Routine Lab Tests

Your doctor has ordered routine lab tests, but you aren't sure why or what that means.

Getting lab tests done, also called lab work, doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. Lab work is often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health and catch a disease early.

What Are Lab Tests?

Lab tests check samples of your:

Blood.
Urine.
Other body tissues.

UPMC pathology experts analyze your test samples to see if your results fall within an appropriate range. They test and analyze the samples using many diagnostic techniques.

What Are Routine Lab Tests?

Doctors use routine lab tests as part of your health checkup. These include:

A BMP is a group of tests that measures chemicals that occur naturally in your blood. They reveal details about the health and function of your heart, kidneys, and liver.

The BMP measures:

Blood glucose
Calcium
Electrolytes

This routine blood test measures different parts of your blood.

A CBC lab test measures:

Hematocrit levels, which is a measure of how much space red blood cells take up in your blood. Levels that are too high might mean you're dehydrated. Levels too low may mean anemia.
Hemoglobin levels, which checks an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Levels lower than normal may mean anemia, sickle cell disease, or thalassemia.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which is a measure of the average size of your red blood cells. Levels lower than normal may mean anemia or thalassemia.
Platelet levels, which help your blood clot. Platelets help seal cuts or breaks on blood vessel walls and stop bleeding. If your levels are higher or lower than normal, it may mean you have a clotting or bleeding disorder.
Red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. If your levels are higher or lower than normal, it may be a sign of dehydration, anemia, or internal bleeding.
White blood cells, which help your body fight infections and disease. If your levels are higher or lower than normal, it may signal infection, blood cancer, or an immune system disorder.

Also called a lipid panel or profile, a lipoprotein panel measures your blood levels of:

HDL (“good") cholesterol. HDL helps to reduce cholesterol blockages in your arteries.
LDL (“bad") cholesterol. It's the main cause of cholesterol buildup and blockages in your arteries.
Total cholesterol.
Triglycerides. This is a type of fat in your blood.

If your total cholesterol and triglycerides are higher than normal, you're at higher risk of coronary heart disease.

Some doctors test urine samples, called a urinalysis, as part of your routine checkup. A urinalysis can screen for early signs of disease, including chronic kidney disease. If you have diabetes, your doctor will use routine urinalysis to keep watch on your kidney health.

Your doctor also may use urinalysis if they think you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection. It can test for bacteria, yeast, or other germs that can cause these infections.

Other Lab Tests

If you have a chronic health issue, your doctor may order other lab tests as part of your routine checkup.

Pregnant people will have other routine lab tests to make sure they and their fetus are healthy.

What Affects Lab Test Results?

Factors that can affect your test results include:

Your age, race, and sex.
Your diet (what you eat and drink on a normal basis).
Medications and supplements you take.
How well you followed pretest instructions.

Do I Need an Appointment for Lab Tests?

UPMC offers a range of lab services at many locations throughout Pennsylvania. For some lab services, you'll need to make an appointment.

If you need an appointment, call a location near you. Please check with your provider for information.

How Do I Get My Lab Results?

Your provider may go over your lab test results during a follow-up visit, or you can find them in your UPMC Patient Portal.

Because some test results use technical or medical language, you may not understand them. If you review them with your provider, they can tell you what the test results mean for you.