Does Anybody Know About Blood Tests

[wolf63]

Does anybody know how long it takes laboratories to process bloods. Two vials - full blood count (including iron) and my Lithium levels.

They should be at the lab by lunchtime today.

[jd_1984]

They can be produced in a matter of hours, it may depend on whether this a routine check or the doctor needs the results back today and will therefore put a rush on things. It isnt unusual in the case of a routine screen at the GP for instance to take a week or two and you ring the surgery. We had our 4 year old in two weeks ago and there was a concern of diabetes, his blood/urine results were back within 2 hours.

[LazyGun]

If the blood tests are at the lab by lunchtime, the actual testing time is neglible - takes about 30 secs to perform an FBC for example. It is the workload of the lab, the urgency of the specimen and the normality or otherwise of the results that might take time.

Say, results done and ready to send out by end of business today, should be back with your GP within 48-72 hours

[wolf63]

Thanks to both of you. I usually forget all about the tests once I leave the surgery - knowing that if there would be a 'summons' from my GP if there was a problem.

jd - I hope the little one is okay. I panic every time my cats sneeze, no idea how bad I would be with a kiddie.

[jd_1984]

Thanks wolf, he was fine. He had a gastric issue and didnt eat for 4 days. He lost a lot of fluids and completely emptied his stomach, and this gave an unusual blood sugar result. After a day on a glucose drip and a normal day of eating he was fine and causing trouble once again!

[wolf63]

jd - it is good that he isn't diabetic. Dealing with a diabetic child must be hard work. :-)