The Most Common Methods Used to Communicate Your Lab Results

Have you recently had blood drawn or provided samples to your doctor in order to receive further testing and analysis?  You may be anxiously waiting for the results of these tests as the samples are sent to a diagnostic lab, like our lab that specializes in dermatopathology in Pittsburgh, PA.  Lab services are typically very timely and sensitive to the needs of clients and their patients.  After your lab test is finalized, data will be sent to your physician in order to make the proper diagnosis and properly relay the results to you.  There are a few common methods they will typically use to relay the information from your diagnostic lab test results.

In-Person Meetings

Some doctors wish to speak with their patients directly when they receive test results.  There is a common misconception that in-person meetings are always bad news.  While this is true in some cases, it is more common for doctors to want to have a more in-depth conversation or analysis of the results with the patient so they full understanding of what they entail and describe.

Phone Calls

Traditionally, many practitioners called their patients to report their lab test results.  Once the results were given to the medical professionals, they were able to determine a diagnosis and then immediately contact the patient.  However, over time, medical facilities haven't been making as many phone calls to report these results anymore.  They have been changing the methods in which they report these results.

Web Portal

When your sample is sent to a pathology lab to be tested, they will sometimes give you information on how to set up an account on their web portal to access your results.  This is one of the easiest and quickest methods to receive your lab results.  Also, it provides you with direct access to your information and profile, which gives you the same information as your doctor.  Web portals may also offer you different suggestions, improvements, or advice based on the results of your test.  This resource can be valuable in dealing with your lab results.

Mail and Fax

Many pathology labs still use mail and fax machines in order to relay results to patients and medical facilities.  This may take a little longer, but it is still effective.  Patients can then have a printed copy that they can file away for their records.  Even though they are moving toward a more electronic method of relaying lab test results, some people still prefer paper copies of their medical results.

These are a few of the most common methods that are used by many physicians in order to relay diagnostic lab test results.  Understanding the meaning behind your results is critical, which is why these results are sometimes delivered by different methods.  Your doctor will choose whichever method is right for you and your diagnosis based on the information provided by our lab specializing in dermatopathology in Pittsburgh, PA.  Contact us to hear about our premiere lab services today.