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	       What You Need to Know About Blood Tests<3>
	       ---------------------------------------
			 by Stacey J. Carmody

Many people have their blood drawn without any question.  They know
that a certain amount of tubes were used, but they do not know what
happens to those tubes after they are filled or even what tests are to
be done.  Here are some tips on being a better health care consumer
when it comes to blood tests.

-- Know what your insurance does and doesn't cover.  You need to know
   if your insurance covers both inpatient and outpatient laboratory
   testing, if it requires referrals for laboratory tests, and if it
   will pay for tests obtained at the facility of your choice.

-- Know what tests will be done.  Ask the doctor what tests he or she
   is ordering.  If you are curious about your cholesterol level--or
   anything else--request the test from your doctor.  Routine tests
   may not include the information you want.  A routine test usually
   includes a complete count of your blood cells and a measure of your
   chemistries, including blood sugar, potassium, sodium and calcium.
   Nevertheless, what is "routine" can vary from place to place, so
   make sure you know what is being done.

-- Know who is drawing your blood.  Blood can be drawn by a doctor,
   nurse, medical assistant or nurse's assistant.  Make sure that
   whoever is drawing your blood has ample training and takes safety
   precautions (using a fresh pair of gloves, for example).

-- Speak up.  If you know that your veins are small or fragile, you
   can request that a smaller needle be used on you, for example.  If
   the person drawing your blood makes you feel uncomfortable, you
   have the right to refuse to have your blood drawn.  (If your skin
   is fragile from taking steroids, ask for paper tape instead of
   regular adhesive tape to cover where the needle was used.)

-- Know where your blood will be analyzed.  Your blood may be analyzed
   on site or sent to a reference lab--a lab that operates independent
   of any health care facilities.  Know when the results will be ready
   and whom to call for results.

-- Get a second opinion if you feel you need it.  Laboratory tests are
   not infallible; inaccuracies have happened.  Don't be afraid to ask
   your doctor for a repeat test.  You can have the test repeated at
   the original facility or ask your insurance company about other
   places you can go.

Reprinted with permission from People's Medical Society Newsletter,
February 1999.  The People's Medical Society, 462 Walnut Street,
Allentown, PA 18102, is a national health care consumer information,
education and advocacy organization.  Stacey J.  Carmody is a PMS
member and a certified medical laboratory technician.