Blood Tests

UPDATE TO BLOOD TESTS – DECEMBER 1ST 2024

Following a review of NICE, Royal College of Pathologists and BPAC NZ guidelines regarding blood tests in General Practice, we have decided to change the way blood tests will be ordered in Ross Medical going forward. We have instructed our nurses which blood tests can be performed at the request of a patient and any deviation must be discussed with the GP first.

PRIVATE PATIENTS

Blood Tests €50
Blood Tests and follow up appointment with GP two weeks later €80
Blood Tests ordered by private consultants €50

MEDICAL CARD PATIENTS/GP VISIT CARD PATIENTS
Blood Tests (not ordered by the GP) €30
CDM Blood Tests (as part of CDM Programme once or twice a year) Free
Blood Tests ordered by consultant/doctor outside of Ross Medical €30

Please be aware that patients may avail of phlebotomy services in University Hospital Kerry for free.

PATIENT INFORMATION – BLOOD TESTS

Depending on your age, sex and background medical problems, a variety of blood tests may be ordered. Not all tests will be ordered each time. What tests will be ordered will be determined by our doctors based on your age, sex and health status. For most patients <45 years old, “routine” blood tests are not required unless there is a particular concern. For patients >45 years old, the following are the routine blood tests that we recommend:
FBC This is also called a full blood count. It checks for anaemia and other conditions which affect the blood cells.
U&Es This stands for urea and electrolytes. It is used as a measure of kidney function and a measure of the electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) in your blood.
LFTs This stands for liver function tests.
HbA1c This is a test used in the diagnosis and management of diabetes. It measures your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
Cholesterol This measures your blood cholesterol levels, and gives a breakdown of the different types of cholesterol in your blood (HDL “good cholesterol”; LDL “bad cholesterol”, triglycerides).

If you would like blood tests other than those listed above, or if you are <45 years old and feel you need a blood test, you must first make an appointment to see one our doctors; this is so we can determine whether the blood test is appropriate and so we can properly interpret the results.

Some additional blood tests that may be considered, following a consultation with a doctor:
TFTs This stands for thyroid function tests.
PSA This stands for Prostate Specific Antigen. It is a screening test for prostate cancer and can be used to monitor treatment in those with prostate cancer.
Ferritin This is a measure of the stores of iron in your blood.
Vit B12/Folic acid These are B vitamins in your blood. These tests may be considered if you have symptoms of, or risk factors for, vitamin b12 or folate deficiency.

You have had bloods taken. What will happen next?
We should have your results back from the lab in 2 weeks and our doctors will interpret them.
• Most blood results are normal or have mild abnormalities that do not require any action. You should receive a SMS to say they are normal so ensure your mobile phone number is correct and up to date.
• If there is something in your blood tests that requires some action (that cannot wait until your next appointment) you will receive a phone call or SMS.
• If there is something in your blood results that requires immediate action or if we require more information to interpret your results a doctor may phone you or another member of staff to make an appointment. Please do not worry if you are being asked to come in for results discussion, it may just be the doctor does not have time to ring you
• If your bloods were taken as part of the CDM programme you should already have an appointment scheduled for 2 weeks later with the GP, please attend this for your results
• If your bloods were taken at the request of an outside consultant/dietician/private hospital- please attend the surgery 2 weeks later to get a printed copy of your blood results for you to give to the team requesting them. Ross Medical are NOT responsible for ensuring the results are sent to outside consultant regardless if they are private or public.
Please do not phone reception for your results, instead the blood line is available between 2-3pm on 064 6632488 and press 3.
If you were expecting contact regarding your results and 3 weeks have passed without contact, please ring us to check.