what does a blood test cover

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Q: What does a general blood test cover?
If you go to a regular doctor and ask for general bloodwork, what does it check for?

A: Things your doctor may be looking at are: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium... there may be others in the serum electrolytes that they look at too. Then there is the blood itself, such as amount of red blood cells and white blood cells. (White blood cells are elevated with infection). Then there is hemoglobin which tells them how much iron your blood cells are carrying. They may also look at platelets which help with clotting. Some other things they may look at are cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels, and kidney function labs. I hope this helps. The purpose is to get an overall view on how your body is doing. If you are worried about whether they will do HIV/STD type screening, my answer is probably not if they did not inform you of this previously, but it all depends on your clinic. If you were to call the clinic where you are making your appointment, they would also be able to tell you what the doctors are looking for or they will put you through to someone who can answer your question. It is ok to ask.

Q: what does an annual physical exam cover?
does it cover blood test? EKC?

where do i find a list of all the tests that are performed during an annual physical exam?

A: You need to check your policy to find out what you have coverage for...many people don't realize until its too late that all the lab work ordered by the doctor isn't necessarily covered!

The doctor's office visit itself is what's covered as part of an "annual physical." Anything else like lab work would have to be specifically listed as a benefit in your policy. You can either refer to your benefit book or call your insurer.

After you find out what is specifically covered under your policy, you need to communicate that to your doctor. And be aware that you'll be liable for the full charge of anything the doctor orders that's not "on the list."

Q: What all can be detected throough a blood test?
If i want to have blood work done, what all will the results show. Will they show like cancer, diabetes, and other diseases or problems. Or will it just cover the basic blood count etc. How much does blood work cost roughly?

A: You have to know what you are looking for , or are trying to eliminate with blood tests. They don't just draw the blood and it goes through a computer and comes out with perfectly accurate diagnosis.
If you have certain risk factors or symptoms your Dr. may do specific tests for those. If you are on medications they may want to check that. If you have other concerns, talk with the doctor about it. There are just way too many things to test for... part of what's good and bad about technology.Good luck! Costs vary from a little to alot!

Q: How much does a thyroid ultrasound cost?
Doctor told me he felt and saw a mass in my neck and set me up for an ultrasound & blood tests. The blood tests are covered, ultrasound isnt until I cna prove my income to them.

WHat kind of price will I be looking for this scan, approx?
I am uninsured

A: Once you have an imaging order from your doctor, you can take it to any imaging facility. Even if the order is written on General Hospital's form, you can get the service done at Mercy Hospital. Anyhow, where I work, we charge $300 for a thyroid ultrasound....

My best advice would be to look in your local yellow pages, and make calls for estimated costs at facilities in your area. Prices will vary depending on which state you are in....in fact, the prices can vary quite a bit between facilities in the same area. I work in a free standing imaging center, and we charge about half what the hospital (located in the same town!) charges. Look in the yellow pages under "x-ray" or "physicians - radiologist" and start calling facilities. If you call the imaging department of a hospital, make sure you get both the technical fee (for the cost of the procedure) and the professional fee (for the radiologist's reading). Most free standing imaging centers combine those costs into one fee. Other things to think about.....find out if the facility offers a cash discount for uninsured patients. Also, find out if they can make a payment plan for you, if you cannot come up with all of the money at the time of your procedure. We ask for 25% down at time of service, and then we do a payment plan, mapping out monthly payments for the balance. Sometimes the monthly payment is fairly low.....$50 even. A little bit of research can save you some money!

Q: What does medicaid cover?
I live in idaho and i've been trying to figure out what medicaid covers, i went to the doctor before i got my card and they said it was okay but i'm just wondering if theres like a certain amount of stuff they cover...? i heard only three ultra sounds, no 3d ones.... do they cover the blood tests?

A: I'm pretty sure that medicaid will cover anything that is medically necessary.

Q: Blood pregnancy test?
I took a blood pregnancy test on Mon. (you can refer to my thread posted on 9/10) that came out negative. It was early on - the day after I missed my period - but, I assumed it would be accurate since blood tests can detect pregnancy a week after conception. But, I also read that HCG levels don't rise early with some women, and it's best to re-test. But, does that apply to blood tests, too? It should have picked up at least something, being taken AFTER my missed period, right?

The only reason I'm wondering is that I'm getting bloating, cramps, and tiredness, but it's still not arrived. I skip periods quite a bit, but normally, I will not get PMS symptoms if I'm going to skip. My boobs have been sore for almost 2 weeks. I've never skipped more than 2 periods in a row. I found out that my insurance doesn't cover lab tests. I have enough for the blood test, granted it is not very expensive (awaiting the bill), but not enough for another. I shouldn't need one, right? There's also no PP clinic w/in an hour of here. I made an appt. with my gyno for next week to try to work something out with birth control, to get my cycle on track. I could bring this up then, but I was hoping someone could tell me more about blood tests. From what I've read, I'm worrying needlessly, but I've never felt this way, physically, in my life. I've also taken evening primrose oil for the past several months, which is supposed to help balance hormones naturally - I quit on Saturday. I don't think this could have a bearing on the test. My question is: is it necessary to do another blood test?
I spoke with a nurse from my gyno's office who said that the test was conclusive. So, I'm going with that response - it's what I thought from the beginning. I gather from researching that it is possible for hormone levels to not rise until later on in a pregnancy, but it sounds very rare.

