This article will look at how long it takes to get certain blood test results.
CMP results may be available after a few business days.
You may get results from your healthcare provider by phone, mail, or through your online patient portal.
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Thyroid Panel
Thethyroid panelchecks levels of hormones such as TSH and T4 in the blood.
This helps determine how well the thyroid gland is working and diagnose any thyroid conditions.
Thyroid panel results usually take a few days.
Your healthcare provider may have you come in for a follow-up appointment to get your results.
They may also call you or put the information on your online patient portal.
Cancer
Blood tests can be ordered to detect leukemia (cancer of the blood cells).
They can also detect chemicals and proteins in your blood that could indicate different types of cancer.
The turnaround time for the results may vary.
For some rapid HIV tests, it may take just a few minutes.
Often, routine blood or imaging tests are part of preventive care.
That includes things likecholesterol tests,mammograms, orPap smears.
If results are normal, they can usually be delivered via a phone call.
They can also leave a voicemail message requesting you return the call.
The test results may be simple and straightforwardsay, positive or negative.
Or they may be more nuanced or open to interpretation.
Your healthcare provider may have ordered tests to provide a diagnosis.
Or they may want to monitor a condition, including tracking its progress or checking for a recurrence.
Getting test results may prompt new questions, which you’re free to ask at this appointment.
Initial Diagnosis
News of a new diagnosis should usually be given face-to-face.
That’s because your health is at risk in some way.
That could be from aninfection,cancer, genetic disorder, or chronic health condition likeheart diseaseortype 2 diabetes.
Sometimes you should probably know more than just “positive” or “negative.”
All it really means, though, is that the test didn’t detect the virus.
At an appointment, your healthcare provider can explain options and tell you whether more testing is needed.
For example, if you haveprediabetesorhypertension(high blood pressure), you may not need treatment right away.
The first steps may be to use diet and exercise to stop or reverse the disease.
you’ve got the option to also discuss side effects and dosage changes that may be needed.
You still have to pay for it, but it can save you a lot of time.
Telehealth appointments allow you to meet with your healthcare provider over a video chat rather than an in-person appointment.
However, there may be some instances where you will need an in-person appointment instead.
They’re an easy way to view detailed test results as soon as theyre available.
Setting Expectations
When first meeting with a new healthcare provider, ask about their test result policies.
In some cases, they want you to get tested a week or two before an appointment.
Or you may be tested during or after your appointment and get the results later.
First, you have the right to see the results of every test you undergo.
Second, mistakes happen.
Your healthcare provider may suggest a follow-up appointment to go over test results.
This could be if you’re just being diagnosed or monitoring a chronic illness.
You probably don’t need an appointment for preventive tests or if your condition is well-controlled.
Ask your healthcare provider about how test results will be delivered.
If follow-up appointments are expected, check with your health insurance to check that they’re covered.
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