Hi mateThese tests aren't done at random - when the patient...

Hi mate

These tests aren't done at random - when the patient books an emergency GP appt - they are usually asked what is wrong with them ( to allocate time resources) - as soon as "I have a really bad cough' is heard, the GP / Practice nurse books them in for a finger prick upon arrival.

By the time the appt comes round - results are sitting on the GPs computer.

GP appts are either expected - as in follow-ups, or assessment of chronic conditions OR
New / 'emergency' appts - new illness etc etc.

Routine questioning should show what the patient is suffering from and the test is scheduled right then.

Same as UTI, STD's etc etc

Most modern surgeries do that nowadays, or are in the process of starting to.

The small one or two GP surgeries might need a bit of coaxing, but even then, appts are usually 15 mins, so plenty of time.

I honestly don't see this as an issue at all.

Cheers