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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: tinydaniell on July 28, 2007, 03:52:15 am

Title: has anyone else had any problems cd4 tests at labcorp
Post by: tinydaniell on July 28, 2007, 03:52:15 am

in the last 4 times ive had to go and get my labs drawn they have had to draw blood 3 times just to get my cd4 test now i am starting to feel like a pin cushion ever 3 months. i have never really liked using labcorp but that is the only lab that my insurance will let me use.

Title: Re: has anyone else had any problems cd4 tests at labcorp
Post by: RapidRod on July 28, 2007, 10:08:35 am

I get mine done at the clinic and I have went to Labcorp and had them done and never had a bit of trouble. I guess it depends a lot on the phlebotomist and the patient.

Title: Re: has anyone else had any problems cd4 tests at labcorp
Post by: Grinch on July 28, 2007, 12:43:43 pm

Lots of hospitals are firing Labcorp.  They've been doing a really bad job lately.

Title: Re: has anyone else had any problems cd4 tests at labcorp
Post by: MOONLIGHT1114 on July 28, 2007, 02:02:04 pm

Hi TD,

I don't currently use LabCorp now, although my favorite phlebotomist is there still.  I had trouble before I found her, with other techs doing a sensitive test, rather than an ultrasensitive one for my VL.  Sometimes they even mishandled the specimen and I would need a redraw.  I am diabetic and have to fast before I go in bec I have draws for cholesterol, thyroid, everything.  What I have finally learned to do at the labs is to write down the codes for the CD4 and ULTRAsensitive VL.  Its awkward, but when they are looking up codes, I remind them its ultrasensitive and not just sensitive.  Problem is, the codes are always changing and the techs have to refer to these big books full of new codes.  Don't even get me started about the turnover rate at those places.

Like I said, I am not currently with LabCorp, but in order to get good "customer service" at any lab, you have to be proactive, unfortunately.  I am always on high alert when I have my labs drawn.  I tell them they can mishandle everything, but not that ultrasensitive test!  LOL

Get those codes and write them down, keep them in your wallet!

Good luck!

~~Cindy

Title: Re: has anyone else had any problems cd4 tests at labcorp
Post by: raroy273 on July 31, 2007, 03:11:53 pm

I have had issues with LabCorp twice now.  The first time they did not run my geno type and drug resisance.  The second time they did not do my CD4 count.  The average turn time with them is about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks.  My Dr's office is trying to get rid of them due to the slow turn times and the constant screw ups.  And from what they say it is just about every lab they send to them that something is wrong or missed. 

Title: Re: has anyone else had any problems cd4 tests at labcorp
Post by: Miss Philicia on July 31, 2007, 03:29:45 pm

My tests are LabCorp and I have not had a single issue in 2.5 years of using them.