I have a question about the time frame from when blood is drawn to the time it is processed. From the beginning, the oncologist I am seeing has made it a point to recommend I use the lab that is associated with the cancer center. The issue is with bi-weekly and even weekly labs the cost of travel is not easy to absorb, add in the co-pays for office visits and the beginning of the year hit for major medical expenses, you all have either been there or are presently living this life, so further explanation is unnecessary. In December, I began using a lab that is associated with my pcp, only 15 miles one way instead of close to 50 miles one way. Today I arrived for labs a bit later in the day, I usually go first thing in the morning, and have the results by the afternoon. I am guessing it was around 1 p.m., I called around 4 p.m. and the blood drawn was still sitting in a holding place waiting for the courier to take it to the hospital. I was told it would head to lab shortly and the results would be ready tomorrow. Unknown to me, the morning draws also sit for a number of hours before transport.
After all the excess info above, my question is simple, how important is the time blood sits before processing when reviewing results? I do realize jumping back and forth to different labs is non-productive, but now I question if my cost effective measures when using a lab closer to home may interfere with actual results, one thing I have learned is very important with this disease.
Any advice, comments, past threads, or information would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Pam
