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blood tests
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If you have blood tests, how long is it before you find out your results?
Also, what type of things do they look for if they are not sure what is wrong with you in the first place?
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Depends on what type of blood test, the degree of urgency, and where you have the sample taken.
Only some of the more conventional blood tests require more than a few minutes to actually do.
In general, a GP for instance should be able to get the results of any blood tests within 3-4 working days, sooner if there is any urgency to it.
The doctor will specify on the blood test request form what type of information he/she is seeking from the test. eg blood cell count, cholesterol level etc. The laboratory is not responsible for any diagnosis but provides information to the doctor.
Timewise, ( from experience ) in this so called First World Country 3 to 4 days - anywhere else in the modern world, 24 hrs, urgent or not.
k99, the time it takes to get the results depends on the path lab. our local one sometimes delivers results same day if they're not too busy. Maximum time we accept is 2 days. After that we pester them until they can't stand it a minute longer! Seriously tho, a couple of days for most tests. It depends on what your symptoms are but for say lethargy, aches, tiredness and generally feeling low you would normally have u&e, fbc, gluc, and lft. these tests give a general indication of your kidneys, liver, glucose levels and red and white cell counts (and a few other bits too). aches and pains would probably also include an esr which looks for inflammation
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