Blood test done before or after physical?

Our blood test results are automatically uploaded to the patient portal and we get an email notification that tests results have been posted. We usually see the results before our doctor sees them. For each lab test, they show the result and the normal range (upper - lower limits) and flag those results that are above or below the range. If something is amiss I get a email from her as to whether I should have cancer, change meds etc. or get referred to a specialist.

For any lab test or imagery that requires a Doctor to analyze the data, those reports are not loaded to our portal until the Doctor that scripted the test/imagery reviews and releases the report.

Mine are done before, as others have said, to have the results back before the exam to discuss at the exam.

Usually after, but if I have to fast, I beg to have it done asap if possible so I can drink one of those Atkins shakes and not pass out.

Usually after, but if I have to fast, I beg to have it done asap if possible so I can drink one of those Atkins shakes and not pass out.

I don't fast before a Dr. appt. Our lab is in the same building as my doc and I can get blood drawn right after my appointment if the lab isn't busy and they didn't order a lipid panel. Usually I come back a few days later right when the lab opens and get blood drawn before I eat anything if needed. There's no urgency to quickly get the blood samples - even a week or two later is OK.

This might be a little off-topic, but in my experience (where we don't tend to get regular physicals) the doctor will order lab tests and the blood samples are taken after the initial appointment. These are then followed up either by phone or in person.

I schedule my exam with my general practitioner for the next year when I leave the one I'm at. About a week before hand, I call and ask if my doctor can send the order to the lab for my usual blood work. Then I get that done and he has the results when I go in for the visit.

I do the same exact thing as @Marie82 , If anything needs to be discussed I want it done when I'm right there and not over the phone or by message.

It depends on the doctors office procedures and the purpose of the tests. Sometimes they might want to talk directly with you about your latest labs so you have them done before. Sometimes they will draw after a visit and if anything looks off they will notify you, or, you can usually get them off a patient portal and if anything looks questionable to you, you can contact your doctors office through the portal. With the pandemic a lot more happens through the portal.

Recently I have gone a week or so before to get the lab work done so that it could be discussed during the exam.

My hematologist wanted a blood test (CBC) within a couple of hours before my appointmnet. They turn them around really fast!

Mine are always done afterwards, as some of mine have to be drawn in a very specific window and it may not line up with the appointment. Plus if she wants to add on some, I get it all drawn at once.

Always done before with results discussed before the exam.

For a while one Dr. wanted the blood work done after my yearly physical. That ment fasting till the Dr.'s appointment. For me that was almost impossible, but I did it. I was not happy and asked for an early appointment.

Now with a new Dr. he wants the blood work done about a week before. That way he can read the results and go over them with me. I have to fast before the blood work, but I can go early in the morning and I get to eat soon after that. I like that way much better.

So it depends on the Dr. or the clinic's rules. My preference is to do the blood work ahead of the appointment.

Mine used to be scedules later after the visit but now my doc can draw blood right there in the office with their lab .

Usually the blood draw was fine at the end of the exam, but my new primary care provider has me go to get my blood drawn about a week in advance of my appointment so that results are available at the appointment - and as someone mentioned below, it makes fasting easier.

Established / follow up / annual testing: I always recommend doing the testing before the exam.

New patient: I always prefer to see the patient first in clinic and then order the tests as appropriate. Often I have seen many unnecessary tests which are repeated.

Below is the new law/rule cited from BMJ this year..

On 5 April a new federal rule will require US healthcare providers to give patients access to all the health information in their electronic medical records without charge. This new information sharing rule from the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 mandates rapid, full access to test results, medication lists, referral information, and clinical notes in electronic formats, on request.

Other countries have similar faster reporting system.

After the annual physical exam, I get dressed then the medical assistant comes into the room and draws the blood. The exam appointments are always first thing in the morning.

Just drew blood and already have the results. Doctors appointment next week. He will review them then.

My latest NMD does all blood work before the physical.

Mine have always been after doctor visit is over.

Any time I’ve had bloodwork or other tests done, it’s been done after the exam.

At all my appointments, the blood test was always performed before the physical exam. Firstly the blood test was reviewed, then the physical continued.

My urologist states that a prostate exam or an ejaculation 5 days or less before a PSA test will skew the results. I hate the “fasting” for that annual test!

My urologist states that a prostate exam or an ejaculation 5 days or less before a PSA test will skew the results. I hate the “fasting” for that annual test!

Same thing happened to my test result.

Five days is a long time. The NHS (UK) says no ejaculation or vigorous exercise 48 hours prior to a blood test for PSA. Either could artificially skew the result. Doubt it would affect a DRE but I really don’t know

But so what, if your result is a little high just tell them you had sex last night. Same for cholesterol, if you didn’t fast for 8 hours expect slightly higher results and tell your doc.

It depends. If i am there for Routine exam out is before. If it is for a sick Visit then it might be afterwards so the doc can Confirm his suspected Diagnose.

When I was a teen my brother and I had our checkups together and we were not allowed to dress until the doctor discussed our exam result. At time she would point to where development was good and where it was not so good. During this discussion the nurse would come in and draw our blood. I always feel very exposed and for some reason the invasive nature of the blood draw just made me more cognizant of my near nakedness.

I'm usually able to do my blood tests within a week of my appointments. I get a notification when it's available for viewing. I Google for information but not to try to treat myself. I've also have had blood work just to check my thyroid hormone levels. My doctor will either call or send me a letter about the results and change my medication if needed.

I recently had blood work to check my hormone levels to see if I'm officially in menopause and I am. A week later I had a video appointment with a Menopause Practitioner. She also scheduled me to have a blood allergy test because I don't know what keeps causing me to break out.

When getting established with my current PCP she scheduled first appointment, then ordered labs based on that. Now I already have my lab orders for follow ups so I get those done first and then schedule my appointment after to discuss the results and any necessary treatment plan.

Most frustrating experience ever was having doctor order labs after my exam, then when the nurse called with my results she asked who they should send it to for treatment and when I said he was my only doctor (obgyn) was told “oh he doesn’t manage this” Umm then why are you testing for it if you’re not going to treat it???? I quit seeing him after that!