How long do blood tests results take?

 A blood draw only takes a few minutes, but a person may have to wait a few days or weeks for the test results to come back. The waiting time depends on what the blood test is looking for.

This article looks at how long it takes for different types of blood test results take to come back, and the factors that affect these timings.

What factors affect blood test result timings?

Doctors use blood tests to check blood counts, cholesterol levels, and help diagnose nutrient deficiencies or medical conditions. The timings of the results will depend on the type of test.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteTrusted Source (NHLBI), the actual blood draw usually takes less than 3 minutes, and the results can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks to come back.

The laboratory that tests the blood sample usually sends the results back to the doctor’s office. A doctor can then go over the results over the phone or, in some cases, during a face-to-face appointment. It is essential to follow up with the doctor to discuss test results.

In other cases, a lab may release results directly to a person, often through an online portal. The lab should tell the person how long it could take to receive results back.

Sometimes, unforeseen factors can delay a person’s results. For instance, a person may not receive their results if the doctor did not collect enough blood or if the blood sample became contaminated. A doctor may reorder the test if the sample is inadequate for any reason.

The following are some potential reasons a doctor may order a blood test and how long a person can expect to wait before getting the results back.

Basic metabolic panel

A basic metabolic panel is one of the most common blood tests. It provides information about a person’s current metabolism, blood glucose levels, kidney health, and the levels of elements in the blood, including acids, bases, and electrolytes.

In preparation for the test, a doctor may instruct a person to fast for up to 12 hours before the test.

The doctor’s office typically receives the results within a day.

Source: Medical News Today