GPs don't do blood tests?

[beebapshalap]

Can anyone explain to me why GPs don't do blood tests and send you to someone else, usually several days later at least?

I don't know if it's a recent thing or a regional thing. I used to live in Scotland and it was always the case that if a doctor suggested a blood test, they would whip out the stuff and do it there and then. Since moving to England, two surgeries I've been at have sent me to someone else instead. I then need two appointments instead of one, and it takes up to around a week longer to get the blood test done. What is the reason for this? For the minute or two it would take, it seems like it would cost the NHS more to provide the second appointment, but I must be missing the obvious reasons.

My doctor did my blood test recently. His reasoning was that it might take a week or more to get an appointment with the nurse or phlebotomist. He then went on to phone me with the results a few days later.

However everyone i mentioned this to thought it was very unusual so i don't think it's the norm - even for my surgery.

Doctor has never done them in any surgery I've been to and I've moved around a lot. At mine you have to go to a drop in clinic at the hospital, which is very close to the surgery and has fairly long opening hours so it's not too bad.

Those blood tests need to be taken to a lab offsite though so if each doctor only takes one or two a day, the transport costs would mount up. If however you have a nurse or phlebotomist clinic where you're sending dozens of samples the cost (per item) is reduced.

Additionally I think GP appointments are what six minutes? A couple of minutes adds up to a few less appt slots a day or a clinic running behind.

Also I'd prefer someone taking my blood who takes blood frequently not a couple every now and then.

Good point - my previous surgeries had maybe 7 or so GPs as opposed to my current one that only has 3 so I suppose it wouldn't be worth the cost to have them collected every day.

It sounds like the obvious think to do for the GP to do the blood test.
But, as already mentioned, each appointment time is already limited. A blood test is: get equipment together, find a vein to use, take several vials of blood, label bottles, complete form, take to collection point. This is without the fact that some people are 'difficult' to get a sample from.
With GP appointments in short supply and waiting times getting longer it doesn't make sense to use up more time doing several blood tests in each surgery.
Obviously for an urgent test the GP can do it.

We don't have the time to do the work for which we are funded (funding that has plummeted in real terms). We can't recruit GPs and most CCGs have stopped paying for phlebotomists to come out to GP surgeries. For every blood sample that I take myself that's one less Gp appointment I can offer. Which is a better use of my time?

I belong to a rural practice and we have to go to the hospital for blood tests. On the plus side, they are analysed immediately and you often get the results in 24hrs.

We have a 'sit & wait' blood testing service for a couple of hours in the morning then again in the afternoon. Works really well as they don't have to deal with people forgetting appointments and you're normally seen within 20 minutes.

Quite a big market town surgery, don't think you can book time slots but that's never bothered me and I have a blood test every 3 months.

Hmm, interesting. There seem to be a lot of different ways of doing it then. I totally get that GPs are pushed for time. My whole appointment yesterday was done in about 90 seconds. I suppose I'm just surprised that, although I have symptoms that are affecting my ability to look after my child etc, the first appointment I could get was 4 and a half days later and if I couldn't do that one, it was 8 days. Then I'll still need to wait around another week for the results. I'm now wondering if it wouldn't be an idea to club together with the other surgery down the road so they could do blood tests for everyone together, but there must be a reason why they're not doing this.

I'm in Cheshire and My GP surgery doesn't do blood tests. I see my doctor, he/she gives me a blood test referral form and I then have to make my way to the local hospital where they hold a blood clinic ...you arrive and take a number then sit and wait for your number to be called. In my opinion it's a hassle BUT I always receive the results very quickly.

If it was an emergency you wouldn't be at a GP. Unfortunately the NHS can't afford longer GP appointments or to have a phlebotomist on standby at every surgery.
I have rubbish veins and lots of experience with blood being taken. Trust me you don't want a GP doing it.

My GP decided to do my recent blood test himself. Maybe he wanted to keep his hand in??? It took several goes and I had the biggest bruise ever. Give me a proper phlebotomIst every time, even if I do have to wait a few days.

Whilst your appointment only took 90 seconds, that doesn't mean the GP had time to do a blood test in the other 8.5 minutes of the appointment. That time makes up for the person who needs 20 or 30 mins or is used to review test results or other admin.

Also you really don't want to have blood taken by someone who doesn't regularly take blood. You are much likely to have an easy time and not end up with a massive bruise if you have someone who takes blood all day.

Our GP surgery does it as they have a 'nurse' available (presumably a qualified phlebotomist) to do just that, amongst her other duties. The GP doesn't actually do the blood tests but you don't have to go elsewhere and you can go straight from the GPs room to the blood test room (literally a former broom cupboard!). Presumably it's because, for whatever reason, this particular GP surgery can afford to employ the staff member required.

@lizsmum I also had a doctor take a blood sample recently and ended up with a spectacular bruise after a few attempts. They don't do it often enough to be good at it.