Blood Testing in South Carolina

To stay on top of your health and monitor yourself for potential health conditions, you may need to find reliable resources to get blood tests in South Carolina. Regular blood testing can help your health care professionals identify abnormalities and offer timely treatment if needed.

South Carolinians rank above the national death rates for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Routine blood tests can help identify each of these conditions. Heart disease should be top of mind for South Carolina residents, with 225 heart disease 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 South Carolina 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 Medical Clinic of Aiken County provides health services for free for low-income, uninsured residents.

The Greenville Free Medical Clinic provides free treatments, including lab work, if you are eligible. And the Fetter Health Care Network offers diagnostic laboratory tests and examinations on a sliding fee scale.

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South Carolina 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 South Carolina

South Carolina’s reported deaths for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV are all above the national average. That’s why early detection through regular screenings and blood tests is so important. Reported deaths in South Carolina include:

SC 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 South Carolina:

South Carolina 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 South Carolina

Can I order my own blood tests in South Carolina?

Yes, depending on the type of test, you can order your own blood tests without a doctor’s orders in South Carolina.

Can I request a blood test without seeing a doctor?

There are many opportunities to go directly to a lab or order blood tests online without having to first see a doctor. This is known as direct-to-consumer testing. Some can even be done at home.

How much does blood testing cost in South Carolina?

The price of blood tests ranges widely depending on the type of blood tests you are getting, your health insurance, and where you’re getting tested. In many cases, tests may be free or very low cost if you visit a public health clinic or if your health insurance covers them. Some specialized blood tests may be more expensive or have higher out-of-pocket costs.

Can I use insurance to get my blood tested?

Health insurance usually covers blood testing ordered by a physician as part of preventative care or for diagnostic reasons. You may have an out-of-pocket cost if you have a copayment or deductible. Contact your health insurance plan with any questions about your coverage.

How often should I get my blood tested?

Many people get routine blood testing once per year as part of an annual physical, but others may need more frequent monitoring. If you have chronic conditions or are taking medications, you may need blood tests every few months or more frequently. How often you need to get your blood tested is usually up to your primary care physician or specialists (if you’re seeing any).

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

It’s always best to double-check what you need to do to prepare for a blood test. Some will not have any restrictions, while others may require that you don’t eat or drink for a set number of hours. You should always receive pre-testing instructions, but contact your health care provider or lab when in doubt.

What does routine blood work check for?

Getting routine blood work allows your health care providers to gauge if you are within normal limits and helps identify trends and changes over time. Tests like a complete blood count or basic metabolic panel can help identify if body functions are operating normally. Blood tests can also indicate if you have an infection, or help to explain other symptoms you may be having.

Health Resources in South Carolina

Getting blood testing and monitoring your health regularly is important. If you need guidance or want to learn more, state and local resources offer a wealth of knowledge about blood tests and wellness in general.

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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