Would you go for a blood test?

Got an appointment for one this morning and not worried at all.

Thanks for your post.
I'm in the same situation as planning to phone doctor's surgery today as I'm due a medical review and I normally have a blood test done about a fortnight before. I'll see what they say.
I suspect that it's safer to have it done now than a few weeks from now when the results of isolation easing may be becoming apparent.

I'm going on Tuesday. It's a medication review, and I've been told it is important, so I'm going.

I will be met at the door and escorted to a consulting room, which will, apparently, be aired and sanitised between patients, hand sanitiser will be available, and the nurse will wear a mask. I don't have a mask (I haven't been out since this started), but will put a scarf over my nose and mouth if the one I ordered online hasn't turned up in time. Appointments are being staggered so that there is less chance of my meeting another patient.

I'm a little bit wary, but that's largely because I haven't crossed the doors since the week before the official 'lockdown'. I'm sure that the surgery will be as safe as it gets.

My surgery isn't even open yet

My mother had to go to our local hospital for an eye injection as she has wet macular degeneration. As she is 97 she decided to delay her last appointment but her eye started to bother her so we rebooked her appointment. There were only 2 other patients in the unit, all the staff had PPE on and from what I understand they took every precaution.
I then tried to book her in for her Vit B12 injection only to be told the surgery aren't doing them for the foreseeable and to phone back in a month. Can't say I was very happy as I thought something like that was important. Interesting to read that some on here have had their injections, wonder why some surgeries are allowing them and others aren't

I went for one last week. I had to ring the buzzer at my surgery, and a receptionist came over the intercom. She told me to wait in my car, and when the nurse came out to get me, she was in full PPE. I went into a back door, and into the first room. She wiped everything down before and after. She gave me a mask, and sprayed my hands. All very safely carried out.

Ps.. My doctor’s surgery does not do blood tests..

I’m so glad this thread came up.. I was prescribed Sulfasalazine in January, by my rheumatologist at the hospital. It helps with the rheumatoid arthritis In my ankle by suppressing the immune system. I have to have regular blood tests as this medication can cause severe side effects, such as liver and kidney damage. All was going well until March, when Coronavirus took hold and we went into lockdown. Now I’m torn.. do I carry on with the medication which a) suppresses my immune system (making me more prone to the virus and b) meaning I have to go to hospital for blood tests regularly? Risking getting infected in the process? Or should I just stop taking the pills? Which means I’m in agony and can’t walk? Tried ringing the hospital but obviously no reply. My GP can’t really help either, says it’s ‘my choice’ as to what I should do..

My OH who is diabetic is due for a blood test in a week or so . He has discussed it with our GP and she said talk to the nurse again just before you come.

Although he has not got a letter from the government he is quite vulnerable because of age and many pre-existing conditions. It may be possible for him to have the blood test while sitting in his car outside of the GP surgery.

I agree Bluecat it's weighing the risk, but it's also crucial that people are not put off and frightened and fail to attend for crucial blood and diagnostic tests, for which the outcome could be serious if neglected.

There seems generally to be responsible preventive care taken in clinical settings for such treatments.

Mine was done in the GP practice car park. Drive in gazebo, nurse came out in PPE sat in my car, did blood test, nurse got out, I went home. Job done!

I would not go to a health centre, hospital, dentist's, optician's, etc, unless it was urgent. I know others disagree, but I am extremely cautious. It depends on balancing risks, and the level of risk you're comfortable with.

Yes absolutely, you should go. I had a blood test at the hospital in late March, I was the only patient there as it happened & I was quite satisfied with the precautions. I've since had to return for an ultrasound scan & again, I was relaxed & comfortable with the precautions. I've also had to visit a GP three times in lockdown & the arrangements were very carefully done. The Dr came to my car in full ppe to conduct me to her room - she held all the doors for me. She was very careful as was I - plenty of cleansing when I got out & of the car when I arrived home plus clothes straight into the washer & into the shower. Please don't be put off going, your health is so important & you'll find everybody is taking your safety during this period extremely seriously.

Yes, I would certainly go. I would take/expect all possible precautions, of course.

Yes go - I did a few weeks ago. I wore gloves & mask. The Surgery only let one person in at a time so I knocked on the door & someone answered wearing PPE to ask my name & said for me to sit on the chair in the car park u til the person in there came out. I was then called in \7 the nurse was wearing PPE. It was good to be able to go out from home & drive to the surgery.

Have had blood tests at local cottage hospital, chest xray and later a ct scan at major hospital. I experienced lots of anticipatory anxiety but each time I felt safe and very glad I went.

Yes, definitely - I am overdue my yearly Diabetic blood test and wish they would get on with things and send for me.

I have to go to Hospital tomorrow afternoon for an MRI scan on my neck & head. Told them I can't lie flat, even on a foam bed but they said it's a hard bed & my head has to go in a helmet & strapped to the bed so I can't move. Not even a pillow under my knees is allowed. 1/2hr like this & I think the virus will be right at the back of my mind. Even standing up the pain is unbearable. Anyone who reads this - PLEASE keep your fingers crossed for me - just have to get through tomorrow somehow.?

I’m horribly anaemic so have regular blood tests and iron infusions. My husband is terrified I’m going to catch something - I have received “the shielding letter” so insists on driving me there to make sure I’m wearing a mask and gloves and waits in the car park for me. In mid April for the blood test, it seemed to be just me with the mask, no receptionists, cleaners, etc. wearing them. But now I’ve had two infusions each a week apart, and everyone is wearing them. The haematology reception has had a hand basin installed (in addition to the hand sanitizers). They check your temperature at the door and stand over you while you wash your hands before proceeding to the waiting area where the chairs are set far apart from each other. If you haven’t got a mask you’re given one. So yes. It all seems very safe. I asked about PPE. They tell me they haven’t experienced any problem with supply.

I had a blood test when this lockdown first started. Room cleaned after every patient. Had to wait outside until called in. Nurse had mask and gloves on. Had no fear about it at all.

I am going to my local surgery tomorrow for a blood test. So grateful that I don’t have to take the bus up to the hospital. The surgery keeps all patients up to date with their Covid procedures and what they expect us to do, they are doing a grand job.

I went about six weeks ago for a regular appointment ( which couldn’t be put off) and my doctor was wearing mask only then. But so far so good.

Thanks everyone, I'll probably go then. I have bought a face mask and a face visor, so I'll look a complete idiot but will feel safer. Afterwards, all clothes will go in the wash and I'll have a shower.

Definitely go, medical staff wear PPE, you can wear a face covering! Appointments will be more spaced apart.

I had to go last week for a B12 injection. I was met at the door by a man in full ppe. He directed me to the hand sanitiser then a nurse took my temperature. Only then could I be admitted for my injection. The nurse wore ppe. Trust your surgery. They will do everything by the book for your safety.