Blood Testing in Arkansas

In Arkansas, there are many places to get blood tests, which should be part of your health regimen. Regular blood testing is a great way to monitor your health, keeping you and your health care professionals informed.

Arkansas residents rank well above the national death rates for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Early detection with blood tests can help improve health outcomes. Considering that the heart disease death rate is 281.2 per 100,000 residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having regular checkups is important.

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 Arkansas blood testing resources where you can get testing and answers to your questions, sometimes for free or at a low cost. For example, Community Clinic Fayetteville Medical provides medical services, including lab work, on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Another is the Mercy Clinic Occupational Medicine (Regions Park), which provides affordable treatments and lab testing to all, even the uninsured. And at MedExpress Urgent Care, you may be eligible for discounted self-pay rates.

Arkansas 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 Arkansas

Arkansas’s reported deaths for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV are all under the national average. But with early detection, death rates could be lower. Reported deaths in Arkansas include:

Arkansas 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 Arkansas:

Arkansas 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 Arkansas

Can I order my own blood tests in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, there are some blood tests you can order on your own.

Can I request a blood test without seeing a doctor?

Some blood tests are direct access or direct-to-consumer testing, meaning you can go directly to a laboratory without getting a doctor’s prescription.

How much does blood testing cost in Arkansas?

How much you’ll pay for blood testing depends on your health insurance coverage, the types of tests you’re getting, and where you go for testing. If you visit a public or community clinic, testing may even be free or minimal cost. More specialized blood testing is usually more expensive than routine tests.

Can I use insurance to get my blood tested?

Health insurance usually pays, or partially pays, for blood testing. You may be responsible for covering a copayment or meeting a deductible, however. Call the laboratory or check your health plan if you have questions about costs.

How often should I get my blood tested?

Most people get their blood tested yearly as part of their annual physical. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you have health conditions or take certain medications.

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

Some blood tests must be done on an empty stomach so that the results are not impacted by what you eat or drink. For others, it does not matter.  Be sure to ask or read over your pre-testing instructions carefully.

What does routine blood work check for?

Routine blood work determines if your body systems are functioning normally.  If certain levels in your blood are lower or higher than the normal range, it could show signs of a possible infection and confirm a diagnosis or rule out an illness.

The most common routine blood work includes a complete blood count (which includes a count of your red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin) and a basic metabolic panel, which measures blood glucose, calcium, and electrolyte levels.

Health Resources in Arkansas

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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