Blood Tests Abroad

[ALPHORA]

My wifes long term illness means that she has to have regular blood tests, every month or so. Has anyone experience of arranging blood tests whilst cruising in foreign parts. We are in Concarneau at the moment and heading for the Med.

 

[PlanB]

Presumably they are not the sort of tests she can do herself, for example diabetes, using self test machines?
In Spain, many pharmacies can do blood tests.
If you need any info about Gib/Estepona area, pm me.

 

[ALPHORA]

Afraid self testing is no good. Two parts to the problem really, having the blood taken, then the testing at a lab.

 

[Carmel2]

I am a French resident, and it seems I have to have a blood test to cross the road, In France I think you will be ok, as for the rest of the Med, I sure someone else will chip in soon.

 

[bjvarley]

I had to arrange blood tests when we were in Malta this spring, tried the local clinic (would have been free ) who said OK then gave me an appointment in 6 weeks.. not a lot of use as a cruiser.. so then got it done privately (easily arranged ) which cost around 60 euro.

 

[grumpygit]

Greece

Hi, In Greece just go to a local medical centre and pay a few €'s and generally you get your results the next day......

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[charles_reed]

Have found Greece and Spain, local hospitals, quick, convenient and economical.

 

[xtiffer]

No problem here in Turkey. Local hospital does it on the spot and results within an hour.
Cheers,
Chris

 

[bryantee]

blood tests

certainly no problems in greece. on demand and results in hours, or 1 -2 days. charges reasonable.language not really a problem as one of the family will speak australian, canadian, or noo yoork.maybe english.the medical back up in greece is good except the technicians cannot decypher the no smoking signs???.
In India the medical back up is better, English is the Ist language in medicine and the facilities are first class. example. wife first consultation Thursday £2.50(150Rps).
Friday Endoscopy+ Scan.Saturday 2nd endoscopy to remove loose stone blocking Bile duct
Tuesday Keyhole surgery to remove gall bladder. discharged thursday, all in a week £750.
India is profiting by medical tourism.

 

[Abraxas33]

Self Checking

If your wife is on Warfarin then I would recommend the Coagucheck machines made by Roche. We purchased one before setting off in 2003 and have found them very easy to operate. The machine costs a about £400 and the test strips are available via you UK doctor on prescription.

Saves a lot of hassel.

 

[Metabarca]

No problem in Italy; lots of private clinics (laboratorio di analisi medico) in all towns will do blood tests for a few euros; results by next day. Might be useful to have a piece of paper from your GP outlining the complaint and tests required.

 

[ALPHORA]

Thanks to all who have replied, very helpful. It seems that most other countries we are likely to be visiting make things easier than in the UK,
Dave and Linda