Blood Testing in Iowa

If you’re seeking blood tests in Iowa, you may be looking to take control of your health, identify health conditions, and track the progress of treatments. Regular blood testing is a great way to monitor your health, keeping you and your health care professionals informed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Iowa residents rank higher for deaths due to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease than the national average. These conditions can be identified and monitored with blood testing.

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

Numerous Iowa blood testing resources provide testing and answers to your questions, sometimes for free or at a low cost. Community Health Care Davenport has Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking staff and offers video interpretation in 20 different languages. Genesis Health Group in Davenport is open daily for blood draws. Weland Laboratory in Cedar Rapids accepts walk-ins and usually sees you in 30 minutes or less.

Iowa 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 Iowa

Iowa’s reported deaths for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV are higher than the national average. With early detection, death rates could be lower, and blood testing is a way to better understand your health status. Reported deaths in Iowa include:

Iowa 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.

Iowa 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 Iowa

Can I order my own blood tests in Iowa?

Yes, you can order your blood tests in Iowa, depending on the test.

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 Iowa?

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 if your insurance covers you or if you visit a free clinic. In general, many affordable options for basic blood work are 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 need your blood tested is a question for your primary care physician. If you are 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 don’t have an impact. When going for a blood test, read and follow pre-testing instructions carefully, or call the lab or your health care provider if you’re unsure.

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.

For example, a complete blood count 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 Iowa

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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