Lab Tests & Blood Work

🧪 Lab Tests & Blood Work: Costs, Common Tests, and What to Know Before You Go

Lab work is one of the most common medical services people receive — and one of the most confusing when it comes to pricing. Whether it’s a routine cholesterol test or a more detailed diagnostic panel, lab costs can vary drastically between providers.

ClearCare HQ helps you break down what to expect, how to prepare, and how much it might cost.

✅ What Are Lab Tests and Blood Work?

Lab tests are used to analyze samples of blood, urine, or tissue to check for:

• Chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease)

• Nutrient levels (e.g., iron, vitamin D)

• Hormone imbalances

• Infections or inflammatory markers

• General wellness screening

These are typically ordered by your primary care provider or specialist and sent to a diagnostic lab for analysis.

🧪 Common Lab Tests and What They Cost

Test TypeTypical UseUninsured Price Range: CBC (Complete Blood Count), Checks red/white blood cells, anemia $20–$40CMP; (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel), Measures liver/kidney function, glucose $30–$60; Lipid Panel, Checks cholesterol levels $30–$75A1C; (Hemoglobin A1C), Diagnoses and monitors diabetes $40–$90; Thyroid Panel,Measures thyroid hormone levels $50–$150; STD/STI Screen, Identifies sexually transmitted infections $75–$300

Note: These prices reflect self-pay estimates. Costs may vary by lab, region, and additional fees (e.g., draw fee or provider markup).

💡 What Impacts Lab Pricing?

Several factors influence the final bill:

• Where the sample is drawn (clinic vs. hospital vs. lab location)

• Whether you have insurance

• If the provider sends it to an out-of-network lab

• Bundling (some tests are grouped into panels for better pricing)

Some clinics use third-party labs like Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp, while others do in-house testing.

🧾 Insurance vs. Self-Pay: What to Know

• If you have insurance, labs may be partially or fully covered — but only if deemed “medically necessary.”

• Without insurance, ask for a self-pay discount or cash pricing before the test is drawn.

• Many labs offer pricing transparency or online quotes if you request them.

🧠 Tips from ClearCare HQ

💡 Ask your provider:
“What is the CPT code for this test?”
You can use it to check pricing across local labs before agreeing to pay.

📍 ClearCare HQ Can Help

Use our Explore Pricing tool to compare common lab tests in your area and get a better idea of what you’ll pay — before you go.