No lab test is 100% accurate. However, medical testing that takes place in certified laboratories in the U.S. is performed by trained professionals and follows rigorous quality assurance standards with extensive oversight. You can trust the data generated by today’s exacting medical tests. However, test results are most reliable when used in conjunction with other meaningful information, such as your medical and family histories and a physical exam. Additionally, there should be open communication between you and your doctor or other members of your health care team. To learn more, go to our articles page and read: How Reliable is Laboratory Testing?

Typically, a blood sample is taken by inserting a needle into a vein, usually in your arm. Before your blood is drawn, an elastic band is tied around your upper arm to increase blood in the veins, and the puncture location is wiped clean with an antiseptic. A blood draw using a needle may cause a temporary sting. The blood draw normally lasts for less than a minute. Sometimes a blood sample is collected by puncturing the tip of a finger and drops of blood are collected onto a test pad, filter paper, or into a small tube.

Most urine samples are collected by urinating into a clean container provided by the lab. One to two ounces of urine is typically needed for testing, and a sufficient sample is required for accurate results. Urine samples usually can be collected at any time, but a first morning sample may be requested because it is more concentrated and more likely to detect abnormalities. For tests requiring a 24-hour urine sample, all urine produced for 24 hours is collected at home and put into a large container that must be refrigerated during the collection process. To collect urine for a urinalysis, you may be asked to collect a “clean-catch” urine sample. To keep the sample from becoming contaminated by bacteria, cells, or fluids from outside the urinary tract, it is important to clean the genital area before collecting the urine. You will be given instructions on how to clean the genital area and void a bit of urine first before collecting the sample into the container.

A urine sample will only be useful for a urinalysis if taken to the health care provider’s office or laboratory for processing within a short period of time. If it takes longer than an hour between collection and transport time, then the urine should be refrigerated, or a preservative may be added.

To learn more, go to our articles page and read: Collecting Samples for Laboratory Testing

Typically, “routine blood testing” or “routine lab work” refers to panels of tests that measure several analytes to check your general health status. Two of the most common are Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), which measures 14 analytes to check the health of organs such as your liver and kidneys, and a Complete Blook Count with differential (CBC w/diff), which evaluates your blood cells to check for conditions like anemia or infections. Other, more specific types of panels can be used as a routine check of the health of your HgA1C (blood sugar levels), Lipid Panel, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and liver or kidney.

Blood tests cannot definitively tell whether a person has cancer. However, some blood cancers may be detected if there are abnormal findings on a Complete Blood Count w/differential (CBC w/diff). Additional tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy, are performed to confirm the diagnosis. For other types of cancers, your health care provider may order testing if it is suspected that you have cancer. Typically, other procedures, such as a physical exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy, are necessary to help make a diagnosis. For more details, read the guide Tumor Markers.

A blood test may provide clues to health problems, like heart or kidney conditions. However, initial test results that are abnormal are usually followed by additional testing that can help make a definitive diagnosis. Additionally, other tests may be performed to determine the cause of the condition so that it may be treated appropriately.

Screening tests are laboratory tests that can help detect a disease even before a person develops symptoms, usually in the earliest and most treatable stages. Screening tests are also used to help to identify people who have an increased risk for a condition so that preventive measures can be taken. Examples of these tests include cholesterol testing, for heart disease risk, HIV testing, and Pap Smears for cervical cancer.

Screening tests are intended to be sensitive – that is, able to correctly identify people who have a given disease or risk. If a screening test is sensitive, then very few people who have a disease or risk are missed. However, a screening result may sometimes indicate that a person has a condition or risk when, in fact, they don’t. That’s why a positive screening test often requires further testing with a more specific test to confirm a diagnosis. For example, if an HIV screening test is positive, a second test is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

A diagnostic test may be used for screening purposes, but a diagnostic test is generally used to confirm a diagnosis in a person who has signs, symptoms, or other evidence of a particular disease, condition, or risk.

There are a few reasons why a test may be repeated. For example:

• 1. A test may be repeated when a result indicates that you may have a disease or condition. Repeat test results that match the initial results confirm a diagnosis. For example, if the results from a fasting glucose test are high, the test is repeated. If it is high again, then a diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed.
• 2. If a result does not seem to fit with your overall health level, such as your signs and symptoms and physical exam results, your health care provider may reorder the test. Here are a few examples of why the results can be unexpected:
  • i. It is possible that the substance measured in the test happened to be high or low because of something you ate, recent physical exercise, or another circumstantial situation.
  • ii. Though uncommon, errors due to improper processing or transportation of the sample (such as refrigeration issues, exposure to heat, etc.) can affect the accuracy of results.
• 3. A test may be repeated if there was not enough sample collected to perform the full panel of tests, or if the sample was not collected properly. For instance, if you do not collect all of your urine for a 24-hour urine test, it may need to be repeated.

