GP refused to refer us for virology tests

[Kari55]

I will be starting the IVF in September and private clinic said we could do virology tests via our GP. I just went to ask for a referral and she refused to do it because “I’m having my treatment privately which is nothing to do with the NHS”. She said she isn’t allowed to do this. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

[Orla9298]

I would try again with a different GP at your surgery! My GP said she was happy to, and another GP was willing but less pleased. It’s not actually a referral that you need - it’s just bloods - the way I asked was “I was hoping you could help me towards my ivf as we are paying a lot out privately, might you be able to run my virology bloods just to help towards it if I bring you the list?”

[Kari55 in reply to Orla9298]

Thanks for your reply Orla. I might try a different person. It costs £115 each, so it would be nice to save £230.

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Kari55]

If you are a blood donor you can get a letter from the blood donation service as they test your blood donation for most of the things you need- this is what I did so I only paid for one.

[Kari55 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

Great idea, might actually consider that as it would be a lovely thing to do x

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Kari55]

Just takes a little time to get the letter back so it depends what time scales you are on. I was already a blood donor so I just rang them up and they asked me to fax a request over and then the letter with my results came a couple of weeks later I think.

[Kari55 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

I’m booked tomorrow for my first blood donation thanks for the inspiration, I have never considered it before but now I realise it is a great thing to do.

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Kari55]

Well done. Enjoy the snacks afterwards! 🍩

[Kari55 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

I didn’t work out. My veins turned out to be small and I wasn’t able to complete donation 🙁 I was a bit gutted. I might give it some time (depending on IVF and possibly pregnancy) and will try to donate again at some point. I made sure I was well fed and hydrated but the room was freezing so maybe that’s why my veins shrunk. Let me know if you have any tips x

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Kari55]

I have to give from my right arm as the veins are small in my left arm. You’re right that being cold doesn’t help- I usually walk down to my appointments to get my circulation flowing better. At least you tried, and maybe you can persuade someone else in your family to go since you can’t?

[Kari55 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

I will give it another go at some point and will try the other arm. My husband would like to do but unfortunately his on medication for his autoimmune condition so he won’t be able until he is in remission for at least 12 months.

[Hidden]

Technically they can refuse as they are legally responsible for the results but if the tests are just HIV and hepatitis then I am surprised that they refused as the result is just a negative or positive (unless you have had hepatitis B vaccination) and if you are positive (unlikely) then you would need treatment. Agree it is worth trying another GP- maybe speak on the phone rather than trying to get another appointment.

If all else fails, you could go to a sexual health clinic- they also tend to do HIV, hepatitis B and C testing but you may need to check that they do a blood test rather than a finger prick test.

Good luck. X

[Kari55 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it was just HIV and Hepatitis B & C. I will try another doctor. It this fails then we will just need to do it at the clinic I think. It’s a shame that taking into account the post code lottery unfairness, the GP doesn’t want to help a bit.

[MofM in reply to Kari55]

As part of our consultation for NHS-funded IVF (in order to apply for funding), the consultant sent us to a walk-in sexual health clinic for having a blood test for HIV, and hepB-C. The problem is that they usually just send a text saying "Your last blood test was clear" so you will need to explain to them that both you and your partner need a letter. It will take about 10 days to get results, and you can also get screened for other sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, if needed.

[Kari55 in reply to MofM]

Thank you, I’m glad I posted this as now have so many different options

[AJJ123]

Nope had mine done on Monday, I just booked in with the nurse and dropped the bombshell I need virology ... When I tried with the doctor they kept messing me about (I think they were reluctant) so I thought stuff it, I rang reception and said ‘I need some blood works at the request of my consultant and it needs to be done by next week. Can I see the nurse - I will bring the list with me I can’t remember to hand (playing daft) what’s on it’ just in case they tried saying oh u need to see the Dr and get a blood form. To that I would have responded ‘I don’t need to waste their time with that it’ll be just as quick for the nurse to do it’. I’m sure if you argue enough they’ll do it.

Previously, the doctor did say I’d had tests done already - but those were not virology. I’m sure he was trying to get out of it, hence why he ‘lost’ my list and never rang me back. I made sure on Monday that my results were sent to a different GP... sod him! Xx

[Barbara1012]

Hi Kari55, we just had ours done via our GP but had to pay £54 - the surgery gets charged this as you can’t get those tests on NHS. Still a massive saving from the clinic - it took us a while for GP to agree! Good luck xx

[Kari55 in reply to Barbara1012]

Thank you Barbara, I wouldn’t mind paying £54. I will try again with a different doctor xx

[Barbara1012]

Good luck! X Where are you in the process? We have our consent appointment on 17th and then I start nasal spray on 25th. Not sure I made the right decision with opting for spray over injection but am trying not to think about it now.

Can’t wait to started now! X

[Kari55 in reply to Barbara1012]

I will only start prep month in the end of August - 3D ultrasound, AFC scan and scratch then I will start taking norethisterone and then onto a short protocol. I haven’t tried the nasal spray last time as I wasn’t given an option, I think this time I will move onto injections since it’s a short protocol. The less needles, the better

I’m really sorry that you have to fund your first cycle. It makes me so angry this whole unfairness.

Good luck with your cycle, fingers crossed for positive result xx

[Barbara1012]

Ps: re the postcode lottery we are in the same boat! Peterborough stopped offering IVF on the NHS so we are having to fund our first attempt - desperately want it to work x