Urgent Care Centers and Lab Work: Changing Common Misconceptions
Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics have become popular destinations for medical needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. An increasing number of patients are choosing to have their blood work and lab testing performed at these facilities, as many urgent care centers offer these services as part of their commitment to preventative care and wellness.
If you need to get a lab test done, but want to go at a time that works for your schedule, these locations are an excellent option. These facilities offer both a convenient and efficient option for your testing needs. Patients can spend less time in the waiting room, which has become increasingly important as we look to limit potential exposure to germs.
A common misconception is that urgent care centers have limited capabilities, but as we debunked in our most recent blog, urgent cares are ideal for lab work.
At My One Medical Source (MOMS), we are revolutionizing access to basic and specialty medical testing by connecting labs, patients, and employers with skilled labor to perform lab collections. We are building a nationwide MAP: Medical Access Point™ network of facilities with the skilled labor to perform, process and prepare lab collections for shipping to an appointed lab for resulting.
To gain a better understanding of testing, there are some questions that must be answered:
What is blood work/a blood test?
Blood work (or blood tests) is used to diagnose medical conditions. Since 70 percent of all medical decisions are based on a lab test, blood work is an important part of both preventive healthcare and health maintenance.
How often should I get blood work?
Depending on the individual and his or her medical history, the answer to this question varies. At a minimum, one should get blood work annually.
Do I need to prepare for a blood test?
Yes and no. Sometimes there is no preparation required for blood work, but other tests may require fasting.
How are blood tests performed?
Phlebotomy is when someone uses a needle to take blood from a vein. Those who perform blood draws are considered phlebotomists, which requires certification. Our MAP facilities have the skilled labor (anyone who can perform phlebotomy) for patients to get their blood drawn.
Depending on the test, specimen collections can be drawn via venipuncture or finger prick.
Where can I get blood work drawn near me?
My One Medical Source (MOMS) makes it easy to find lab testing services by enabling patients to search by type of lab test, zip code, appointment availability, or provider recommendations. They will discover reliable urgent care centers that can handle their lab work for them.
Before you go…