Routine blood tests - Any GP's around

[PheasantsNest]

I take Azathioprine for Crohn's Disease. I booked a blood test for early Tuesday morning at a local chemist. I have them every three months. I've just had a text asking me to cancel if it's routine and book for a later time as there is a shortage of bottles. My GP won't be open before my appointment to ask. Are these classed as routine?

Thank you

I’m not a GP but in a related fieldish
And dealing with the shortage.
If the blood sample is in relation to treatment we would go ahead as it’s not something that should wait.

Thank you. I know my medication can affect my blood cells. They won't issue me with any more than 3 prescriptions at a time. I have to have a review every 3 months.

Looking at the BNF, it’s only the full blood count that needs monitoring with azathioprine. That’s a purple tube, and the shortage is gold top tubes (at least it was before I went on annual leave, assume it hasn’t changed since last week) so it shouldn’t effect you.

Of course it’s routine, you’ll just have to wait

@MrsFionaCharming

Looking at the BNF, it’s only the full blood count that needs monitoring with azathioprine. That’s a purple tube, and the shortage is gold top tubes (at least it was before I went on annual leave, assume it hasn’t changed since last week) so it shouldn’t effect you.

No, it's now EDTA (purple) tubes as well plus citrate.

As effing usual, NHS England has given us no guidance on what to postpone, OP, so every practice is having to decide for itself. Mine is certainly prioritising monitoring for high risk drugs like azathoprine, and we are testing as normal for them, but your practice may be having to be stricter, if it's very short on bottles.

There are COVID protocols in Scotland for DMARD bloods of which Azathiaprine is one. Here if all bloods are stable including Kidney and liver function they can be done 6 monthly.
However generally further prescriptions won’t be issued until bloods are checked- so not exactly routine.

@doingnothing

Of course it’s routine, you’ll just have to wait

ignore this OP. Aza is a chemo drug and you should be monitored.

If they dont prescribe medication without blood tests then its not routine
You need the blood test

I HATE people who THINK they know medical procedures and post things like ‘Your just have to wait’

OP, ring the pharmacy and explain ,
You need the blood test

Cancer treatment, suspected cancer tests, blood tests that are a condition of being prescribed specific medications, and emergencies such as serious illness or accident are all being prioritised according to a mass text from my GP today.

Thank you everyone. I will go and see what they say.

Please ignore anyone who is not a medical professional. Some of the "medical" advice on this board is total bollocks.

This was cascaded yesterday:

Key messages from the CAS alert for Primary Care and community care

All primary care and community testing must be halted until 17 September 2021, except for clinically urgent testing. Examples of clinically urgent testing include:

Bloods that are required to facilitate a two week wait referrals
Bloods that are extremely overdue and/or essential for safe prescribing of medication or monitoring of condition
Bloods that if taken could avoid a hospital admission or prevent an onward referral
Those with suspected sepsis or conditions with a risk of death or disability

@privateandnhsgp I think everyone except one poster gave the correct advice that the test would still be appropriate?

Azathioprine monitoring is not just a full blood count. U&e and liver function tests which are gold topped bottles are needed too. I may be "only a GP Receptionist" but I have completed forms for azathioprine and methotrexate patients and as these are toxic drugs they need to be closely monitored. OP you need your bloods done.

@privateandnhsgp

Please ignore anyone who is not a medical professional. Some of the "medical" advice on this board is total bollocks.

This was cascaded yesterday:

Key messages from the CAS alert for Primary Care and community care

All primary care and community testing must be halted until 17 September 2021, except for clinically urgent testing. Examples of clinically urgent testing include:

Bloods that are required to facilitate a two week wait referrals
Bloods that are extremely overdue and/or essential for safe prescribing of medication or monitoring of condition
Bloods that if taken could avoid a hospital admission or prevent an onward referral
Those with suspected sepsis or conditions with a risk of death or disability

Only 2 weeks late - well done, NHS England! Truly they are the kings of bolting the stable door..

@MissLucyEyelesbarrow

Yes. Just when I think they couldn't be more incompetent, they always surprise me

That and the fact that they've refused to publicise this more widely, effectively leaving us to bear the brunt of all the "difficult conversations".

Arseholes.

@doingnothing

Of course it’s routine, you’ll just have to wait

Are you a doctor? 🤔

There is a massive international shortage of blood test bottles. NHS guidance has been issued and many people will find that their blood tests will be cancelled in the short term. Basically if you don't NEED an immediate blood test, expect it to be delayed.

[quote privateandnhsgp]@MissLucyEyelesbarrow

Yes. Just when I think they couldn't be more incompetent, they always surprise me

That and the fact that they've refused to publicise this more widely, effectively leaving us to bear the brunt of all the "difficult conversations".

Arseholes.[/quote]
Give them a chance, @privateandnhsgp. Once they've worked out a way to blame GPs for the shortage, they'll be all over the media.

Oh good, that explains why my clozapine bloods went ahead as normal.