A: I would take another test and if it comes out negative I would go to the doctor. My friend had pregnancy tests come back negative up until she was 4 months pregnant. some people just dont produce enough hormone.

Q: What is covered in the blood tests for a physical?
I know the question has been asked of what they do during a physical, however, I already know this by having one. What I don't know is exactly what they test for when they take my blood. I know the basics is for aids, diabetes, general metabolism disorders, but what about other detailed STD tests, rare blood disorders, etc? Anyone know?
*in response to posted answer* Thanks for replying, the purpose of the physical was for the fire department. I know they tested me for aids, and I would figure they would test me for other blood born pathogents as EMT basic is required for Idaho firemen. Does anyone know what specifics they test for?

A: They do not test for HIV in a physical unless specifically requested. Even then by law you have to be counseled before and afterward. They also do not test for any STD's unless you have any signs or symptoms upon your physical exam and the doctor would address those things with you during the exam describing what they would be testing for. Pretty much the only things they blood test for in a physical is your cholesterol and a general screening like blood sugar, sometimes blood counts (indication of infections), liven enzymes, etc. If your worried about STD's you can ask for a those things independently.

Q: will roaccutane/accutane interfere with my blood test?
i have just been prescribed roaccutane/accutane for my skin. the Doctor gave me 2 packets but told me to wait for my blood test before i take them. if i pass my blood test he will give six months supply to take back to america (im in cyprus right now-can not afford it in US my insurance does not cover it). however my blood test is not for a week and i really want to start the medication now. i know my liver etc is fine and i know im not pregnant the only thing im worried about is that if i start the medication now it will interfere with my blood test and he wont give the supply. i cant get roaccutane in america coz my insurance doesnt cover it so i really need this supply however my skin is upsetting me so much im desperate to start it now. its so tempting. what do i do? will it interfere with my blood test?

A: Your blood test will not be accurate if you have it after you commence the meds. The blood test must be taken prior to starting Roaccutane as it is to measure levels of things such as cholesterol. Roaccutane can have the effect of raising your cholesterol therefore they need a starting point. You will then have another blood test approx 6 weeks later to see how it compares.

I was on Roaccutane for a year and I didn't really see results for a couple of months so waiting one more week really isn't going to make that much difference to you.

Q: What STDs does a piss test, test for?
As opposed to a blood test.

I know a blood test, tests for more, but what do the both cover

A: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and HIV can be used with a urine test.

Q: How are u monitored while taking Clomid? I've read that there are Ultrasounds and blood tests. Can you tell me
which tests u get when on clomid, what they monitor and when in that cycle the test has to happen? I just found out that my insurance won't cover clomid and any tests in connection with it. Are you in a similar situation and how do you handle that?

A: starting at about day 12 of your cycle, you will have to go in for an ultrasound every day to see how your follicles are developing. The ultrasound can be kind of expensive as well as the clomid. Then on day 23 you will go in for a blood test to get your progesterone levels checked. I did 6 cycles of clomid with no luck. It's hard on the budget then we ended up having to do IVF, that really hurts the budget. Don't stress, it won't help in making the treatment work. Baby Dust!!

Q: For a 35 year old, what blood tests should be taken? What can I ask my primary care physician?
There seems to be so many....urine, liver, glucose (diabetes), thyroid, complete blood count, cholesterol.......Is there "one" word to describe this test if I want to cover everything? And I do... Did I miss any? I just want to make sure when I see my doctor, I don't miss telling him what I think I need. Also, what other ideas or concerns can I mention other than blood work.

A: Your Dr. will request the tests based on your conditions / concerns. Standard blood work will include cholesterol, blood sugars, which generally indicate problems or issues to be addressed.

Q: If my friend's pain management doctor suspects her of smoking pot or drugs in general can they blood test her?
My friend takes percocets 15/325 i believe they are. She got 180 of them this month. Her insurance covers them.

How accurate is blood testing for drugs?For pot?Meth?My friend is an adult.

I am asking these questions for a friend. I smoke pot honestly like once every other month only. I have never touched meth ever & never plan on it. It creates more problems trust me.

She went to pain management yesterday & they totally cut her off her pills & wont give her none. They told her they had a letter from some where. She didn't say what the letter said but all i know it she got cut off her pills. I was maybe suspecting they tested her blood & they found out she had drugs in her system. I know for a fact shes smoking pot daily. I also believe she does meth every other day. She is not open about that with me so i have no idea. I also think maybe the doctor think shes selling them to cause she went threw 180 pills in a week & wanted more. No one could go threw 180 pills & go threw them in a week's time.

