Tessa Quinn
Blood test results can be accessed in a variety of ways. Many healthcare providers offer online portals, such as Labcorp's patient portal, which allows users to view, download, and print their lab test results. Results may also be available through an app, such as the free Ada app. Typically, results are released within a few days to a few weeks of the test. However, it's important to note that results may not be immediately understandable, as they often contain complex information and medical jargon. Therefore, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your doctor to address any questions or concerns you may have about your results and to determine the necessary next steps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to receive results | Results are typically delivered within two weeks. |
| How to access results | Results can be accessed through a patient portal, such as Labcorp's patient portal or MyChart. |
| Information included in results | Results include basic information and test findings. They may indicate negative/normal/non-reactive, positive/abnormal/reactive, or inconclusive/uncertain results. They may also indicate higher or lower levels of substances. |
| Understanding results | Blood test results can be complex and difficult to decipher for those without a medical background due to the use of the metric system and abbreviations. |
| Components tested | A blood test typically includes a complete blood count (testing white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets), a metabolic panel, and a lipid panel. |
| Reasons for testing | Blood tests are used to check the functioning of organs, infections, genetic disorders, and an individual's general health. |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding blood test results
Blood tests provide a lot of data about your health. They can be used to recommend preventive care, detect potential diseases, and monitor ongoing health conditions.
Blood test results may be broken down into individual tests or collections of related tests called panels. These panels can look at the cellular components of your blood, biomarkers of kidney and liver function, and many more. For each of the tests listed in your report, there will typically be a number corresponding to your test result and a reference range or interval. This range is the upper and lower limits within which most healthy people's test results are expected to fall.
If your results are outside the normal range, don't panic. This doesn't always mean that you have a new or serious medical condition. The healthcare professional who ordered the tests can help you understand any abnormal values and walk you through the next steps.
In some cases, the provider who ordered the test will call the patient with the results or set up a follow-up appointment to discuss them. In other cases, the results may be available on the patient's health care online portal. For tests conducted during a hospital visit, contact the health information (medical records) department to have that information released to you.
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Accessing results online
Many healthcare providers offer online portals where patients can access their lab test results. These include Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics, Geisinger, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. To access your results, you will need to create an account with your healthcare provider and log in to their patient portal. Some providers may also offer mobile apps, such as MyQuest offered by Quest Diagnostics, which allow users to access their test results, schedule appointments, and track their health history.
For example, to access your test results through the Labcorp patient portal, simply log in to your account or register for one if you don't already have an account. Once you have logged in, you will be able to view, download, and print your lab test results. You can also pay your bill and schedule appointments through the portal.
Similarly, Geisinger offers a patient portal called MyChart, where patients can access their test and lab results. To view hospital results in MyChart, click the "Include Hospital Results" button. If you wish to access these lab results, you may need to call or message your doctor's office.
MD Anderson Cancer Center also offers a MyChart portal where patients can view their test results, notes, and health information. Test results are available daily at 9 am, and COVID-19 test results are released immediately. It is recommended that patients view their results before their appointment or doctor's visit.
In addition to accessing results through individual healthcare provider portals, you may also be able to view your health records, including lab results, through a health app on your smartphone or tablet. For example, Apple Health allows users to view their health records in one place by signing in to their healthcare provider's website or app through the Health app.
It's important to note that not all test results may be available online, and some may require a follow-up doctor's visit and discussion. Additionally, test results from before a certain year may not be automatically available in your online health record. If you need to access older test results, you may need to request access from your healthcare provider.
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Timeframes for receiving results
The time it takes to receive blood test results can vary depending on the type of test and several other factors. For instance, a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, typically provides results to the doctor within 24 hours. Similarly, basic metabolic panel results, which include information about common electrolytes and compounds in the blood, are also usually available within 24 hours.
More comprehensive tests, such as a complete metabolic panel, which includes additional protein tests and liver function tests, can take a few days to come back. A lipid panel, which measures cholesterol levels, should also provide results within 24 hours. However, a thyroid panel, which tests for thyroid hormones, may take one to two days, and results for the possible presence of cancer can take even longer, ranging from days to a week or more.
In some cases, results may be available within minutes of performing the test, especially if the doctor has an in-house laboratory. However, if the doctor does not have an in-house lab, it could take two to three days. Certain tests, such as those requiring fasting, may also take longer to process, and unforeseen factors, such as inadequate or contaminated samples, can cause further delays.
For hospital visits, it is standard to allow one hour after discharge to receive finalized results, and imaging or X-ray studies may take up to five days. It is always important to follow up with a doctor to discuss test results, as they will provide an analysis and interpretation of the findings.
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Interpreting results without a medical background
Blood test results can be complex and difficult to interpret for those without a medical background. The reports detail the various components in the blood and their levels, using the metric system of measurement and various abbreviations.
A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests. It measures the different types of cells in the blood, including red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells, and can help diagnose infections, blood diseases, and immune system disorders. RBCs carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body, and a count above or below normal levels can indicate various medical conditions. However, this test cannot pinpoint the root cause of irregularities, and further tests may be needed. The average volume of RBCs can be measured, and results outside the normal range can indicate conditions such as anemia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Hemoglobin, a protein contained within RBCs that sends oxygen to the body's tissues, is also tested. High levels of hemoglobin can indicate anemia, while low levels can suggest malnutrition.
Other common tests include metabolic and lipid panels. A blood glucose test, for example, is used to monitor and diagnose diabetes. Abnormal results can indicate diabetes or other medical conditions, but they can also be affected by recent food or drink intake, so fasting before the test is important. A cholesterol test measures cholesterol levels in the blood, indicating the risk of heart disease.
While it can be reassuring if all your numbers are normal, don't panic if they're outside the normal range, as this doesn't always indicate a serious medical condition. The healthcare professional who ordered the tests can help interpret the results and discuss next steps. It's important to remember that lab tests are just one part of your healthcare, and while they provide valuable information, they don't give a complete picture of your health.
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Next steps after receiving results
Once you have received your blood test results, you may need to take further steps, depending on the outcome and your healthcare provider's recommendations. Here are the possible next steps:
Understanding the Results
First, it is important to understand that blood test results are not diagnoses. They provide a snapshot of your overall health and can indicate changes in your body. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results and may recommend further tests for a more comprehensive understanding.
Discussing Results with Your Provider
Your healthcare provider may prefer to discuss the results with you in person, over the phone, or through an online portal. They will explain the results and provide context, especially if you have received treatment for a medical condition. They may also offer recommendations to improve your health based on the findings.
Follow-up Tests and Treatments
If your blood test results indicate any abnormalities or concerns, your healthcare provider will advise you on the next steps. These may include additional blood tests, further diagnostic tests, or specific treatments to address any identified issues. It is important to follow their recommendations and seek clarification if you have any questions or concerns.
Routine Check-ups and Monitoring
Blood tests are often part of routine medical check-ups to monitor your overall health. Your healthcare provider may recommend regular blood tests at specific intervals to track any changes in your health and ensure that any treatments are effective.
Accessing Results Online
Some healthcare organizations offer online access to test results through patient portals. You can enquire about this option and follow the necessary steps to view your results online if this is available to you. Remember to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of your health.
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Frequently asked questions
You can access your blood test results through your doctor or online via your hospital's patient portal. For example, LabCorp allows patients to view, download, and print their lab test results through their LabCorp Patient™ portal.
The delivery time for blood test results depends on the complexity of the tests and the hospital's procedures. Typically, results are released within a few days to two weeks.
Blood test results typically include basic information and details about the various components in the blood and their levels. The results may be presented in different formats and use medical abbreviations and the metric system of measurement.
