of time in between appointment to disinfectant and change ppe Only I receptionist
In and out in 5mins

Yes , I would . I’m shielding as my immune system is knackered. I’ve had to cancel a hospital appointment as it would mean two bus journeys and a train journey to get there and back but if it was closer I’d definitely go

Yes! I've been for a blood test and felt safe - its not worth missing something which might turn out to be important for your overall health. I've also been briefly to a large hospital - almost no patients to be seen and instant access to the help I needed.

I go for my INR blood test, usually at the pathology lab at the hospital. The first one I went for during lockdown they ran in the outpatients department with strict social distancing signs on seats and very few people there. The nurse who took my blood told me to book in for my next one at a more local blood clinic, which I did, it was a community centre, and you waited in the large hall and seats were set out for social distancing. You went inside he door and out of another. Nurses wore masks and gloves, gloves they changed after every patient. I have to go again in June. I wore a mask and gloves too, as an extra precaution, but nurse did say as long as I wash my hands or use anti bac gloves are so essential. Your health is important so do not miss an appointment that is important to you. If are really concerned, come home put all your clothes in the wash and shower.

My husbands diabetes check is well overdue the one where they test his eyes with the drops. Said it might be august was due in April.

Of course you must go for a blood test. Your doctor clearly thinks it important for the benefit of your health and any treatment needed.

As for the optician, I think I would delay that for a while - optical examinations are very close to your face and personally I would avoid that.

Yes I've had 2 blood tests and have one booked for next Thursday. I phone the surgery when I'm near and let them know I will be there shortly. Someone comes to the door and let's me in. I'm given a mask and asked to use hand sanitiser and the nurse takes the required blood sample. Simple, straightforward and certainly nothing to worry about.

Mine was cancelled,also my sons were too

Daughter had to take one of her dogs to a new surgery for a quite complicated examination. Vet was wearing full PPE!

My mother has had home visits from a nurse for blood tests and a doctor. No PPE worn

MY surgery no longer does routine blood tests, we're sent to a local hospital instead.
My annual test was due last month and i was told the hospital was not doing any routine bloods at all and i would have to wait until they restart.
Luckily my GP reauthorised all my meds for a further six months.