Lab Testing

Blood tests are the most common laboratory tests done (Kuter, 2023). They can help determine the presence of infections, low red blood cells, cancer cells, high blood sugar, and/or the proper functioning of organs, among other health issues. Your medical team will request a specific or series of specific tests from the laboratory.

The blood drawn, usually from a vein, will be stored in test-specific tubes, each prepared according to national standards. Depending on the laboratory, these vials of blood are then stored in cold packs until they are sent to a testing laboratory. If there is an onsite laboratory, then it is sent directly to it.

Blood tests can cause bruising, bleeding, or burst veins. These side effects should heal on their own within a few days. In some cases, an infection may occur at the removal site, which may need to be treated with medication. Some people may faint during the blood draw; however, laboratory technicians and staff are trained for this possibility.

If you have fainted during a blood test, please let your medical team and any laboratory technician know beforehand.

Allergy tests are done to determine what allergies, if any, an individual may have (Birch & Pearson-Shaver, 2023). This test is often done by exposing the individual to concentrated allergens, such as food, various types of pollen, animal saliva, and/or specific medical substances. This test is done at specialized clinics.

A typical allergy test is done as follows: an area, usually the forearms and/or upper arm, is sterilized and marked to indicate where each allergen will be placed. The allergens will be dropped onto the skin and then a small needle or sharp implement will pierce the skin. This will allow the allergens to enter the body. After 30 minutes or so, the severity of any reaction is measured to determine the presence of allergies.

Allergies can cause severe and life-threatening reactions; as such, the medical staff at the clinic will regularly confirm your safety throughout the test.

Urine testing, also known as urinalysis, is the oldest type of laboratory test (Milani & Jialal, 2023). This test helps determine the functionality of the kidneys, whether there is an injury to the bladder, and/or if there is a metabolic issue. A typical test involves looking at three main categories: physical appearance, composition, and/or microscope presence.

While not necessary, it is recommended that urine be collected in the morning as it is more concentrated. It can also be collected over the course of a day or at a set interval after an event or surgery.

There is little risk involved with non-invasive urine collection; however, in some cases, a catheter must be inserted into the urethra to manually collect a urine sample. In the case of an invasive procedure, there are risks of injury to the urethra.

A biopsy involves collecting a sample of tissue in order to analyze its composition for abnormalities (Biopsy, 2021).

A biopsy is considered an invasive but usually minor surgery that should be done by qualified medical professionals. The location of the biopsy and the size of the sample depend on the underlying reason for the procedure.

As a surgery, bleeding, soreness, and bruising are common side effects. Other side effects include an infection or severe bleeding.

There are many reasons for a medical professional to request a laboratory test. Here are the most common reasons:

Confirming:

• Diabetes
• Cancer/tumor
• Infection(s)
• Allergies
• Renal disorders
• Bladder injury/infection
• Pregnancy

Monitoring:

• Safe medication use
• Medication levels
• Blood sugar levels
• Hormonal levels

This is not a complete list of reasons for a request to perform a laboratory test.