Are GPs doing routine blood tests?

[jackdawdawn]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has been offered FBC by their GP lately. (Since the lockdown I mean.) If you are feeling unwell/lethargic/fatigued, can you ask for blood tests, and are they likely to agree?

I know I should contact the surgery, but doctors are triaging and contacting all patients over the phone and I think this might be a long drawn-out process. Was wondering if anyone else had recent experience of being referred to the treatment room and if there is any point trying. I live in N Ireland btw.

[Cornettoninja]

I think that it really varies depending on area so your best bet is to ring and discuss it.

In my hospital they have opened up one area for blood tests in a satellite hospital but it’s not for walk ins and a lot of routine blood forms are being sent out for when services resume properly so blood tests for people who are priority for regular bloods (on certain medications or certain conditions). I think some GP’s might be doing bloods but that’s practice dependent.

Sorry it’s so frustrating an answer.

[User42272]

My gp are still doing blood tests but like the pp said it depends on the surgery.

[user1493494961]

I had a blood test during lockdown, the nurse came out to the car to do it.

[OneHanded]

Mine are. Only those with government letter are done in car park.

[NooneElseIsSingingMySong]

I had some done this week. I’ve been struggling with an ongoing Health problem and the GP wanted blood tests to check there’s nothing underlying causing problems.

When I arrived there was a volunteer at the door who asked me why I was coming (there’s a dispensary at the practice, they have a separate queue). I was asked to use gel on my hands and then put on a mask, then log in. I didn’t want very long at all then a nurse in full PPE took my bloods. I cleaned my hands again as I left.

[jackdawdawn]

Thanks for replies. They don't really want us there, do they?! I think I might be better just heading to A&E - after all, they keep telling us they are half-empty!

It is frustrating, and some potentially very serious stuff might be missed at an early stage.

[LemonTT]

GPs will do blood tests. It’s not work for A&E. Try your GP first.

[SpillTheTeaa]

GP's here are doing them. You go in via the bank entrance though which is normally for staff

[justdontatme]

I think that you should call your GP before you go to A&E...

[RedRed9]

They don't really want us there, do they?! I think I might be better just heading to A&E

How have you jumped to this? Literally every response you got said yes, blood tests are possible.