GP Blood test referral

[infinitx]

Hi All is it normal for GP to not give a referral and instead tell you to go to A&E to get a blood test?

Have pain in left abdomen, gp says its a little tender and to go to A&E to get a blood test. Did not want to give e referral so I cant book in advance.

Maybe this is normal? Never had to get one before.

Our hospital has a drop in phlebotomy department. You just take the paperwork and wait. Results are quicker,

No, not normal. A & E have better things to do than take blood tests. GP’s normally add a blood form on to the system and tell you to book in with the hospital phlebotomy service or give you the form direct.
Did they possibly say go to A & E if it gets worse but book for a blood test? As in they want you to have a blood test to investigate but if it gets worse between now and your appointment/results you will have to go to A&E?

Did you have a positive Murphy sign?

If they are concerned about certain issues such as gallbladder inflammation or bowel obstruction you will be routed through to urgent care, or A&E, for tests and treatment, as they can get serious quickly.

I think the issue is whilst the abdomin is painful and he can feel some tenderness, I dont show any other signs of being unwell i.e. urine test was ok and no fever. He said a blood test would give a more clear picture of what might be causing the pain but it not urgent. However he said they dont do blood tests at the practice so its best to go to A&E to get a blood test.

tbh i was a bit confused and maybe should have asked more questions on whether i should wait it out and see if it get better on its own or go to A&E in a week or two if it hasn't gotten better. I dont know how long I should wait. I also agree A&E have better things to do and tbh i dont really want to wait hours at A&E since we have a 6 month old at home who is also sick and needs care.

Since he said its not urgent I guess I can just wait a week or two but its really painful when I breastfeed baby at night.