Not for emergencies. For urgent symptoms requiring immediate evaluation, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. DOD is not an emergency service and does not provide urgent or stat lab services.
Lab Testing Education Guide
Diagnostic laboratory testing involves analyzing samples — most commonly blood or urine — to measure specific biological markers. Labs require a provider order to draw samples and perform most diagnostic tests. DOD can review lab order requests for eligible patients in supported states.
Educational content only. Lab results must be interpreted by a licensed provider in the context of a patient's complete clinical picture. DOD does not perform lab testing, draw blood, or interpret lab results.
Quick Answer
Diagnostic lab testing analyzes blood, urine, or other biological samples to measure specific markers. Most independent labs (LabCorp, Quest, regional labs) require a provider order before accepting samples. A lab order specifies the tests requested, the patient's information, and the ordering provider's details. DOD can review lab order requests for common diagnostic panels — including pre-contrast eGFR testing — for eligible patients in supported states. DOD does not perform lab testing or interpret results.
Common Diagnostic Lab Panels
A licensed provider determines which labs are appropriate for any individual patient. Common diagnostic panels that patients may request include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
White blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Glucose, kidney function (BUN, creatinine), liver enzymes, electrolytes, protein
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
Electrolytes, glucose, kidney function — a subset of the CMP
Lipid Panel
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides
Thyroid (TSH, T4)
Thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine — thyroid function assessment
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Average blood glucose over approximately 3 months — diabetes monitoring context
eGFR / Creatinine
Estimated glomerular filtration rate — kidney function, required before contrast imaging
Urinalysis
Urine testing for various physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics
This is not a complete list. A licensed provider determines which tests are medically appropriate for any individual patient's circumstances.
Lab Orders Before Contrast Imaging (eGFR / Creatinine)
One of the most common reasons patients need a lab order alongside an imaging order is pre-contrast kidney function testing. Many CT and MRI contrast protocols require a recent eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) or serum creatinine result to assess kidney function before administering contrast agents.
Iodinated contrast agents used in CT and gadolinium-based agents used in MRI can pose risks in patients with significantly impaired kidney function. According to ACR Contrast Manual guidelines, facilities often require eGFR documentation within a specified timeframe before contrast administration. DOD can review lab order requests for eGFR/creatinine testing as part of an imaging consultation workflow when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Lab Orders
Sources and Further Reading
- Lab Tests — Overview — MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Lab Tests Online — American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
- Understanding Lab Results — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Related Education and Order Pages
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Educational content only. DOD is not a laboratory and does not perform lab testing or interpret results. All clinical decisions should be made by qualified licensed healthcare providers.