Georgia 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 Georgia
Georgia’s reported deaths for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are all below national averages. HIV deaths, however, are almost twice the national average. Early detection is the key to keeping these rates under control. Reported deaths in Georgia include:
|
Georgia |
Total U.S. Population |
| Cancer deaths (per 100,000) |
169.2 |
182.6 |
| Diabetes deaths (per 100,000) |
27.7 |
31.4 |
| Heart disease deaths (per 100,000) |
204.2 |
209.4 |
| HIV deaths (per 100,000) |
2.8 |
1.5 |
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.
| Test |
What it’s used for |
| Basic metabolic panel (BMP) |
- Overall health screening
- Kidney function
- Blood glucose
- Calcium
- Electrolytes
|
| Blood clotting test |
- Bleeding disorders
- Blood clotting disorders
- Platelet disorders
|
| Complete blood count (CBC) |
- Anemia
- Bleeding disorders
- Blood cholesterol
- Blood clotting disorders
- Sickle cell disease
- Thalassemia
|
| Lipid panel |
- Atherosclerosis
- Blood cholesterol
- Coronary heart disease
- High blood triglycerides
|
| STD panel |
- HIV
- Herpes 1 and 2
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
|
Blood Testing in Georgia:
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:
- IK Medical Diagnostic ServicesAddress: 213 Old Radium Springs Rd., Albany, GA 31705 Number: (229) 405-1748
- Albany Area Primary Health Care (South Albany Medical Center)Address: 1300 Newton Rd., Albany, GA 31701 Number: (229) 431-3120
- Phoebe Urgent Care (Northwest Albany)Address: 2336 Dawson Rd., Albany, GA 31707 Number: (229) 312-8750
- Athens Nurses ClinicAddress: 240 North Ave., Athens, GA 30601 Number: (706) 613-6976
- Piedmont Hospital (Athens Regional Campus)Address: 242 King Ave., Athens, GA 30606 Number: (706) 475-6881
Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Tests in Georgia
Can I order my own blood tests in Georgia?
Yes, you can order your blood tests in Georgia, though your insurance is less likely to cover a direct access test than one ordered by a doctor.
Can I request a blood test without seeing a doctor?
Nowadays, you can get some blood tests done by going directly to a lab or ordering a test online. This is sometimes called direct access testing or direct-to-consumer testing,
How much does blood testing cost in Georgia?
Blood testing costs vary depending on a few factors including the type of health insurance coverage you have, which test you are getting done, and where it’s being done. Some tests may be free of cost if you are covered by your insurance or if you opt to visit a free clinic. In general, there are lots of affordable options for basic blood work used in preventative care. Other highly specialized blood tests can be more expensive.
Can I use insurance to get my blood tested?
In some cases, you can use insurance to pay, or partially pay, for blood tests. It’s always best to check with your health insurance plan to see what you’re covered for, and if you’re responsible for any copayments or deductibles.
How often should I get my blood tested?
The frequency with which you should get your blood tested is really a question that you should pose to your primary care physician. For an otherwise healthy person, some bloodwork is usually recommended once per year as part of your general physical exam. But if you have a health condition that requires more frequent monitoring, you may have to get blood tests at different intervals, such as twice per year, four times per year, or every month.
Can you eat or drink while fasting for a blood test?
Some blood tests do require that you fast for a certain number of hours to get more accurate results, while for others, eating and drinking doesn’t have an impact. When going for a blood test, be sure to read and follow pre-testing instructions carefully, or call the lab or your health care provider if you’re not sure.
What does routine blood work check for?
Routine blood work typically checks key levels in your blood to determine if yours are within the normal range. Depending on the test, lower or higher than normal results could indicate a possible infection, a sign that a body system or organ isn’t performing as it should, or it can help rule out conditions to help with diagnosis. A complete blood count, for example, measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. A basic metabolic panel is another common test that measures blood glucose, calcium and electrolyte levels.
Health Resources in Georgia
Learn more about health and how blood testing can help you manage your well-being. You’ll find numerous authoritative resources at the state and national level that provide valuable information about the most common health conditions, blood tests, and wellness.
