Alert the media!!! The blood clinics in Saskatoon have changed! Forgive my “information only” post if it doesn’t apply to you, but there have been big changes and ANYONE who ever gets blood taken in Saskatchewan should know!
I’ll start by telling you that I was gifted a few hours away this morning to go get my glucose test done. If you’re not aware, the one-hour glucose test is a pretty standard test that is done between 24-28 weeks pregnancy, to check for gestational diabetes. Some people decline it, and thats their business, but I have no problem with it. I know lots of women around the same size as myself, same level of health, who have turned out to have GD. With my babies being as big as they are, I feel like I’m somewhat at risk, though I haven’t tested positive for it yet! Either way, the biggest pain of this test to me is the scheduling thing. I need to have time to go, wait my turn, drink a yucky drink, wait an HOUR, and get my blood taken. Its a big old time suck. So today was the day! The kids were watched, and I was out on my own.
I called Brady on the way and asked him to check me in. You can “check in” online a half hour beforehand and then skip at least a chunk of the line. Brady tried and tried, but no Saskatoon locations showed up. He tried to get around it, but there was just no way. We finally gave up and I figured I’d just do my best. I parked WAY far away (a full parking lot did not bode well already) and walked in. Or, I tried to. I could barely get in the door. The place was PACKED. I was astonished, and the couple next to the door laughed at me, and agreed that it was nuts. I was about to make my way further in to the front desk when they mentioned to me that they had already been waiting an hour.
“Woah! How many people are still ahead of you?” I asked. They said they didn’t know. There was a new system, and no more screen saying who was next. No approximate wait times. Nothing. I kind of just stared at them, unsure of what to do next. I couldn’t wait an hour (or more!) before the whole process even started!!! So, this lovely couple gave me a bunch of info, I thanked them, and decided to spend my time at Costco instead. After doing some of my own research, this is what I know.
Gamma Dynacare has been bought out by a new company called Life Labs. The next system allowed people to drop in the same way as before, but rather than the online option to check in, there is now an option to book an appointment in advance. I think this could be great, but I’ve been trying to get some concrete info and so far, I’ve found a lot of conflicting details. The hours listed are not the same as the available appointment slots, though maybe they leave some open on purpose. They also say things like “a glucose test is timed, so don’t book it too far toward the end of the day” but don’t specify how much time to leave. And then they go on to say “if your test is one on this list, you cannot book online.” Is a numbered bullet point part of the list? Or do you mean the list I see of tests that are no longer available? I have no idea. On that note, I’ve heard rumor that possibly, tests that aren’t standard “in and out” blood draws may or may not be offered anymore, in which case people would have to go privately and pay for their tests. Its all very uncertain. I did set up an account for myself already, which was very basic and simple, but VERY bare bones. It wanted me to just check a 15 slot box, which didn’t feel right with my test being such a long one. There was nowhere to specify anything. It also didn’t ask for any real info, like my health card number. Very vague, for sure.
I considered wandering in and asking the receptionists, but it was a mad house in there. I have an email in to the company itself, so when I know, you guys will know! But I thought the heads up would be worth something for any of you who need bloodwork in the near future. I urge you to look up Life Labs and book your appointment in advance. With no way to check in early, the location I went to, at least, was bursting at the seems! The couple I spoke to had tried another clinic before settling on the one they did, and said it was even fuller. New systems are always an adjustment, so do yourself a favour and prepare the best way you can!!
I guess I’ll get my veins stabbed another day!