[Jer610]

Is it best to always use the same lab?

by Jer610 on Thu Dec 10, 2015 5:05 pm

I'm currently on twice-yearly monitoring of my MGUS. I have my 6 month checkup at the end of this month, and I go in next week to have my draws done two weeks ahead of my appointment. After my hematologist reviews my results, it is all there online for me see and I am able to easily communicate with his office.

My question concerns where to have my draws done, in particular the myeloma panel.

I can do it at my primary physicians location here in town, which has the blood picked up, or the local hospital clinic 10 miles away, where they can probably do all the labs onsite, or the medical center where my hematologist is located in oncology, which is 20 miles away.

These are all part of the same medical organization, so all is connected. All of my FLC, IFE, and SPEP have been done at the oncology center so far.

For sake of continuity, is it best to always have these tests done at the same site if possible?

Thanks.

[Dianem]

Re: Is it best to always use the same lab?

by Dianem on Thu Dec 17, 2015 5:42 pm

Hi Jerry,

I was diagnosed with MGUS over 4 years ago. My first blood test that showed an M spike (1.0 g/dL) was picked up from my endocrinologist's office, and she referred me to a hemo-oncologist. The hemo-oncologist told me to always have my blood drawn at the same lab as labs can vary. She ordered new blood tests (about 1-2 months after first spike) and I started going to Lab Corp. I was surprised that my spike was 1.5 g/dL after a couple of months. What a difference between 2 labs.

Now, I consistently go to the same lab for my annual blood draw and the hemo-oncologist has referred me to our family doctor for monitoring. My spike is now 0.8 g/dL. We decided if the numbers start going in the wrong direction, I will return to the hemo-oncologist.

Hope this helps. Diane

[Jer610]

Re: Is it best to always use the same lab?

by Jer610 on Mon Dec 21, 2015 5:03 pm

Thanks, Diane.

I decided to get my draw done at the local hospital, and while there, I asked the tech doing the draw where my labs would be done. He said that all except the FLC, SPEP, and immunofixation would be done on site, The big ones would be done at the labs at the major center. This is where I see my specialist, so they would be done where they have been done in the past. Just wanted to make sure all was consistent.