Blood testing in Ireland

There are Private pathology services in Ireland, how expensive they are, I'm unsure or how often they are used.

Public Patients / Full Medical Card Holders.

In the Main, Medical card holders do not pay for blood Tests.

The General way most people get blood tests done in Ireland is through a trusted GP route initially based on their recommendations or if a patient has then been referred to a hospital consultant, they may order on going blood tests as they treat a condition.

I believe most blood tests are free if ordered by a GP as these tests are done at Public hospital labs (open to correction), they are definitely free if already referred to a public hospital consultant as a public patient.

I can't comment on Private Patients when referred to a private consultation. But do believe at an initial stage when dealing with their GP, blood tests are free as those blood tests are done in Public Hospital Labs. (But open to correction)

Yep thats correct or at least only what your doctor charges for interpreting the results and taking the samples. Some tests outside the standard range of blood tests may incur a charge.

Mate works in one of the hospital testing labs and is always on about the testing being free.

They do all the common blood tests here but rarely there is a particular diagnostic test that is sent aboard. Think that only happens when they are fairly sure what the problem is but want conformation.

surgery I attend often the nurse will do the blood testing (drawing) this is reduced fee from GP.

Depending on results you may need a consultation with Dr to review. If all in normal range no action needed thus no review and no additional GP visit fee.

If you have paid for GP visit initially to discuss an issue which resulted in blood tests if a follow up is required to discuss results this is a reduced rate 'follow up' fee.

Obviously prices differ depending on GP.

Know someone who got private testing done via a clinic in a hotel\SPA in Northern Ireland few years ago worked out very expensive £200+ They then had to bring results to a GP to review.

Standard blood tests - but the free tests aren't limited to these this are just a list of the common the ones that doctors normally order.

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/blood-tests/common-types/

You'll have to check the terminology as there might be different names for the same test.

This might answer one question from the general discussion.

My GP practice would set me up directly with the nurse when I call for an appointment, no need for nurse + GP visit/bill. Very straight forward