Lab tests are performed in a variety of settings, depending on the test:

• 1. Laboratory testing: Sample collection for laboratory testing usually takes place at a doctor’s office, lab, medical clinic, or hospital. After being taken, your sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and you receive the results in a few days. A laboratory test is often ordered by your doctor; however, your Care Manager can order most tests for you. And with an appointment time at a lab nearest you to provide the blood or urine sample.
• 2. Point-of-care testing: This type of testing involves a health care provider collecting a sample that is immediately analyzed by a small device or instrument. You receive your results right away. Point-of-care testing usually takes place in your doctor’s office, at a clinic or health fair.
• 2. At-home testing: You can also order a test from home, such as online, or purchase one over the counter. With this type of testing, the testing is done one of two primary ways:
  • 1. Self-collection: You collect a sample using materials provided in the kit and send the sample to a lab for analysis.
  • 2. Self-test: You collect the sample and use the materials or device included in the kit to perform the test. For example, a drop of blood from a skin prick is placed onto the test strip and a device provides a digital readout.

There are many factors that determine the cost of a lab test, including the type of test, where the test is performed, and if you have insurance coverage. When prescribed by a doctor, testing is often covered if you have insurance, but you may still have a copay or deductible. There can also be fees charged by the technicians who draw your blood. Point-of-care testing at health fairs is usually done at no charge or at very low-cost. Check with your doctor and insurance plan about the cost of your test. If you are uninsured, our members benefit from our nationwide agreements with the largest and most reputable lab companies in America. So your pricing is at deeply discounted wholesale prices. In fact, many tests with the Health1Pro pricing are lower than many insurance co-pays.

Typically, a blood sample is taken by inserting a needle into a vein, usually in your arm. Before your blood is drawn, an elastic band is tied around your upper arm to increase blood in the veins, and the puncture location is wiped clean with an antiseptic. A blood draw using a needle may cause a temporary sting. The blood draw normally lasts for less than a minute. Sometimes a blood sample is collected by pricking the tip of a finger and drops of blood are collected onto a test pad, filter paper, or into a small tube. Find out what happens to your blood sample after it is collected by reading the article Follow that Blood Sample: A Short Lab Tour.

Most urine samples are collected by urinating into a clean container provided by the lab. One to two ounces of urine is typically needed for testing, and a sufficient sample is required for accurate results. Urine samples usually can be collected at any time, but a first morning sample may be requested because it is more concentrated and more likely to detect abnormalities. For tests requiring a 24-hour urine sample, all urine produced for 24 hours is collected at home and put into a large container that must be refrigerated during the collection process. To collect urine for a uranalysis, you may be asked to collect a “clean-catch” urine sample. To keep the sample from becoming contaminated by bacteria, cells, or fluids from outside the urinary tract, it is important to clean the genital area before collecting the urine. You will be given instructions on how to clean the genital area and void a bit of urine first before collecting the sample into the container.

A urine sample will only be useful for a urinalysis if taken to the healthcare provider’s office or laboratory for processing within a short period of time. If it takes longer than an hour between collection and transport time, then the urine should be refrigerated, or a preservative may be added. To learn more, on our articles page read Collecting Samples for Laboratory Testing. Can you test a sample? (e.g., a substance I found at home, or my body sample such as from a wound, etc.)

Health1Pro Lab services are designed to ensure our members have access to the necessary lab testing for all phases of your healthcare from preventive to managing a chronic condition to times of critical care. Additionally, we help you learn about the laboratory testing used in your medical care. Health1Pro is not a laboratory and does not perform testing, but it offers resources to help you locate a lab and find out how to access testing. Keep in mind that not all labs perform every test.

Most tests do not require any special preparation. Others, however, may require you to fast or avoid specific foods or take other steps in advance of the test. Always carefully follow any instructions you are provided. For more information, on our articles page read Test Preparation Your Role.

The results of some tests are intended to be interpreted when you have not eaten prior to your sample being collected. Examples include lipid panels and glucose tests. When fasting, drinking only water is permitted. If you do not fast, the results may be affected and/or may not be interpreted correctly. For some tests, your blood sample may be drawn when you have not fasted, and this information is noted on your records. Be sure to follow any fasting instructions you are given and tell the person drawing your blood whether you have fasted.

Can I have a cup of coffee before my test?

Follow any instructions provided to you. While fasting, you usually are allowed water but should not drink anything else, including coffee, before your sample is collected. Caffeine and other ingredients in coffee can affect the results of some tests.

Some tests are affected by diet, medications, and supplements. Carefully follow any test preparation instructions. For some tests, you may need to avoid certain medications before your sample is collected, but you should never discontinue your prescribed medications without first consulting with your health care provider. For other tests, you may need to avoid certain foods. An example is creatinine, which can be affected by eating cooked meat prior to your test.

Yes, taking biotin may affect some test results. Biotin—also known as vitamin B7, vitamin H, and coenzyme R—is a nutrient the body requires in very small amounts. Some people take supplements containing higher doses of biotin (for example, more than 5,000 mcg) because they believe it will help improve the condition of their hair, nails, and skin. Some patients may be treated with biotin mega-doses of 100,000 mcg or more because new research suggests such doses may be helpful in treating certain medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. Individuals who regularly take more than 5,000 mcg of biotin per day may have an excess amount in their blood, which can interfere with some types of laboratory tests. Excess biotin in the blood can cause some, but not all, lab test results to be either falsely increased or falsely decreased, depending on the test. Tell your health care provider if you take or plan to take biotin or a supplement containing biotin and alert your health care provider if you are concerned about test results and the possibility of biotin interference. Always inform your health care provider about medications you take, including supplements.

For more details, read Biotin Affects Some Blood Test Results and New Guidelines Addresses Biotin Interference in Some Lab Tests.