To be honest, you can’t downplay the importance of good health. Unfortunately, sickness is inevitable, and depending on its severity, it can be fatal. Luckily, you can change the results with timely and accurate lab test results.
These results can make a big difference when used by health practitioners to diagnose and treat your exact medical condition. But how do you choose such labs? There are some factors you should consider to guide you, and below are the essential ones that will aid you in the choosing process.
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Location and distance
When choosing healthcare facilities such as the labs in san antonio, it would be best to consider proximity to your residence and the hospital. This is because it’s essential to perform tests in the morning hours, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.
This is because your body is subject to variations throughout the day, which reflects in some lab values. Furthermore, some tests like cortisol need rest before the lab staff your sample and avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for some time. You will find doing these quite challenging if the lab is far away.
Accreditation
Your health is essential, and you need accurate lab results when you seek them. However, the outcome largely depends on the lab. It would be best to consider accreditation when choosing the lab to take your test in.
A good lab will have Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) program certification. Additionally, it would be best if the lab you choose is ISO certified by international medical standards. Knowing this information beforehand can be challenging. However, you can ask for a recommendation from your doctor or within your circle.
Cost of tests
As much as you value your health, lab test costs should leave a hole in your pocket. You should consider this factor when deciding on the most suitable lab. However, it shouldn’t override the other factors in this article.
Remember that very cheap tests can be inaccurate and misleading, which is risky for your well-being. The best way to go about it is to inquire about the cost of various laboratories and compare them. This process will help you determine the reasonably priced one to do your test.
Analytical turnaround time
Clinical turnaround time (TAT) refers to the time interval between receiving your specimen in the laboratory to the time of report dispatch with verification. TAT is essential where your life depends on how fast the results reach the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
It would be best to choose testing facilities that operate around the clock, like the labs in san antonio. Such labs ensure that you get your results on time through the automation of the process. You can get such information from the lab’s websites to help you decide on the most suitable one.
Lab tests are essential in determining what ails you and the proper treatment. However, you need to be cautious when choosing the lab to test. This is not only for safety but also for convenience and efficiency. It will help if you use the factors in this article to guide when choosing a clinical lab for timely and accurate results.
