Navigating Blood Work at Urgent Care: A Step-by-Step Guide

Types of Blood Work Offered by Urgent Care

Urgent care clinics often offer blood draw services for patients who need blood work. These services may or may not include on-site laboratory services, depending on the location. Here are some of the most common types of blood work that you may be able to get done at urgent care.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC measures different components of your blood, like the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. A CBC can help identify a wide range of conditions, including different infections, anemia, and some types of blood cancers, reports the NIH.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

A BMP measures various chemicals in the blood, including glucose, and electrolytes. It can help identify issues with the heart, bones, organs, and muscles. A BMP is usually ordered if you are experiencing a sudden illness or if your provider thinks you may have high blood pressure or kidney problems, according to the NIH.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A CMP is a more comprehensive version of the BMP. It measures the same chemicals as the BMP, as well as additional liver and kidney function tests. A CMP is often used to monitor chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, according to the NIH.

Lipid Panel

A lipid panel measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It can help identify your risk of heart disease and stroke. A lipid panel is often recommended for people with high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease, according to the NIH.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test

A TSH test measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood. It is used to help identify problems with your thyroid, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The NIH notes that a TSH test is often recommended for people with unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, or other common symptoms of a thyroid disorder.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis is not a blood test, however, it is an important test for diagnosing several conditions and is often offered in the urgent care setting. A urinalysis can help identify a range of conditions, including pregnancy, urinary tract infections, STDs, kidney problems, and diabetes.

How to Get Your Blood Work Results at Urgent Care

A physician will interpret your blood work results and use them in conjunction with your medical history, physical exam notes, and other diagnostic testing to make a diagnosis. Occasionally follow-up tests are necessary to confirm abnormal levels before making a diagnosis. It's important to follow up with your doctor after your blood work to discuss your results and any necessary next steps. The time it takes to get the results of your blood work will vary depending on your urgent care’s capability and the type of test you received. Some blood tests take only a few minutes to yield a result, while others may take several days. Your urgent care provider will be able to let you know when to expect your results—as well as how to access your results.

Does Urgent Care Offer Blood Work?

If you need blood work done, you have several options. Many hospitals and laboratories offer lab services by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Your primary care doctor may also offer these services. Many urgent care clinics also offer blood work as part of their range of services. This may not be the best option for routine blood work, however, it is a great option if you are experiencing sudden symptoms and need an evaluation.

Going to Urgent Care for Blood Work

Many urgent care clinics are equipped to perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, including x-rays and blood work. They have the necessary equipment and trained medical professionals to draw blood and some urgent care locations have the ability to run certain blood tests right there. Some of the common blood tests that can usually be done at an urgent care clinic include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
• Lipid panel
• Liver function tests (LFTs)
• Thyroid function tests
• Blood glucose tests

There are several advantages to getting blood work done at an urgent care facility instead of a laboratory or hospital. Some of these advantages include:

• Convenience - Urgent care clinics are often open for extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays—making it easier to fit blood work into your schedule and eliminating a delay in healthcare.
• Quick results - Accessing an urgent care clinic during off-peak hours means getting your blood work faster. Getting your results faster means also getting treatment faster.
• Cost-effective - Urgent care centers may offer more affordable pricing for blood work compared to other healthcare providers. If you are experiencing a sudden onset of symptoms, you can avoid costly emergency room visits by going to urgent care instead.

While there are many advantages to getting blood work done at an urgent care facility, there are also some limitations to keep in mind. These include:

• Limited testing capabilities - While urgent care centers can perform many common blood tests, they may not offer more specialized testing. Additionally, some urgent care clinics are only capable of drawing blood and properly packaging it, and sending it to a laboratory. This means you may have to wait to get results.
• The need for follow-up care - If your blood work results indicate a potential health issue, you will likely need to follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Cost of Blood Work

The cost of blood work at an urgent care facility will vary depending on the specific tests you need and your insurance coverage. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered and what your out-of-pocket costs may be.

