Blood Testing in Minnesota

Part of taking control of your health means doing regular testing and screenings. So if you’re seeking blood tests in Minnesota, you’re off to a great start. Regular blood testing is a great way to monitor your health, keeping you and your health care professionals informed.

The good news is Minnesotans rank below the national death rates for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes ― and you can monitor all of those with routine blood tests and checkups. Heart disease is still something Minnesota residents should be concerned about, as 147.3 residents for every 100,000 die of heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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 Minnesota blood testing resources where you can get testing and answers to your questions, sometimes for free or at a low cost. For example, Phillips Neighborhood Clinic provides nearly any lab test and many prescriptions free of cost.

Another is the People’s Center Clinics and Services, which provides laboratory services and health care for all ages using a sliding fee discount. And at the Neighborhood Health Source, you can receive sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and physical exams regardless of insurance status.

Take Control of Your Health

Minnesota 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 Minnesota

Minnesota’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 Minnesota include:

Minnesota 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.

Minnesota 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 Minnesota

Can I order my own blood tests in Minnesota?

You may order your own blood tests in Minnesota, though there may be some exceptions for certain types of tests.

Can I request a blood test without seeing a doctor?

Some blood tests, called direct access testing or direct-to-consumer testing, can be done without seeing a doctor. You can go to a lab directly or order a test online.

How much does blood testing cost in Minnesota?

Blood testing pricing can be all over the map because of different factors. First, it depends on your health insurance coverage and if you have to make copayments or cover a deductible. The type of blood test and where you go will also impact the total cost. Routine blood work will usually be less expensive than specialty testing.

Can I use insurance to get my blood tested?

Insurance will usually pay, or partially pay, for blood testing, but it’s always a good idea to get in touch with your plan to ask. You can also ask the health care provider for a breakdown of costs.

How often should I get my blood tested?

Blood tests should be part of your yearly health care screenings, but in many cases, your doctor may request that you do them more frequently. For example, if you have a chronic health condition or you are on certain medications, your physicians may need to monitor certain levels found in your blood.

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

You may have to refrain from eating or drinking before getting a blood test. This depends on the kind of testing you are getting. Be sure to ask about any instructions you must follow, and carefully review any written instructions to get the most accurate results.

What does routine blood work check for?

Routine blood testing will check the levels of certain things in your blood to see if they are within normal limits. If you are above or below normal, it could be a sign that either follow-up testing is needed or it can help your doctor confirm or rule out certain diagnoses.

Common routine blood tests include a complete blood count, which measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Another is the basic metabolic panel that tests your blood glucose, calcium, and electrolyte levels.

Health Resources in Minnesota

Now that you know how blood testing can help you keep tabs on your health, take advantage of some of the state and local resources available to learn more about various health issues and overall wellness. Here are some in Minnesota:

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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