How Can In-office Lab Tests Help Prevent Illnesses?

For men and women looking to take a proactive role in their health and wellness, diagnostic lab testing is a fantastic place to start. At Concierge Medicine of Columbus – the first and only concierge health provider in Columbus, GA – our acclaimed team is proud to offer in-office lab tests for virtually unparalleled speed and efficiency. With in-office lab testing, patients can better understand what risk factors they may have for disease, how they can treat any current conditions that are identified, and potentially prevent illness before it begins. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of in-office lab tests below.

Why should I get labs drawn?

If you visit the doctor regularly, you may have blood work done to measure your hormones, white blood cell count, and other biometrics. However, routine labs are typically somewhat limited and often take several weeks to return from an offsite facility. At Concierge Medicine of Columbus, we perform comprehensive in-office lab testing to provide fast, accurate information about your current health – as well as what risk factors you may have for developing disease or illness in the future.

What diseases will show up on labs?

In most cases, a combination of diagnostic studies – including lab work – is needed to definitively diagnose illness or disease. For example, a urinalysis may show red blood cells in the urine, which can be a sign of kidney cancer. Though not a confirmation of disease on its own, the urinalysis may be the first indicator of a problem, leading to further testing, imaging, and other studies. In other cases, lab testing – like an HIV test – can provide a definitive diagnosis. Diseases, illnesses, and conditions that may be elucidated or diagnosed with in-office lab testing include:

• Anemia
• Diabetes
• Elevated cholesterol
• Certain types of cancer
• HIV
• Cardiac conditions
• Liver dysfunction
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Renal conditions
• Thyroid disorders
• Hepatitis C

Can lab testing prevent illness?

Most people think of lab testing as a way to diagnose illness or disease, but lab testing can also provide critical information that can potentially help to prevent patients from developing certain conditions. For example, if lab tests show a mild elevation in a person’s LDL cholesterol, it can prompt the patient to change their diet and lifestyle habits or begin medical treatment before they develop clinically high cholesterol and its complications or associated conditions – like diabetes and heart disease. Even patients who test positive for certain conditions, like HIV/AIDS, can prevent the inadvertent spread of illness to others thanks to the information gained through in-office lab testing.

How often should I have lab work done?

The frequency of lab testing will vary from patient to patient based on their health and medical history, known risk factors, and many other factors. Our knowledgeable providers will closely monitor your health and recommend the most appropriate lab testing schedule for you.

Take charge of your health with in-office lab testing in Columbus, GA

When it comes to your health, you deserve rapid, thorough, personalized care. As the area’s only concierge health provider, Concierge Medicine of Columbus is here to provide unmatched service and care. To learn more about our complete suite of concierge health services available for patients near Columbus and Macon, GA, and Montgomery and Birmingham, AL – including in-office lab testing – call to schedule your private consultation today.