Is it safe to have some blood work done during the Trump Virus?

[Elwood P Dowd]

The Doc's office assured me they were taking every precaution possible, including having you wait in your car before they call you in for the work.

[Olafjoy]

1. All of my patients have said they felt the labs were being very cautious.

They are bringing the patients in one at a time from their cars. Everyone masked and gloved. Lots of cleaning.

[catrose]

2. I've had it done twice and am safe so far

Lab techs and I are masked & gloved; I wait in the car until called for; they clean between patients.

[RhodeIslandOne]

3. My mother has had it done

All precautions taken.

[Skittles]

4. YES

[Lisa0825]

5. I felt safe when I had my abs drawn.

Phlebotomists and MAs are very used to taking precautions. They draw labs on people for infectious diseases on a regular basis, including conditions like hepatitis and HIV, and even if they are doing general labs, they have to consider that ANYONE could be infectious. Their precautions protect themselves and their patients.

At the lab I went to, the waiting area was kept mostly empty due to being by appointment only, and I saw cleaning staff wiping down chairs and counters after every use.

[BigmanPigman]

6. Yes, they are now.

I went in early March with my own mask and gloves and spares for them to use. They declined my offer and laughed. Three weeks ago I went again and it was 100% different...barriers, masks, social distancing etc. Since I do not like being laughed at I reminded them of their attitude in March and they apologized.

[texasfiddler]

7. I had a blood draw two weeks ago

Very strict protocols. I felt safe.

[Elwood P Dowd]

8. Thanks for the replies.

It's sad when your country is so fucked up that you have to think twice about getting some annual blood work done. It's like we're now a dangerous, third-world country. Oh wait, thanks to Trump we're headed full speed in that direction.

[Yonnie3]

9. I've been pondering this too

I've got a blood draw scheduled on Friday. They require masks and screen for Covid-19 symptoms. Those admitting to symptoms are directed elsewhere. They don't have a provision for me to wait in my car, but I've never had to wait more than a few minutes. I did an online questionnaire that should keep me from having to do any paperwork there.

I feel that my safety will be more dependent on the actions of other patients than on the phlebotomist and the receptionist. I'm prepared to leave immediately if anyone is not masked.

I've come to the conclusion that it is not as safe as staying home isolated, but safer than going in a store.

[The River]

10. Doing It In

about 12 hours. Then off to the VA dentist.

[Patterson]

11. I've done it twice.

[Ms. Toad]

12. Sounds like they are observing proper protocols.

We were not impressed with the Cleveland Clinic on Monday (not horrible, just not the leader I expected them to be), and friends of mine reported feeling unsafe with their local Quest lab. But I have felt safe with my local doctor and two dental visits for a root canal.

[dmr]

13. I've had labs drawn every month, sometimes twice.

There's no problem. You have wear your mask. They'll probably take your temp, ask a few questions, sanitize your hands, then let you go get your lab work.

At least that's how it's done in my neck of the woods.

[dmr]

14. I've had labs drawn every month, sometimes twice.

There's no problem. You have wear your mask. They'll probably take your temp, ask a few questions, sanitize your hands, then let you go get your lab work.

At least that's how it's done in my neck of the woods.

[jimfields33]

15. I got mine done last Friday. It's fine. Safer now then before.

They are extremely careful.

[Grasswire2]

16. why do clinics assume that every patient arrives in a car?

Doesn't anyone use public transportation or walk?

[Laffy Kat]

17. Oh sure. I'm sure they are taking every precaution.

Make sure you're masked and social distancing, like anywhere.

[trackfan]

18. I had a transfusion yesterday.

I hope the hospital kept everything clean.