Cost of blood cholesterol test

Waffle Decider · #1 02-01-2010, 07:47 PM

I recently got my cholesterol level checked. My doctor ordered just the comp panel and the lipid panel for the blood test. Today, I got a bill for $320 from the lab. (Actually, it should be $380, but I got the discounted negotiatied rate with the insurance plan). This seems awfully expensive to me for such extremely commonly ordered tests. How much does it really cost the lab to run these tests? How much are the supplies consumed for each test? How much are the equipment and how often do they need to be serviced or replaced? How much time does it cost the technicians? What are some other costs that I haven't thought of?

I know healthcare is a touchy subject, but I'd really appreciate it if we can keep this factual. Thanks.

Nunavut Boy · #2 02-01-2010, 08:17 PM

I run a (Canadian) lab, here are some numbers.

Instrument to run the tests: ~$200,000

Service agreement for same: ~$15,000/year

Cost of reagents for cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides: ~$8 (highly variable depending on method and volume discounts)

Lab tech rate of pay: ~$25-60/hr dependiing on location and experience.

IMHO, $400 for a panel of routine blood tests is highway robbery. I would be curious to know exactly which tests were ordered.

Waffle Decider · #3 02-01-2010, 08:57 PM

Thanks for the reply! The following are on the lab report: triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, (calculated LDL), glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, eGFR, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2 and calcium. I hope they make sense.

Are these tests mostly automated? Does the tech pretty much just stick the samples in, get the print outs and clean up for the next batch, or are there tests that require more manual intervention? How long does it take the machine to run the tests? Thanks.

Nunavut Boy · #4 02-01-2010, 09:15 PM

A modern chemistry lab is highly automated, especially for common, simple tests like the ones you listed above. Really high volume ones are fully automatic: samples are loaded in a rack and automation spins them down, removes the tops, moves them to the required analyzer, recaps them and moves them into a refrigerated storage unit. The lab tech's job is to ensure the machinery is running properly (complicated systems like the one described previously constantly error, stop, get confused, etc) and verifyt the results coming off of it are acceptable. If all your results are normal, your results will autoverify and very likely never be looked at by the tech. A smaller lab requires more interventions per specimen. Any analyzer built in the last 10 years at least can run all the tests you listed in 10-20 minutes. You got a pretty standard checkup screen that would've costed my lab about $30 in reagents to run.

Waffle Decider · #5 02-01-2010, 11:33 PM

Thanks for that info. It's interesting to learn more about what goes on "back there".

Xema · #6 02-01-2010, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waffle Decider

The following are on the lab report: triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, (calculated LDL), glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, eGFR, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2 and calcium.

OT I realize, but what is the purpose of measuring CO2 in blood? If it's high or low, what does that signify?

Waffle Decider · #7 02-02-2010, 12:13 AM

WAG: A measure of how well your lungs are in getting rid of the junk from the blood? I don't know...

Dereknocue67 · #8 02-02-2010, 06:20 AM

I have a routine blood test once a year at a cost of about $430.00 and I think the cost is exorbitant. Adding further insult, my latest test tacked on $100 claiming not one but three doctors reviewed it and determined there was nothing unusual as the results were routine. Their fee was negotiated down to zero because it was unnecessary and offered no value.

I also was under the impression that routine scanning and results were automated but my doc couldn't fully explain why the cost was so high. I finally went online and found a local lab that will perform an identical test for $59.00. The only inconvenience, which to me isn't one at all, is that I must drive to the lab to give a specimen as opposed to one stop shopping at my doc's office. With my $1500 annual deductible, I'll gladly make that trip.

I intend to use this lab before my next doctor's appointment.

Nunavut Boy · #9 02-02-2010, 09:46 AM

Quote:

OT I realize, but what is the purpose of measuring CO2 in blood? If it's high or low, what does that signify?

Measuring CO2 gives an idea of how well the lungs and/or kidneys are working, depending on symptoms. CO2 in the body is converted to HCO3 (bicarbonate) and carbonic acid and is used in the blood buffering system, which in turn is pretty important in acid-base balance. Here is a little tutorial on acid-base balance if you're interested.

As an aside, I'm even more glad I live in Canada than I was before after reading this thread. I wish I could start gouging the hell out of sick people and get rich too. That's sarcasm, btw.

manila · #10 02-03-2010, 07:22 AM

Here in Philippines a CBC ( complete blood count) with liver enzyme functions and lipid profile will cost less than $US 28 at an expat clinic. I have just completed this analysis as well as a cardiac stress test, chest X-Ray, and Abdominal CAT scan and including consults for less than $275.

Rhythmdvl · #11 02-03-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nunavut Boy

I run a (Canadian) lab, here are some numbers.

Instrument to run the tests: ~$200,000

Service agreement for same: ~$15,000/year

Cost of reagents for cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides: ~$8 (highly variable depending on method and volume discounts)

Lab tech rate of pay: ~$25-60/hr dependiing on location and experience.

Having access to medical care regardless of your financial condition: priceless.

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