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Would you go for a blood test?

(86 Posts)
Antonia Sat 16-May-20 12:47:21

I am due for a blood test in June at my surgery, and have sent a message asking what precautions they are taking there, and if the nurse giving the test will be wearing PPE. I am undecided at the moment whether to go or not. Has anyone else been for a blood test, and what was your experience?

gillybob Sun 17-May-20 10:04:49

X posts marpau

gillybob Sun 17-May-20 10:04:22

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.

marpau Sun 17-May-20 10:01:46

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.

GrauntyHelen Sun 17-May-20 02:52:06

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

notanan2 Sun 17-May-20 01:34:20

Ive been for mine. I was the only patient there

Ramblingrose22 Sun 17-May-20 00:34:17

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.

annep1 Sun 17-May-20 00:23:01

If they are doing the test it must be important.

JuliaM Sat 16-May-20 23:36:48

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.

Knan Sat 16-May-20 23:12:15

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

wildswan16 Sat 16-May-20 18:20:43

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.

MiniDriver56 Sat 16-May-20 18:07:04

My blood tests were cancelled, even my stroke clinic check. Not important enough!

LadyBella Sat 16-May-20 18:03:17

Not a blood test in my case but the optician. I need to go annually as have cataracts growing. But do I wait awhile? Not sure what to do.

Fernbergien Sat 16-May-20 18:01:19

Yes go. I have to go on Monday. We have two surgeries and this one is for shielded people only who have been in total lockdown for many weeks. Yes I am nervous too but it is important to go.

SalsaQueen Sat 16-May-20 17:45:34

I had to have a blood test at my GP's the other day. In the foyer, there was hand gel to use. I had to complete a form asking if I've had the virus and if anyone in my household had had it, whether I've had or got any symptoms. Once inside, the seats were all 2.5 metres apart, the reception desk was blocked off by rows of chairs.

The nurse then asked me questions again, and she was wearing a mask, gloves and apron. No problem at all.

Parsley3 Sat 16-May-20 17:24:50

I have had to go to my surgery on two occasions since lockdown. I felt very safe. I had to be let in. I had to confirm that I had no symptoms. I was the only one in the waiting room and the nurse wore PPE. Some things still need to be done so if your blood test is necessary then go.

Harris27 Sat 16-May-20 17:18:55

Go I’ve just had this conversation with my sister and she’s going as I would.

EllanVannin Sat 16-May-20 17:18:36

Yes, Cornergran, hope it's nothing serious.

EllanVannin Sat 16-May-20 17:17:40

I had to ring the front door bell first then was asked who I was and what was my visit. Was there an appointment and who do I see. No waiting, straight into the nurses room, test done and out, all in the space of about 10 minutes.
I have to repeat the process next Thursday as the test wasn't normal.

Calendargirl Sat 16-May-20 17:16:27

Hope your DH is ok Cornergran.

EllanVannin Sat 16-May-20 17:11:49

It was as safe as houses in my surgery when I had an INR last week. The nurse who did the test was unrecognisable in her " space suit " grin The full, head to toe gear with mask and visor. I could just about make out who she was.

PamelaJ1 Sat 16-May-20 17:03:27

Yes

BlueSky Sat 16-May-20 16:50:23

Yes of course much safer than any other venue!

cornergran Sat 16-May-20 16:48:42

Mr C went yesterday for an annual test. Felt very safe. Out of hours doctor phoned yesterday evening. Explained outcome. All is not well, must contact GP on Monday. We’re very pleased Mr C went for the blood test.

Tangerine Sat 16-May-20 16:43:27

Yes, I would go. I am not just saying this - I actually will have to have one soon.

grannysyb Sat 16-May-20 14:05:57

Yes, went to my surgery recently after a telephone consultation with GP, and she examined me. I have also been to our local minor injuries unit and a large hospital recently and felt completely safe in all three. I have to go back to the large hospital in three weeks time and am not worried.