Blood Testing in Oregon

Getting blood tests in Oregon shouldn’t be difficult since there are numerous options, but staying on top of your health requires diligence. Regular blood testing is a great way to monitor your health, keeping you and your health care professionals informed.

While Oregon residents rank below the national death rate for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer rates are concerning. Oregon residents experience 200.7 cancer deaths per 100,000 residents, 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 Oregon blood testing resources where you can get testing and answers to your questions, sometimes for free or at a low cost. For example, Asher Community Health Center in Fossil provides clinical lab services with discounts and payment plans for uninsured people.

Another is the Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties, which helps patients qualify for financial assistance to cover the cost of treatment. And at the LaPine Community Health Center, lab services and other health offerings are available with a discounted fee program.

Take Control of Your Health

Oregon 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 Oregon

Oregon’s reported deaths for cancer and diabetes are above the national average, while it’s a bit lower for heart disease. But with early detection, death rates could be lower. Reported deaths in Oregon include:

Oregon 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.

Oregon 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 Oregon

Can I order my own blood tests in Oregon?

Yes, you can order your blood tests in Oregon, depending on the type of test.

Can I request a blood test without seeing a doctor?

Direct access testing or direct-to-consumer testing is becoming more common nowadays. You can go directly to a lab or order a test online.

How much does blood testing cost in Oregon?

Blood testing pricing varies based on factors like your health insurance plan, the type of testing you need, and where you go for it. At certain community clinics, tests may be free or low-cost. You can expect basic blood work to be less expensive than more specialized testing.

Can I use insurance to get my blood tested?

In many cases, your insurance should cover or partially cover the costs of blood tests. Sometimes, you’ll have to meet a deductible or pay a copayment. You can usually find out in advance by asking the lab or calling your health plan.

How often should I get my blood tested?

How often you get blood tests depends on what your doctors recommend. If you have certain kinds of chronic diseases or are taking medications, you may need more frequent blood work than someone who is generally healthy. At a minimum, most people get their blood tested once per year.

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

You may have to follow specific instructions regarding eating or drinking before certain types of blood tests. For some tests, there is no need to fast. Be sure to confirm or look over the pre-testing instructions you are given.

What does routine blood work check for?

Regular blood tests keep tabs on the levels of certain elements found in your blood. Results can help a doctor diagnose or rule out different conditions or indicate if you have a certain type of infection.  A complete blood count, for example, measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin – each of which relates to different body functions.

A basic metabolic panel is another routine test that measures blood glucose, calcium, and electrolyte levels.

Health Resources in Oregon

Blood testing can help you keep tabs on your health, but it’s also important to stay informed and take advantage of resources in your state. Here are some Oregon-specific organizations to check out.

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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