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Blood tests - Do book early!

I have a telephone outpatients consultation booked with my local hospital, and I need to get some blood tests done beforehand.
I was surprised to find that the earliest available slot currently is 9 days from now. That's only just in time for my consultation. 

So, my advice is to book any tests as soon as possible, as you may be surprised how full the booking system is. 

On the day, you also need to take a letter from the hospital along, as otherwise security won't let you in!
No reliance should be placed on the above! Absolutely none, do you hear?

Comments

  • Robin9
    Robin9 Posts: 12,917 Forumite
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    The tests usually take up to a week to come through - so I hope your appointment is a couple of weeks away.
    Is this a test in the hospital or at your GP's surgery. ?
    Never pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill
  • Mrsn
    Mrsn Posts: 1,430 Forumite
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    Usually in normal times our blood tests via our surgery are booking 1-2 weeks ahead so 9 days doesn’t particularly surprise me. 

    Are they being done at your GP’s? I’m assuming so.
  • Depends what the tests are for really, I’ve just had some done and had the results back less than 48 hours later. 

    My hospital also don’t have security stopping you at the door either. 
  • GDB2222
    GDB2222 Posts: 26,568 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    It's being done at the hospital, and they'll fast-track it (hopefully) to be in time for the consultation. 

    No reliance should be placed on the above! Absolutely none, do you hear?
  • epm-84
    epm-84 Posts: 2,786 Forumite
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    In my town the normal process is the doctor gives you the bags for the samples to go off in (or advises you that they'll be available to collect from reception) and tells you to report to the local clinic from 8:30am on any weekday and then the nurses take the samples on a first come first served basis and then at the end of the morning the samples are transported to the hospital for testing.  Although, they may have revised that due to COVID-19.
  • Sanne
    Sanne Posts: 523 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Other half had one about a month ago and no issue - as phlebotomist in GP surgery currently does not seem to provide appointments it’s walk-in at the hospital with slip from GP, open every day. He went early afternoon and waited less than five minutes.
  • hb2
    hb2 Posts: 1,399 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I had my annual blood test done at the GP surgery today and waited less time than usual for the appointment. I think all this shows is that things are hugely variable from one place to another!
    It's not difficult!
    'Wander' - to walk or move in a leisurely manner.
    'Wonder' - to feel curious.
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