blood tests without GP appointment

mikelata

Hi,

I like to get preventive blood tests done once a year, just to check that everything is still functioning as expected. I find the process over-complicated and expensive.

• get a GP appointment to inform you want a panel of blood tests done
• get an appointment with the nurse to do the blood test
• get a 2nd appointment with GP, just for him/her to read the results to me and confirm everything is ok

I can read blood test results. So, what I would like is just to book a blood test with the nurse directly, get a printout of the results, and only get a GP appointment if there is something that needs a discussion. Is there any GP/clinic that would do that in Dublin?

Thanks 

Jim_Hodge

You seem to be painting a very complicated process and perhaps that's how your GP operates. Here we just phone up for an appointment with the nurse, bloods are taken and she phones a few days later with the results and you can call in to pick up a printout of the results if you wish.. It's the same for anybody I know just wanting blood work done.

Arbie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058251857/blood-tests-without-gp-appointment

What's the full list of tests that you want done?

mikelata

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119254636#Comment_119254636

Sorry Arbie, I missed your reply somehow.

I am talking about very standard blood panels: vitamin and mineral levels, glucose, colesterol... the usual

I rang another GP. I could not get away without the pre-bloods Dr appointment (maybe because I have never been there before?), but they agreed to give me a print out of the results and not having a follow up if the results are within normal ranges.

T-Maxx

$$$ - That's all.

60 for the first consultation

35 for the bloods

60 for the follow-up (They'll tell you they'll phone you with the results but they either don't or they'll phone to tell you need to come in to see the GP)

mikelata

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119288295#Comment_119288295

that pretty much summarises my experience so far

Spanish Eyes

Not sure if you need any referral for this service, but you could contact them to find out I suppose.

https://www.bloodworks.ie/

Dempo1

A similar question was raised on another thread about getting private blood tests done but I don't know how a person goes about this. Have a search for this Thread OP.

Generally the process involves using a GP initially but even at that, picking and chosing blood tests would not be that common in Ireland (open to correction) and whilst I'm sure it's a patients perogative to request specific blood tests Generally a GP would only request blood tests if needed or for detecting or management of a specific illness or medical issue.

Whilst I'm sure private blood testing clinics are available I'd have to imagine it would be as expensive as booking a GP appointment and getting bloods done by either GP or nurse, Tests done in this scenario are sent to Hospital labs and when sent back, a patient can request them. I get regular tests which are printed for me and I bring these to two clinics dealing with separate long term conditions.

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119288295#Comment_119288295

Not everywhere.

If you're an existing patient phone up for an appointment. €25 for bloods taken by nurse. They phone with the results and, for us anyway, just confirm existing prescription, amend prescription or give lifestyle advice, with very rarely a need to see the doctor. The doctor is fully occupied without needing to conjure up business.

Martina1991

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119288462#Comment_119288462

This is essentially an expensive phlebotomy service. They take samples and email you your results.

They don't state where laboratory analysis actually takes place. You don't know if the lab they use is accredited or to what standard tests are being performed.

Going to a GP to discuss what tests a patient actually needs and why, is a better option and value for money in my opinion.

Arbie

Getting preventive or check-up bloods done is not evidence-based medicine and unfortunately often causes more harm than good. Humans are inclined to think that it's always better to have more information, get more tests, etc. but that isn't how health and statistics (like pre-test and post-test probability) work. Anyone can read the numbers on blood test results but it takes years/decades of training and experience to interpret them correctly in context and make a plan.

Blood tests are only useful where you have a specific question, clearly defined criteria for diagnosis, effective treatments, etc. Say you get a test result back which is slightly above or below normal, how do you know if it's a blip or something serious? You then may want an expensive scan which exposes you to radiation but gives yet another ambiguous answer.

Then to clarify that ambiguity you need another even more expensive scan which requires a visit to a specialist to be interpreted. They say all is fine and send you on your way. In the end you have spent (wasted?) your time, your money, taxpayer money, taken test/scan slots from sick patients, and exposed yourself to radiation all because of an unnecessary test.

It happens all the time.

There are many other factors but the evidence is that check-up and "routine" bloods actually harm healthy people, increase waiting lists, and increase healthcare costs for everyone. Getting bloods done for peace of mind is not the way to go. If someone has a condition or some other reason that needs tests that's a different story but a doctor needs to co-ordinate care.

As said above, there are plenty of other things for doctors to be doing... no-one is creating convoluted blood testings requirements for money or for fun.

Shauna677

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119251825#Comment_119251825

This is my experience, I make appointment with nurse at the practise, I get my bloods taken and few days later I get a phone call with results. Usually that's all that's required. Obviously if blood test show up anything concerning you may have to see the doctor.

T-Maxx

I'm probably just at a **** GP practice. It could be a demographic thing as well I guess - I'm in Co. Dublin and wouldn't be surprised if country folk get a more personalized, friendly service.