Blood Testing in New York

Regular blood testing can help you take control of your health by identifying health concerns, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, and tracking the progress of treatments. You can find low-cost and convenient blood tests in New York.

New Yorkers experience a higher rate of heart disease than the national average, with 217.4 heart disease deaths per 100,000 residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer is another big concern for New Yorkers, although the state falls just below the national average at 167.5 deaths per 100,000 residents. Both of these illnesses can be detected with a blood test, which can reveal:

  • Conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes
  • General health stats using tests such as complete blood count and cholesterol level
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Pregnancy by detecting the presence of pregnancy hormones
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV and syphilis

There are numerous New York blood testing resources where you can get testing and answers to your questions, sometimes for free or at a low cost. For example, CityMD is an urgent care facility that offers on-site blood testing at varying costs based on your insurance coverage. Another is RapidX Mobile Diagnostic Services, which will test you at home 24 hours a day.

Take Control of Your Health

New York 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 New York

New York’s reported deaths for heart disease are above the national average. While the reported deaths for cancer, diabetes, and HIV in the state are all under the national average, early detection could lower death rates. Reported deaths in New York include:

NY 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.

New York 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 New York

Can I order my own blood tests in New York?

Yes, depending on the test, you can order your own blood tests in New York. As per a law passed in 2002, New Yorkers do not need a doctor’s prescription to get blood tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or for a collection that doesn’t require a prescription.

Can I request a blood test without seeing a doctor?

You can get a blood test without seeing a doctor by ordering the test online or going directly to a lab. This is often referred to as direct-to-consumer testing or direct access testing.

How much does blood testing cost in New York?

The cost of blood testing in New York varies based on factors such as your health insurance coverage, the specific test performed, and where it’s being done. Some tests may be fully covered by your insurance when ordered by a doctor, or you may be able to find a free blood testing clinic.

Can I use insurance to get my blood tested?

Health insurance may pay for some or all of certain blood tests. How much your insurance provider will cover depends on the plan you have. Check with your health insurance plan to see what’s covered before having a blood test performed.

How often should I get my blood tested?

How often you should get your blood tested depends on the test’s purpose. For instance, a diagnostic test may only be needed once, whereas tests to monitor the effectiveness of treatment may need to be performed on an ongoing basis. Your doctor is the best person to help determine how often you should get tested.

Can you eat or drink while fasting for a blood test?

Some blood tests require you to fast before getting tested, while others allow you to eat and drink as you normally would. Your doctor or lab technician can tell you if there are any preparatory procedures for your specific test.

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 New York

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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Ask A Laboratory Scientist

This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.

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