The rise of telemedicine has coincided with a relatively new phenomenon – people ordering their own lab tests without going through a doctor. Several services in the US now offer people the chance to test for specific illnesses, regardless of whether a doctor recommends that.
Available DIY Blood Tests
Here is a list of some blood tests and urine studies that can be ordered without a doctor:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (BMP plus Liver Function Tests)
- Thyroid Function (TSH with reflex T4)
- STD Screening: Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
- Testosterone Level
- Cholesterol Panel: LDL, HDL, and triglycerides
- Iron Deficiency Panel: Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin
- H. Pylori
- Urine Testing (Urinalysis)
- QuantiFERON Gold TB Test Blood Test
Traditionally, you need to go to a doctor to discuss your symptoms or concerns. Your doctor would then assess you and decide whether further tests need to be ordered based on the degree of clinical suspicion. With the rise of these ‘DIY diagnostic tests,’ people can order a lab test without a doctor’s input.
The Benefits of DIY Lab Tests
DIY blood tests offer a convenient and time-saving alternative for users. In a world where taking time off work for a doctor’s appointment can be challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, these tests allow you to bypass the queue and save both time and money.
Additionally, it provides improved access to care that was limited before to people with a primary care doctor. These DIY tests may help discover some medical conditions that were previously unknown. In this case, you can then be started on the appropriate treatment early, avoiding any delay in care due to lack of access to healthcare.
Others for whom this may be a good option are patients with chronic medical conditions or patients on certain medications that need surveillance lab monitoring. For example, patients on thyroid medications who require regular thyroid level testing or patients on HIV medications who need to monitor their kidney and liver function.
By enabling patients to order their own tests, DIY blood tests empower individuals to take a more active role in managing their health. This shift towards patient autonomy fosters greater patient participation and a more proactive approach to individual health, moving away from a paternalistic healthcare model.
The Downsides of DIY Lab Tests
The biggest downside of DIY lab tests is that they may lead to over-testing. Doctors only order tests when there is a clinical reason to do so: unnecessary tests often generate unwarranted anxiety. They may also lead to unnecessary procedures that further strain the healthcare system.
Also, without a doctor’s input, it would be difficult for the average person to understand their test results accurately – it is not enough for patients to simply google their results to understand what is happening. This can, once again, lead to anxiety.
Some companies exploit people’s fears about their own health to get them to cough up large sums of money to order unnecessary tests. In this case, it would actually be more cost-effective to go for a doctor’s appointment and get a qualified doctor’s advice.
Although doctors are human beings and do get things wrong, it’s essential to maintain a trusting relationship with your doctor. If you’re unsure, you can always get a second opinion from another doctor. A doctor’s input is more valuable than “dry numbers” returned from lab results.
DIY Blood Tests: Conclusion
DIY diagnostic tests are undoubtedly convenient, time-saving, and empowering, giving individuals more control over their health. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential pitfalls.
In some instances, they may lead to unnecessary testing, causing anxiety and potentially overburdening the healthcare system if the results are misinterpreted.
Order Your Own DIY Blood Tests Online With QuickMD
Did you know? QuickMD offers the convenience of ordering your own labs, but with a crucial difference. All orders and results are meticulously reviewed by licensed physicians. This ensures that any abnormal test results are thoroughly discussed with the patient, providing expert guidance and avoiding potential misinterpretations.
