Blood Test Delays

[MichaelJH]

In July I had a medication review after having to change GP because of some prescription issues. Unlike previous ones which felt little more than box ticking exercises this was very comprehensive looking at every medication, dose and when it was started. Ignoring PRN painkillers I currently take a total of 14 tablets a day (there are two duplicates and one triplicate). It was felt there is potential to reduce this to 9. This in part depend on blood test results some of which should carried out months ago (more hospital than GP). On Monday I heard the blood tests would be on 3rd September - a staggering delay.

Today there was a news item about the delays. This is evidently caused by a shortage of blood test vials.

gponline.com/gps-not-blame-...

Whilst mine is not of real clinical need it would be good to know HbA1c, cholesterol levels, etc. the annoying one is I may be ae to reduce my tablet count to 9 and potentially stop some unpleasant side effects.

Anybody else experiencing delays in blood tests?

[Rose54]

Hi Yes GPs here are not doing non essential blood test due to shortage of tubes this has been going on for a month now.

But what are non essential ones?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Rose54]

It's impossible to categorise. What my cholesterol has been stable for years I really want to know my HbA1c as I have been tweaking my insulin to try and cope better with the timing and content of meals here. And if I can drop some medication I would do a jig!

[Hidden]

I work in practice and have not heard of nor experienced any delays or shortage of vials whatsoever.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

Whereabouts are you? My GPs sre in Hertfordshire and my consultants in Bedfordshire. Both are experiencing difficulties.

[Hidden in reply to MichaelJH]

North West, but it implies it’s a national problem. We have seen no communication from NHSE in practice and experienced no issues! Yet!!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Apologies, it seems we have had a comms, I missed it! We managed to order stock just before shortage hit, hence why we have had no issues locally.

I have heard stock is due to (hopefully) be available ~28th Aug.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I am in Scotland and blood tests seem to be fine, I got loads done in hospital yesterday, and my mum's practice nurse done hers last week, I hope you get yours soon, char

[Hidden]

I literally rang up 30mins ago and got an appoinment for bloods to be taken on 3rd September.

[Nettekin]

Hi michael. Seen to be few problems with blood tests in Wales at the moment. Turned up for diabetes check this morning and blood for Hba1c. When I mentioned I was having a blood test next week for Liver function and cholesterol the nurse said it would be better if I could wait and have it done then and "just use the one bottle" as they were short of certain coloured bottles. Not a problem, as I had to pick up a prescription anyway. When I was leaving the surgery a patient was being told they couldn't have a blood test that has been ordered by the hospital, so he was not a happy bunny. Looks as though it is going to an on going issue for a few weeks and they are definitely prioritising. Good planning, eh?How are things with you at the moment? X

[Knit4fun]

I had blood tests yesterday, don’t seem to have a shortage here.