Blood Testing in Alabama

Getting blood tests in Alabama is easy since there are a lot of options – and it’s one of the best things to do for your well-being. Regular blood testing is a great way to monitor your health, keeping you and your health care professionals informed.

Alabama residents have higher rates of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes deaths compared to the national average, which is troubling. Blood tests can be important tools for early detection. When you consider that Alabama’s heart disease deaths per 100,000 residents were 311.2 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s imperative to try to bring that number down.

Blood tests can reveal:

  • Conditions such as anemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
  • General health status using tests such as complete blood count, urinalysis, and cholesterol level
  • Hormone imbalances and the presence of pregnancy hormones
  • Nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12 and vitamin D
  • Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis

There are numerous Alabama blood testing resources where you can get testing and answers to your questions, sometimes for free or at a low cost. For example, Community Free Clinic of Decatur-Morgan County provides free medical care, including laboratory testing for those who do not have insurance.

Another is the Alabama Free Clinic, which provides no-charge medical care and health education programs for Baldwin County residents who don’t have insurance. And at the Jackson Clinic Family Medicine Center and Urgent Care, you can receive lab testing, among other services at a discounted self-pay rate if you are uninsured.

Take Control of Your Health

Alabama Blood Testing Directory

To help you locate an accredited laboratory/testing center, a list of resources has been compiled and can be found below.

Consult with your health care provider about any lab testing that you may be considering. It is also important to follow up with your health care provider to discuss your results within the context of your medical history.

Health Statistics in Alabama

Alabama’s reported deaths for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV are all under the national average. But with early detection, death rates could be lower. Reported deaths in Alabama include:

Alabama vs USA death rates

Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Dashboard

Common Blood Tests

Should you get a blood test? Learn about some of the most common blood tests and what they’re used for.

Blood Testing in Alabama:

Alabama Community Health Testing Centers

Community-based health testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for blood testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Tests in Alabama

Can I order my own blood tests in Alabama?

Yes, you can have your blood tested in Alabama by ordering tests directly from a lab or online.

Can I request a blood test without seeing a doctor?

Direct access testing or direct-to-consumer testing is becoming more acceptable. This allows you to get some blood tests without having to first see a doctor or get a prescription.

How much does blood testing cost in Alabama?

Blood testing costs can range widely depending on the type of test, where you have it done, and what your health insurance plan covers. Some highly specialized blood tests may cost more out of pocket as compared to routine blood work. If you are uninsured, you might also be able to find free or low-cost testing at a nonprofit or community health clinic.

Can I use insurance to get my blood tested?

You can usually use your health insurance to cover the cost for blood testing, but you may have a copayment or deductible that you’re responsible to pay. If you’re unsure of your coverage, call your plan or ask the laboratory for a cost estimate.

How often should I get my blood tested?

Blood work is normally done about once per year for most healthy individuals. If you have chronic conditions or take certain medications, you may have to have blood drawn every couple of months or some other frequency. It is best to discuss this with your doctor.

Can you eat or drink while fasting for a blood test?

It’s always best to look over your pre-testing instructions carefully since some blood tests do require that you do not eat or drink for a certain number of hours, while others do not.  When in doubt, you can always call your lab or health care office to ask.

What does routine blood work check for?

Getting regular blood work is a way to gauge if your body systems are functioning normally. Key elements in your blood can help explain how things are working. For instance, when you get a complete blood count – which counts up your red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin – it can indicate if you have an infection or be a sign that you are deficient in certain nutrients.

Another key test is a basic metabolic panel, which measures your blood glucose, calcium and electrolyte levels.

Health Resources in Alabama

Blood testing can help you manage your general health. Authoritative resources at the state and national levels can help provide valuable information about the most common health conditions so you can stay informed. Here are some offered in Alabama:

Sources

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Ask a Laboratory Scientist

Ask A Laboratory Scientist

This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.

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