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AIBU?

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Original poster

GP said no blood tests at this time. Wth

46 replies

Islandcircle4 · 21/09/2021 12:06

I’m shocked. Called the surgery to arrange bloods to be taken. I have anaemia due to female health issue so have regular bloods taken. The receptionist Said they are not doing any blood tests due to shortage of tubes. I heard some tho big about this in the summer but thought it had been resolved as we hear nothing about this anymore. I feel for people who need urgent tests… I mean, this isn’t 1920’s. Why can’t we just make more tubes. I do feel for us all. Neglected health. People are going to die.

OP posts:
listsandbudgets · 21/09/2021 12:19

I think they point is that they are trying to save them as far as possible for people who do need urgent tests.

Pretty rough on those needing routine ones though.

Lets hope something can be done about the supply issues sooner rather than later before even urgent tests become rationed (if they're not already)

Sirzy · 21/09/2021 12:20

They aren’t doing routine things so they can do the urgent things as needed.

It’s not ideal but what alternative do you suggest?

girlmom21 · 21/09/2021 12:20

We have shortages of a lot of things right now. We're struggling to import things including blood test tubes and materials.

Lots of trusts are only doing essential blood tests.

CurlyWurly321 · 21/09/2021 12:21

I suffer from anemia due to female health issues.

If I had a blood test every time my iron was low, there would have been a shortage of bottles 10 years ago.

If you feel rough, take iron tablets. You can buy prescription strength ones from over the counter.

YABU.

listsandbudgets · 21/09/2021 12:22

Sorry hit post too soon.

Its not just a question of making more. Some of the chemicals and components need to be imported and thanks to the triple whammy of supply chain issues, new customs rules because of Brexit and the shortage caused by the huge demand as Covid tests were carried out we have a problem.

FusciasBright21 · 21/09/2021 12:22

YABU to think this would have resolved in a couple of weeks.

msssm · 21/09/2021 12:23

Has been on the news a few times recently. There was a story last week about a big delivery of tubes to the nhs, around 900,000 iirc. This will hopefully start to improve the situation for everyone.

PheasantsNest · 21/09/2021 12:23

The had millions delivered this week. They are back to doing them now where I live.

Nothingoriginalhere · 21/09/2021 12:25

This is a nationwide issue. It will take weeks to resolve, have you any idea how complex it is to “make more” plus there is a worldwide shortage of the plastic needed for the tubes.

WellLarDeDar · 21/09/2021 12:28

If you already know you have anaemia why do you need a blood test? Can't you just take some iron tablets and get on with it.

SexTrainGlue · 21/09/2021 12:33

It's an international issue - FDA had been warning about shortages on US this summer. Brexit won't have helped, but it's not the basic cause - which is that one major supplier was unable to fulfill a number of contracts (affecting a number of countries) because of a global shortage of the right kind of plastic.

Some parts of NHS used this supplier, others don't, but the test vials were treated as a national asset and diverted to areas that might otherwise have run out.

Testing has continued for those on two-week cancer investigation pathways, those being treated for cancer who require close monitoring, those on drugs where monitoring is required for safety, most haematology patients, and many inpatients.

Supplies should be normalising over the autumn.

WeAllHaveWings · 21/09/2021 12:38

Depends if you test is urgent or routine? Dr must have assessed yours is not urgent.

Why can’t we just make more tubes?

Now why didn't they think of that? 🤷‍♀️

Original poster
Islandcircle4 · 21/09/2021 12:41

The issue I’m making is that it’s a shame that societal health is being neglected. Just because it’s anaemia doesn’t mean I don’t need a test. My levels dropped to almost blood transfusion stage so of course I need monitoring!

OP posts:
Narutocrazyfox · 21/09/2021 12:51

Can you go private for a test, even if it's just a one off? I did recently as I didn't want to wait for one with the NHS for god knows how long. I scheduled the test for the same week and there was no issue with having blood taken. (This was last week).

Original poster
Islandcircle4 · 21/09/2021 12:52

Narutocrazyfox - yes that’s a good idea actually. I didn’t think of that. Thanks

OP posts:
TheGrumpyGoat · 21/09/2021 12:54

Urgent and diagnostic tests are still being done, I had some a couple of weeks ago.

Sprostongreen21 · 21/09/2021 12:55

My dad had bloods done via the gp last week. Some are going ahead.

Narutocrazyfox · 21/09/2021 12:56

No worries 😊 anaemia is a very serious issue if left unchecked. I've been going private for minor issues lately because the NHS waiting lists are insane. When I had blood taken last week I spoke to a lovely receptionist who booked me in at a time that suited me, and was seen bang on my appointment time. All the stress of trying to go through the GP was gone and it made me feel so much better! I hope you get an appointment soon x

cheeseismydownfall · 21/09/2021 13:02

FFS what's with the 'just take some iron tablets' brigade? Since when were you experts on the OPs health?

Left unchecked, anaemia can be extremely dangerous and not everyone is able to absorb iron supplement effectively. If the OP has been told in the past that she needs her iron levels to be monitored, can we assume that she and the health professionals who have facilitated that to date know better than some augmentative fuckers on the internet?

SoloISland · 21/09/2021 13:05

@cheeseismydownfall

FFS what's with the 'just take some iron tablets' brigade? Since when were you experts on the OPs health?

Left unchecked, anaemia can be extremely dangerous and not everyone is able to absorb iron supplement effectively. If the OP has been told in the past that she needs her iron levels to be monitored, can we assume that she and the health professionals who have facilitated that to date know better than some augmentative fuckers on the internet?

Thank you. Very much,, You beat me to it...
Rosscameasdoody · 21/09/2021 13:07

@CurlyWurly321

I suffer from anemia due to female health issues.

If I had a blood test every time my iron was low, there would have been a shortage of bottles 10 years ago.

If you feel rough, take iron tablets. You can buy prescription strength ones from over the counter.

YABU.

A bit harsh. I have B12 deficiency which causes pernicious anaemia and have regular blood tests and top ups - It’s caused heart problems in the past and has to be monitored. I’m also supposed to have monthly bloods taken because of Rheumatoid Arthritis medication.For the same reasons as the OP, I’ve been told I can’t book a blood test yet - and iron tablets aren’t appropriate to every type of anaemia.
Original poster
Islandcircle4 · 21/09/2021 13:07

Narutocrazyfox And cheeseismydownfall thank you. I will book in for a private test. My GP was trying to fine tune my medication as I’ve recently changed.

OP posts:
CurlyWurly321 · 21/09/2021 13:10

Presumably you're taking prophylactic iron?

CurlyWurly321 · 21/09/2021 13:11

@Rosscameasdoody not harsh.

You're relating my comment to your own health issue which isn't the same at all. Yours is more complicated.

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