Myth: Lab results are ready instantly

Myth: Lab results are ready instantly

Myth: Lab reports are ready instantly, and you get the results immediately after you give the samples. 

Fact: Each lab test requires processing and analysis of the sample and certain time is required before the lab can give you the results. Depending on the type of the test, the time required is different and at the time of the sample collection, the lab can give you exact timeline by which your results are ready. 

But even when a definite time line is given for the results to be ready, at times certain factors may delay the results. For example, it may be required to repeat the test to ensure the results, the machine on which the test is performed may be having a breakdown or a sheduled maintanence, and all these may delay the results. 

Ever been amazed by how doctors on TV shows are able to get a sample, take it into the laboratory for testing and have their results back to the patient in a matter of minutes? Well actually it’s not quite that simple. It takes longer for a pathologist to analyse a tumour specimen than it takes for the surgeon to remove it and even common tests can take time.

Significant developments in technology are certainly helping pathologists to speed up diagnoses. Previously, for example, the various hormone tests required several hours of processing and analysing of the samples, but now the latest technology advances have made it possible to give our the results in much lesser time. 

But always remember, you should never presurize the lab to give you the results according to your requirements. In case the lab requires more time than previously communicated to give you the result, understand that rather than the speed at which you get the results, the accuracy of the results is more important and let the laboratory get sufficient time to ensure the quality and accuracy of the results.