How long do blood test results take?

How long do blood test results take?

Many blood tests can be performed, including blood counts and cholesterol. Sometimes results can be available in minutes. Sometimes, results can take several days or even weeks to get.

The test and other factors will determine how quickly you can determine your levels.

What is the procedure?

A blood draw is also called a venepuncture. This involves drawing blood from a vein. Phlebotomists perform most blood draws, and medical personnel specialize in blood draws. They will take your blood:

  • Use soap and water to wash their hands or hand sanitisers, and then apply gloves.
  • You can place a tourniquet around an area, usually your arm, which is usually a rubber band or stretchy rubber band.
  • Locate a vein, and use an alcohol wipe to clean it.
  • Place a small hollow needle in the vein. The needle should be able to see blood flowing through it and into a tube or syringe.
  • Hold the tourniquet down and apply gentle pressure to the venepuncture site. Sometimes they will place a bandage on the site.

If you have easily accessible veins, the blood draw can be quick. It usually takes between 5-10 minutes.

Sometimes it can take longer to locate a vein. Many factors can affect how fast a blood draw can take, including dehydration and the experience of the phlebotomist.

How long does it take to get results?

A doctor might order the following blood tests:

  • Complete blood counts (CBC): This test measures the presence of 10 types of cells in white blood cells and red blood cells. These results include haemoglobin, haematocrit and red blood cell counts. CBC results can usually be accessed by your doctor within 24 hours.
  • Basic metabolic panel: This test measures common electrolytes as well as compounds in the blood. Calcium, glucose, sodium and potassium are all examples. Before your blood is drawn, you may be asked to fast. These results are usually sent to your doctor within 24hrs.
  • Complete metabolic panel: It measures the following factors: albumintotal proteins, and four liver function tests. These are ALP ALT AST and Bilirubin. If they want to know more about your kidney function or liver, a doctor might order more extensive testing. They will usually get your results in one to three working days.
  • Lipid panel: Lipoprotein panels measure cholesterol levels in the body. This includes high density lipoprotein and lower-density Lipoprotein. The lab results should be available to your doctor within 24 hours.

Many times, a laboratory’s staff will call or send results directly to a doctor for review. Your doctor may give you your results by phone or via an online portal depending on how quickly they are received. You should allow for more time.

Some labs will send you results via secure online portal directly without the need for your doctor’s approval. The lab will inform you when results are expected.

If the sample is not sufficient, contaminated or if there are blood cells that have been destroyed before they reach the laboratory, your results could be delayed.

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