Insurance Coverage for Blood Work at Urgent Care

Many insurance plans cover blood work done at an urgent care facility, but it's important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage. For some tests and some insurance plans, you may need a referral from a primary care physician or pre-authorization before the test can be performed.

Getting Blood Work Done at Urgent Care

When you need blood work done, an urgent care facility is a fast and efficient option for many people. Here’s how you can find an urgent care that offers the tests you may need, and what to expect once you get there.

Finding an Urgent Care That Offers Blood Work

Not all urgent care facilities offer laboratory services, however, urgent care clinics that do not have lab services will still be able to draw blood and send it for testing. Solv can help you find which urgent care clinics offer blood draws and lab services by searching our directory.

Preparing for the Blood Work

If you are going to urgent care specifically for blood work, you may want to call ahead to find out if there are any instructions for preparing for the test. Some tests require you to avoid eating or drinking for a certain amount of time before the blood draw.

In addition to the instructions from urgent care, you should also bring a list of your medications with you to the appointment. This will help your urgent care provider get more insight into your medical history and which blood tests are appropriate for you. You should also be prepared to show an ID and your insurance card, as well as the contact information for your primary care physician if you have one.

What to Expect During the Blood Work

When you arrive at urgent care for blood work, you will be checked in and asked to provide some basic information, such as your name and the reason for your visit.

A healthcare professional will then take your vital signs and ask you general questions about your health history, and your current symptoms. Before the blood draw your provider will explain the procedure and prep your skin with an alcohol swab. A small needle is then used to access a vein in your arm or hand, and a small sample of blood is taken. This blood sample is then analyzed on-site or sent to a nearby laboratory for analysis.

After the blood is drawn, you may be asked to apply pressure to the area with a cotton ball or gauze to stop any bleeding. You may be given post-procedure instructions by the healthcare professional, such as avoiding strenuous activity for a certain amount of time.

Thanks to federal HIPAA laws, urgent care facilities are required to follow strict privacy regulations when it comes to protecting the personal health information of their patients. This includes keeping your medical records confidential and only sharing them with authorized individuals or organizations.

Other Services Offered at Urgent Care Facilities

In addition to blood work, urgent care facilities offer a variety of other services to help you stay healthy. These services range from simple vaccinations to more complex procedures like imaging. Here is a breakdown of the most common services you can find at urgent care clinics.

X-rays and Ultrasounds

Many urgent care facilities offer imaging services such as ultrasounds and X-rays. X-rays can help identify broken bones or abnormalities in the lungs. Ultrasounds may be available at your urgent care to look at your heart, internal organs, or fetus if you are pregnant.

Vaccinations

Some urgent care facilities also offer vaccinations to help protect you from a variety of illnesses. These can include flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, tetanus shots, and other vaccines recommended for your age and health status. Getting vaccinated is an important step in preventing the spread of disease and staying healthy, according to the CDC.

Physical Exams

Whether you need a physical for school, work, or sports, many urgent care facilities can provide these necessary exams. Some common physicals performed at urgent care clinics include:

• DOT physicals
• School physicals
• Sports physicals
• Men’s health exams
• Women’s health exams

Blood Donation

Some urgent care clinics also offer blood donation services. Donating blood is a simple way to help those in need and can be done in just a few minutes. A healthcare professional will screen you to ensure that you are eligible to donate and will also explain the donation process. Similar to a blood draw, your skin will be cleaned with an alcohol swab and then a needle will be used to access a vein in your arm. You should call in advance to ensure your local urgent care center offers these services.

Going to Urgent Care For Blood Work

Blood work is an essential part of maintaining good health, and is a valuable tool for diagnosing many conditions. Blood work can even help detect early signs of diseases and help you get early intervention and treatments. Urgent care clinics provide convenient and timely access to blood work services—allowing you to get the care you need without having to wait weeks for an appointment with your primary care physician. The benefits of convenience, affordability, and timely results usually outweigh the drawbacks of slightly limited testing options.