What other reasons would pain management refuse to give you pills?If someone knows or has ever been kicked out of pain management please let me know thanks

A: Number one is when you go through 180 pain pills in a week, then have the nerve to go back and ask for more of course the doctor will suspect allot. These doctor's have seen and heard it all. First off they will give you enough leeway for the purpose of doubt, then they will drug test you if it goes on. Most of them require you to sign a consent to do urine and/or blood testing when you first go. If yours didn't it still means that they can ask, and if you refuse well you get suspected of most anything. Then you can also ask why too. The patient is at the doctor's request to stay within the law too. They can also lose their licenses to practice and their livelihood for their wives and children goes down the drain. Before these specialists even were around we had to beg the family doctor with all of those hang ups and being so afraid to even give you more then a week supply at a time was the norm. Please give these pain specialists a break and respect what they do for us. If you need the pills stay away from the illegal drugs that will make it impossible for you to get them and if you don't then be prepared to lose everything altogether and take the risk at going to jail where you'll go cold turkey. I also learned a lesson the hard way, but then was very unfortunate to have a bad accident leave me permanently disabled and in moderate to severe pain as a normal feeling everyday. Then I was lucky enough to have pain management give me a second chance too. Good luck and God Bless

Q: i am getting a blood test done for an STI. But i need to lie about what the test was for.....HELP?
I will be in dance class the day after my blood test and my lil sis will be there too so its too warm to cover my arms but why did i get the blood test if anyone asks?
ive never had to get a blood test before so i dont know the many reasons one would get one.
i was thinking cholestral but i eat right and no need for me to get one for that.
i'm not sick in any way and dont want to say i donated blood incase they ask more questions and i have to make up more lies.
just a simple one.
im not sure if the bruise mark will still be on my arm the next day but just to be sure
thanks

A: People don't usually ask unless you draw attention to it. If you ignore it everyone will think it is nothing worth asking about.

If anyone does asks about it act surprised like you don't remember doing anything. If it is on your arm tell them it was the flu shot.

Q: Does my boyfriend have depression and what can he do?
My boyfriend goes through these times where he says he is depressed. He becomes very distant, does not hug and kiss me as he used to, is tired a lot, and is not into having sex anymore.

The problem is, he has a crappy health insurance plan through our work that really does not cover doctor and medicine costs. He cannot afford the blood tests or any depression medicine or even the consultation I don't believe.

Does anyone have any idea on what he and I should do about this? It is really making me depressed to see him like this.

A: I have read many report on B12 and other B vitamins that are used to balance the chemicals in the brain. Here are a couple articles you should read regarding b vitamins and depression.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-b12-and-depression/AN01543

http://depression.about.com/cs/diet/a/vitamin.htm

http://depression.about.com/b/2004/01/19/forum-better-nutrition-needed-not-drugs.htm

Best of luck.. and always the best thing to do is to consult with a medical professional as depression is a serious disorder

Q: What if my blood test for pregnancy comes back negative?
My last period was on Feb 10th and i completely missed my March 10th. I had some light bleeding on the 26th and 28th of March. Not enough to cover a liner even put together. just light pink dots of blood. anyways, I've had 3 negative home pregnancy tests so i went to this dr and my urine still tested negative. The Dr says that's 70% chance that i'm pregnant and wants me to come back in 2-4 weeks to see if my uterus has grown. So instead of waiting i found a dr that is willing to do a blood test for me and i went today so she said she would call me tomorrow with the results. What happens if it's negative? Is there a change i still could be pregnant?
I'm soooo late that i'm about to miss my 2nd period. which would be due on April 10th.
I need to figure out what's going on and why i haven't shown a positive... or where the heck my period is hiding.

A: In general, a woman doesn't really know for sure if she's pregnant until she's at least 4-8 weeks along. And in that case, there is a good chance that you are pregnant, even if the blood test comes back negative. But a missed period could be due to several other things. Like stress, certain medications, etc etc. Also, it depends if there are any other symptoms other than a missed period. Pregnancy symptoms vary from person to person but in general, symptoms include:

-Implantation Bleeding (that may have been what the spotting was)
-Fatigue/tiredness
-Delay/Difference in menstruation
-Nausea/Morning Sickness
-Back Aches/Headaches
-Swollen/Tender Breasts
-Frequent Urination
-Darkening of Areolas
-Food Craving (been craving any pickles and ice-cream lately?)

For more info: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/earlypregnancysymptoms.html

If the blood test comes back negative, the next best thing would be to go back to see if your uterus has grown, but your best bet would be to have an ultrasound done. And ultrasound (just in case you don't know) is where the doctor takes a special probe that allows the doctor to see into your uterus and gently runs the probe along your belly (kinda like a video x-ray). Its probably one of the best ways to tell whether or not your pregnant. But again, none of this is effective until after the 4-8 week point.

Good luck and take care! :)