This was my first thought, too. Be sure the order from your drs office was correct. If it wasn't, then ask them to redo it at their expense.

Also, someone mentioned the lab keeping the vial for 7 days. If that is the case, then you should be able to get the test done without having to go back in.

Also, is this test a fasting test? Cholestorol tests are. If you were not fasting, then I'd question the results of that test as well, even tho it was not supposed to be done.

Amanda is right. Breathe first.

The endocronologist I used to see had me come in for thyroid bloodwork. I went after work, so my appointment was at 6pm. When I went back for the results, they told me "oh, your cholesterol was really elevated. You need medication." I told them they weren't supposed to have done cholesterol bloodwork, which is a fasting blood test. My appointment was at 6pm-that doesn't even make sense that someone would take that test that late in the day. They had me do a fasting cholesterol blood test the next day, and my cholesterol was sixty points lower!

I really hope you can get it straightened out. You should not have to pay for another test since someone at the office made the error.

Sherry

"I was under the impression because my medication is up for refill that I was getting my thyroid checked as well, I didn't come in for anything else. I specifically came because of my thyroid medication which requires a test every 3 months so I can get an adjustment and refill."

That show 1- you needed it, and 2- you aren't calling the doctor an idiot.

I hate to hijack the thread from OP... but this is how wrong tests get ordered.

I ran in to pick up the order that afternoon (thinking that it would be what I had just (1 hour before) discussed with the assistant and repeated to make sure she got it, you know the old active listening technique). It wasn't ready :( so the assistant got a form and wrote my name and filled in a couple of dots. She probably put a Dx code for fat old lady on it. :D I didn't have my glasses with me (dang the print is soooo small) but I squinted and caught that she didn't have the TSH panel included (the main issue) or the lipid panel and returned it to her. :mad: You would have thought I was asking for a kidney! She fiddled with the form with a bit of attitude which I suspect was not wanting to admit she made a mistake! (She didn't keep a copy - is that SOP?) I thought she understood what I asked for as I did see a dot in the area of the TSH panel but when I got home I saw (with glasses) it wasn't the whole panel and still no lipid panel. It was time sensitive to get the blood work done the next a.m. for the results to get back to them for my appointment. All the results were there to discuss with my dr.

There was no doctor involved with my lab order...so bring on the paperwork police. (I don't see how this is different than a health fair or lab tech practicing on me.)

The whole experience with the assistant(s) was a huge clusterfu*k. I don't like to do things like this and it pi$$es me off that I have to resort to it. I would prefer to have confidence in medical personnel involved with my health care. But experience has taught me that I have to be my own health advocate. I read and research about my all conditions - especially tests and what the results mean. I am no longer a sheep. I want to talk to the dr about the results not an assistant with a generic response. I don't like to pay the fee for two draws because the original order was incorrect or incomplete (and I want to avoid the extra unnecessary poke and the inconvenience).

DixC - I would say that the way your paperwork was handled was not SOP.
But, the way things are supposed to be done and how they actually get done are sometimes two different things.

Lab tests are supposed to be ordered by the doctor. That's why you can't just walk into xyz lab or hospital and ask for lab tests that you want performed (at least in the state that I live in).