Blood Drug Testing

How do doctors run blood tests and how long do they take?

I'm just curious. I think I may have hypothyroidism or anemia. I don't know if when doctors run blood tests they only search for certain problems or they search for everything that can be wrong with you?

Public Comments

1. Usually when you see a dr complaining of something they will do a CBC (complete blood count) and then specific tests based on what they think might be wrong with you. Typically you can have results the next day.
2. Hopefully they would test for every possibility that goes along with your symptoms. The time it takes for results vary. I had blood work done at the lab saw my doctor an hour later and she had all the results already.
3. It would depend on your symptoms as to what test they would run. If you go in for a checkup. You might describe your symptoms and just ask to have a CBC (Complete Blood Count) and a TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test run. These are both common test, and they would be a start. I don't think most doctors would have a problem running these test for you. If you are anemic that will usually show up in a CBC. You might also ask for an iron panel or study which contains Iron, TIBC(total iron binding capacity), Ferritin. What are your symptoms? Hemegirl, Medical Technologist