Getting Bloodwork and Other Laboratory Services at Primary Care
Regular visits with a primary care physician are an important component of overall health and wellness. In addition to annual exams and evaluations, patients can seek treatment and care for illnesses and health conditions, as well as maintain a healthy regimen of necessary prescription medications. Many of these primary care offices are also able to offer laboratory services on site. Participating in certain screenings and testing at such locations can be a practical and prudent choice for many patients.
The benefits of testing at a primary care office
The more information a physician has on a particular patient, the more thorough the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment can be during well and sick visits. Choosing a primary care office with laboratory services can help expedite the recovery process, since it may allow physicians to interpret and act upon results in a timelier manner.
It also helps ensure that patient records are thorough and accurate, which can help physicians recognize underlying conditions or the need for further testing. In many cases, what originates as a standard screening for work or insurance purposes can prompt a physician to request an in-office appointment for further evaluation based on the results.
Types of screenings available at primary care offices
In-office laboratories are typically equipped with the tools and personnel necessary to perform the tests and screenings most frequently requested for healthcare patients. While some options may vary by location, most offices are able to conduct the following tests:
Screenings for common illnesses
Strep throat, the flu, mono and pregnancy all require a blood test or culture swab for an accurate diagnosis. Because symptoms for these common conditions can overlap with other issues, testing is an important part of the diagnostic process. Results help determine the appropriate course of action for the patient.
Hematology blood counts
A CBC or complete blood count test measures each of the following components in a patient's blood:
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Platelets
- Hematocrit
- Hemoglobin
By looking at the results of this testing, a physician can help identify underlying conditions, such as anemia, or check for an infection in the body. The test can also help monitor the body's response to various medications or cancer treatments.
Urinalysis
Studying a patient's urine can help diagnose a wide variety of disorders, including kidney disease, liver disease, urinary tract infections and diabetes. It can also be used for drug screening and to detect and monitor pregnancy.
Cholesterol and lipid panels
High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides are often precursors to heart disease. This screening can help detect issues before symptoms arise, giving patients more time to make diet and lifestyle changes. A medication may also be prescribed until levels return to normal. Frequent screenings for high-risk patients can be a critical step in treating and even preventing a heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Laboratory screenings play an important role in achieving and maintaining good health. Patients should consult their primary care physician for annual bloodwork and any other recommended testing. When other situations require additional screenings, choosing to get tests at a primary care office can help physicians maintain a more accurate patient profile.
Request an appointment here: https://tx-urgentcare.com or call Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center at (832) 941-1894 for an appointment in our New Caney office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Primary Care in New Caney, TX.
Recent Posts
Drug screening is integral to many industries and institutions, such as workplaces, in-patient treatment programs, and sports organizations. These screenings look for signs of prescription, legal, or illegal drugs in a urine or hair sample. If you have an upcoming drug screening, you may have questions about the process. Here is what you should know.Drug…
Searching "urgent care near me" is likely the first step individuals take when they experience a sudden medical condition. However, some may not be aware of the difference between urgent and emergency situations or conditions. Learning the signs for each situation can help you determine where to go and likely increase the chances of treatment…
In healthcare, laboratory services include collecting, analyzing, and testing patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Symptoms, lifestyle, and health history provide incomplete information when making a medical diagnosis. Therefore, providers rely on laboratory services for the most complete and accurate information when making and confirming a diagnosis and planning and monitoring treatment.Laboratory…
Regardless of whether a school physical examination is necessary for admission, back-to-school season is a great time to schedule these health checkups. Not only do these checkups ensure the student’s general health, but they also allow for early detection of disease and mental health problems. Learn how a school physical can help support your student’s…