Question 1

What does the laboratory medicine department do?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory medicine performs diagnostic testing on blood, urine, tissue and other body fluid samples to help diagnose disease, monitor existing conditions, and guide treatment decisions across nearly every medical speciality. This includes routine tests like complete blood counts and metabolic panels, specialised tests for hormones, infections and tumour markers, and microbiology testing to identify infections and guide appropriate antibiotic treatment. Accurate, timely laboratory results are fundamental to almost all areas of modern medical care.

Question 2

How accurate are laboratory blood test results?

Accepted Answer

Modern laboratory testing is highly accurate and subject to rigorous internal and external quality control processes to ensure reliability. That said, results can occasionally be affected by factors like how a sample was collected, timing relative to meals or medications, or certain individual biological variations, which is why doctors interpret lab results in the context of your overall clinical picture rather than in isolation. If a result seems inconsistent with how you're feeling, it's reasonable to discuss retesting with your doctor.

Question 3

How should I prepare for common blood tests?

Accepted Answer

Preparation depends on the specific test: many metabolic and lipid panels require fasting for 8-12 hours beforehand, while other tests like a complete blood count don't need any special preparation. Staying well hydrated generally helps make blood draws easier, and it's important to inform the lab staff about any medications you're taking, since some can affect specific test results. Always check the specific instructions given by your doctor or the lab for the particular tests you're having done.

Question 4

How long does it typically take to get laboratory test results?

Accepted Answer

Routine blood tests like a complete blood count or basic metabolic panel are often available within a few hours to same-day, while more specialised tests, such as certain hormone levels, tumour markers, or tests requiring cultures for infections, can take several days to a couple of weeks. Your doctor's office can give you a specific expected timeframe for your particular tests, and many hospitals now offer online portals where you can view results as soon as they're finalised.

Question 5

What should I do if I don't understand my lab test results?

Accepted Answer

It's very common to find lab reports confusing, since they often contain numerical values, reference ranges and medical terminology without much explanation. Rather than trying to interpret results on your own, or relying solely on general internet searches, schedule a follow-up conversation with your doctor, who can explain what your specific results mean in the context of your health and symptoms, and clarify next steps if anything is outside the normal range.

Laboratory Medicine