Blood Testing in Missouri

If you’re looking for places to get blood tests in Missouri, it’s great that you’re on top of your health. Getting regular blood testing can help you notice potential health issues early on, monitor current conditions, and make sure treatments are effective.

Missouri residents rank just below national death rates for diabetes, but the state doesn’t fare as well for other major diseases. For heart disease, 257.9 people per 100,000 pass away each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while cancer deaths are also elevated at 212.1 per 100,000.

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 Missouri blood testing resources where you can get testing and answers to your questions, sometimes for free or at a low cost. For example, the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri offers free lab services but asks for just a small voluntary donation.

Another is St. Luke’s Hospital Lab Services, which provides low-cost lab services for uninsured people. And at the BJC Outpatient Center at Ellisville, financial assistance may be available to help cover the costs of lab work.

Take Control of Your Health

Missouri 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 Missouri

Missouri’s reported deaths for cancer and heart disease are above the national average, while diabetes and HIV deaths were just below. Early detection can help death rates improve. Reported deaths in Missouri include:

Missouri 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 Missouri:

Missouri 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 Missouri

Can I order my own blood tests in Missouri?

In Missouri, you can order your own blood tests, depending on the type you need.

Can I request a blood test without seeing a doctor?

Known as direct access testing or direct-to-consumer testing, some blood tests can be done by visiting a lab without a doctor’s prescription, or you may be able to order a lab test online.

How much does blood testing cost in Missouri?

Blood testing prices vary by the type of health insurance plan, where you go, and the type of test you get. You may pay nothing or a small fee at free or public health clinics but may pay more for highly specialized blood tests than routine blood work.

Can I use insurance to get my blood tested?

Insurance pays or covers at least some of the cost of many blood tests, but you may be responsible for a copayment or deductible. Get in touch with your plan to ask about your coverage.

How often should I get my blood tested?

How often you need blood work is up to your physician and will depend on your general health status and age. If you are a younger, relatively healthy patient, you might only need your blood tested yearly. Those with chronic conditions or on medication might need more frequent testing.

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

Depending on the type of test, you may have to refrain from eating or drinking in the hours before your blood work. Be sure to follow your pre-testing instructions carefully, or call your lab to ask any questions before your visit.

What does routine blood work check for?

Regular blood testing measures the levels of various elements in your blood to see if you fall within normal limits. Lower or higher levels could mean that your body is fighting an infection or that a body system or organ isn’t functioning properly. Blood tests can also help confirm a diagnosis or rule one out.

Common routine blood tests include a basic metabolic panel that measures blood glucose, calcium, and electrolyte levels. Tests also entail a complete blood count, which includes a count of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin.

Health Resources in Missouri

Learn more about health and how blood testing can help you manage your well-being. Numerous authoritative resources at the state and national levels provide valuable information about the most common health conditions. blood tests, and wellness.

Sources

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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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