How Long Do Blood Test Results Take?

After your blood draw, the wait for results can feel like the hardest part. Turnaround times vary depending on the type of test, the laboratory processing it, and how your provider delivers results. Here is what to expect for the most common panels.

Typical Turnaround Times by Test Type

• CBC (complete blood count): 24 to 48 hours

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): 24 to 48 hours

• Lipid panel: 24 to 48 hours

• Thyroid (TSH): 24 to 48 hours

• A1C: 24 to 72 hours

• Vitamin D and B12: 1 to 3 days

• STI panels (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis): 1 to 3 days

• Hormone panels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone): 1 to 3 days

• Specialty or send-out tests: 3 to 10 days depending on the test

What Affects Turnaround Time?

• The specific test: routine panels are processed daily. Specialty tests may be batched and run less frequently.

• The laboratory: high-volume national labs typically have faster turnaround than smaller regional labs.

• Time of specimen drop-off: specimens dropped off in the morning are often processed same day. Late afternoon drop-offs may be processed the following day.

• Your provider's notification process: results may be available in the lab's system before your provider reviews and releases them to you.

How to Access Your Results

Most labs offer patient portals where results are posted directly as soon as they are finalized. Your ordering provider may also receive results and contact you, particularly if something is flagged. If you have not heard anything within the expected timeframe, contact your provider's office or check your lab portal directly.

Should You Wait to Hear from Your Doctor?

For routine panels, many providers post results to patient portals without a separate call, especially if everything is normal. If a value is significantly out of range, your provider or their office will typically reach out. If you are waiting for results related to a specific concern, do not hesitate to follow up proactively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some results take longer than others?

Some tests require specialized equipment or are processed in batches. Genetic tests, some hormone panels, and send-out tests to reference labs can take up to a week or more.

Can I call the lab directly to get my results?

Most labs release results to the ordering provider and the patient portal. Calling the lab directly typically will not speed up availability.

What if my results show on the portal before my doctor reviews them?

This is common. You can view your results but should follow up with your provider for interpretation, especially if any values are flagged.

Get Your Bloodwork Done at Home

Ready to book your at-home blood draw? Secure Draw Mobile serves Santa Monica, Venice, Brentwood, Westwood, Culver City, and West Los Angeles. Appointments available Monday through Friday 6 AM to 3 PM and Saturday 6 to 10 AM. Book online at securedrawmobile.com or call (310) 893-1693.