Personal, protective equipment worn by Phlebotomists?

[Andfiona]

Hello has anyone had their bloods taken recently? Do you know what personal protective equipment phlebotomists are wearing at the moment?

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Mine normally wears a mask and gloves and plastic pinny - but today she invited me in without her mask on as she was getting herself set up. I feel things in my practice have become a bit lax over the 2 weeks since I was last in getting bloods done. It’s meant to be one patient in the building at a time but there was a chap sitting waiting as I left.

[maggielee]

Hi

My was taken by the GP nurse who I regularly go too, so know her well. She took my temp at the door & she was wearing surgical gloves & mask. I was also wearing gloves & mask (I had a better one then she did as I work with mould spores).

I did joke with her about turning my face away from hers as we had to be in close contact for taking my blood...

I felt quite safe with being there as they are only letting one patient in the building at any one time. Mind you I live a small population, in a low virus area (I hope)...

ml

[Barnsey85]

I went for a drive through for my blood test yesterday they were wearing gloves and mask as well.

[Foggyme]

My bloods are done at GP surgery. Nurse is dressed in scrubs with gloves apron and FFP3 mask. Masks also available for patients (though I go wearing one). Room cleared of everything but essentials for easy cleaning. No other patients in the surgery when I was there. I tend to go right on time rather than arriving early as I normally would.

There’s a bathroom beside the exit so I removed and disposed of mask, washed hands well...then made for the exit without touching anything or seeing anyone on the way out 😉.

Very impressed with how they’re protecting both themselves and their patients.

If you’re concerned why not give the surgery a call and ask what their arrangements are. And you can always ask for extra measures if you’re extremely vulnerable and / or concerned about the suggested arrangements. Sure that under the current circumstances they will be keen to protect you (and themselves) to the best of their ability.

Good luck and keep safe x

[eekt]

I had a nursing assistant wear a pinny and gloves for taking blood one time, years ago...she was afraid of catching something from me as it was the immunology panel LOL! She visibly relaxed when I said I have lupus...(in normal times, they don't wear any PPE) xxx

[GlasgowHen]

My bloods are being done at home as per the local policy here for shielded patients,but the nurse puts on a mask,gloves and plastic apron in my utility room.

If you are concerned I would do as others suggest and phone the go surgery and ask what they have in place.

[littlemissp]

Hi Andfiona

Yes I am on methotrexate so have to have monthly blood tests. I went to my GP surgery a week ago for my blood tests and the nurse taking blood just had gloves on, no mask or anything else

[diane1428]

Had bloods taken yesterday. Nurse had apron. Gloves n face mask

[hopegalore20]

Hi Andfiona, I am actually having my Bloods done tomorrow in my Home. When I spoke to my GP via a Telephone Call, he assured me that the Nurse will be fully kitted out with PPE. 🌈

Stay Safe x

[misty14]

Hi Andfiona, I've just had my bloods for MTX done at my surgery and the phlebotomist was wearing gloves, mask and apron. I'm in the shielded category and was alone in the waiting area too. Good luck for when you go, its become a scary thing to have to do but so necessary.Xx

[bluebell99]

I have had my second blood test for INR Warfarin at home. My husband opened the front door and lounge door so the phlebotomist did not need to touch anything. She was wearing a gown, apron, gloves and goggles, she put on a visor but that quickly steamed up and was worse than useless! She was very quick and efficient, (fortunately I give my blood freely), so was in and out in just a few minutes.

I have nothing but admiration for these health workers who do not know when entering a person's home if that home is free from virus.

My GP surgery is doing an excellent job of shielding their patients and if they can do it, I don't understand why others cannot follow.

[hopegalore20]

Hi Andfiona, I had my Bloods done at home yesterday: Thu 07.05.20. When the Nurse arrived, she stayed in my hall and put on her PPE Kit, which consisted of a Face Mask, Apron & Gloves. Keep Safe. 😃