In-Clinic Lab Testing

What is a lab test?

Lab tests – drawing a sample of your blood for laboratory analysis – are an invaluable way of diagnosing illnesses and monitoring your health problems. They can also measure hormone levels, detect nutritional deficiencies, and identify potential allergens.

As lab tests are an essential part of your health care, Vital Clinic and Spa does blood draws onsite, ensuring you get your results without delay. That makes the diagnostic and treatment process easy and fast.

What lab test might I need?

The specific lab test you need varies according to the reason for the test. Some common types of lab tests include:

Complete blood count

A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most widely used blood tests. A CBC measures your hemoglobin levels, red and white blood cells, and other components of your blood. It can identify a wide range of problems from anemia (lack of iron in the blood) to infections and blood cancers.

Blood glucose test

The levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood indicate whether you have diabetes or prediabetes. Blood glucose tests also form part of routine monitoring when you have diabetes.

Lipid panel

Lipids are fats like cholesterol. A lipid panel checks for levels of two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Ideally, you should have higher levels of HDL, which performs essential functions in your body, and low levels of LDL, which is a key risk factor for atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in your arteries that leads to heart disease).

Allergy testing

Vital Clinic and Spa uses antigen-specific lab tests to determine what’s causing your allergies.

STD testing

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are a widespread problem and often present with few or no symptoms. lab tests can confirm the presence of some STDs so you can receive the best treatment.

What does having a lab test involve?

Having a lab test is a simple procedure. Your Vital Clinic and Spa provider puts a strap around your arm to help make the veins more visible. They locate the most easily accessible vein, usually on your inner elbow, and puncture it with a needle after sterilizing your skin.

You might feel a slight scratch or prick as the needle goes in, but this is very brief. If you have a fear of needles or you're hypersensitive, you can have numbing cream on your skin before the blood draw.

Your provider attaches test tubes to the needle and fills each with blood. The number of tubes depends on what tests you need. When your provider has what they require, they remove the needle, and you hold a piece of cotton over the entry site to stop any bleeding.

As soon as the blood test results come in from the lab, your provider discusses the findings with you and any further steps that need taking.

To find out more about blood tests and the onsite lab services at Vital Clinic and Spa, call the office today or book an appointment online.