worried about going out for a blood test

[SnowyMouse]

I've got a blood test for routine monitoring on Monday (I take clozapine). I'm really anxious about attending for it as I'm supposed to be social isolating (due to a physical health condition, I don't have symptoms). How can I reassure myself that it'll be ok, what can I do to minimise risk?

Anyone?

I need to go for one as well and I really don’t want to. Might ring the GP and see if it can wait

Ok look if you need to go actually a lot of depts are not very busy right now
Stay 2m away from anyone as much as you can and practice good hygiene

Ask GP if it can wait - If not then you will need to go but our local phlebotomy dept is completely empty at a community hospital. Just avoid a large acute hospital

It can't wait unfortunately, it's needed to issue my next month's worth of meds. It's at the GP rather than the hospital, thankfully. They've put a message on their website to attend as normal. But I'm still really anxious about going.

I get tests for clozapine as well, and I called the Clozapine REMS program to ask what I'm supposed to do during the pandemic. They said they won't be requiring the blood tests right now, as long as I've previously had good lab results. They told me to call my provider about getting the meds without a test.

I live in the US, though. It might be different where you live.

I had a blood test at my GPs on Thursday. I had to go to a back entrance of the surgery (was told where when I was sent my appointment). When I got there I was checked off a list, my hands were sanitized and my temperature taken before I was allowed in. Once I was in it was all normal with my blood being taken in the nurse practitioners and then back out via the back door.

It all felt as safe as it could possibly be.

I should add, in case it's not clear, that I didn't have to sit in a waiting room with other people. I was in and out without seeing anyone other than the nurse.

That's interesting Floorpotato, I got told the blood test was needed. Thanks for sharing your experience bookymcbook, I had to wait in the waiting room but there was only one other person in there (more than 2m away). They wouldn't let me book for a month's time though.

I went today (non A&E hospital) I was the only person there.