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Use the same lab for your bloodwork if possible

Posted , 5 users are following.

JanSP
JanSP

Last week I realized I waited too long to get my bloodwork done before seeing the reumy last Friday so I went to a different lab that has a faster turnover rate for results but  is further from my home. My usual SED rate is 2 and it was 10 on Friday. My reumy had me go to my regular lab Friday, after our visit, to double check the results. Got a call from my doc. The SED hadn't changed - still 2. Not all labs do the tests or report them the same way. In the future I will try to stay consistant.   Jan

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga JanSP

    Posted

    I'm sure i've read somewhere that SED rate should be checked asap as the results become inaccurate the longer the blood sits around.  I wonder if your "faster turnover rate" lab was more accurate?  Still, I suppose if one is just keeping an eye on relative changes it doesn't matter.  And in any case 10 is still nice and low.  Mine has never gone below 16, usually around 19, and my doctor is not at all concerned as she says this is very good "for my age".  Sigh.  

  • EileenH
    EileenH JanSP

    Posted

    All labs will differ slightly - despite things being automated there is still some variation. But it is something that doesn't apply in the UK and the rest of Europe - it isn't your choice where it goes!

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga EileenH

      Posted

      Same here.  My only choice is which hospital I go to to have the blood taken.  I assume all the samples end up in the same centralized lab for testing.
  • julian.
    julian. JanSP

    Posted

    an appointment for Dexascan a year after first. Operator suggested I should have gone to same place as previously. I expected some variation due to the machine so wasn't overly concerned. Main issue seemed to be that the computer associated with the machine kept the records so previous test record wasn't available at a different branch of same company.

    Rhetorically - "which one should I choose next time?".

    • EileenH
      EileenH julian.

      Posted

      You can only compare results directly if they were done on the same machine. On the other hand - every machine will give you a realtive result which is probably all that matters.
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