Blood work is routine. The questions around it often are not.
Do I need to fast? Can I drink water? Do I need identification? Can I use my HSA or FSA card? How quickly will I get my results? Can I order testing without a referral? What if I already have a specialty kit? What if I need someone to come to my home?
This guide answers the practical questions patients commonly have before laboratory testing at Avendano Health.
Local in-office laboratory services are available Monday through Friday by appointment in Boca Raton.
For a complete overview of available testing pathways, begin with the Local Lab Services hub.
Do I Need a Doctor's Referral?
Eligible Avendano Health direct-access laboratory testing can be ordered without a traditional referral.
If you know the exact laboratory markers you need, review General Lab Work.
If you want several common wellness markers together, compare Wellness Bundles.
Do I Need Insurance?
Avendano Health's Local Lab operates through a cash-pay/self-pay model. Insurance is not required for the Local Lab services described in this content cluster. Patients can see the applicable cash-pay pricing before booking.
Can I Use an HSA or FSA Card?
HSA/FSA cards are accepted for qualifying laboratory services. Eligibility can depend on the expense and applicable HSA/FSA rules.
Do I Need Identification?
Identification requirements can vary by service. Review the instructions provided with your booking. Bringing a valid government-issued photo ID can help avoid delays when identity verification is required.
Do I Need to Fast?
Not for every blood test. Preparation depends on the testing being performed. Some tests may require fasting. Others do not. Patients should follow the instructions for the specific tests they selected.
Can I Drink Water Before Blood Work?
Plain water is generally permitted during many laboratory fasting periods unless the patient has been given different instructions. Hydration may also make venous blood collection easier.
Do not substitute coffee, juice, soda or other beverages for water during a prescribed fast.
Should I Stop My Medication?
Do not stop prescription medication on your own. Some tests may be affected by medications or supplements, so patients should follow the instructions associated with their testing and discuss medication questions with the appropriate healthcare professional.
What Should I Bring?
Depending on the service, a patient may need:
- booking confirmation,
- identification if required,
- applicable test information,
- outside order or requisition,
- specialty testing kit,
- preparation instructions.
If a patient already has a Rupa Health or other supported specialty kit, use Specialist Draws.
How Long Does the Blood Draw Take?
A routine blood draw itself is often brief. Total appointment time can depend on check-in, the number of specimens, the service selected and any special handling requirements.
How Fast Will I Receive Results?
Most standard Local Lab testing is generally listed with results in approximately 24–48 hours. Turnaround varies by test. Do not expect 24-hour results for every test, and do not assume all laboratory testing is same-day.
What If I Need Results in Minutes?
Some tests have a dedicated rapid-testing pathway. Direct the patient to Rapid In-House Testing for the current rapid test menu. Rapid testing and ordinary send-out blood work are not the same thing.
Need a rapid test?
Can I Get STD Testing Privately?
Use the dedicated Drug & STD Testing pathway for current sexual-health panels, individual tests, drug screening and associated pricing.
Can Someone Come to My Home?
Yes, Avendano Health offers professional Mobile Phlebotomy across supported South Florida service areas. Mobile collection may involve a separate travel/service fee in addition to laboratory testing. Patients should review the current coverage and pricing before booking.
What If I Already Have a Specialty Lab Kit?
Use Specialist Draws. Specialty kits can have specific collection, processing and shipping requirements. Patients should review the specialty-draw instructions before arriving.
Can I Choose Individual Tests?
Yes. For patients who already know which eligible markers they want, General Lab Work should be the primary destination.
What If I Want a General Wellness Panel?
Use Wellness Bundles for grouped wellness testing options.
What If My Result Is Abnormal?
Do not panic based on one highlighted number. A result outside a laboratory reference interval does not automatically establish a diagnosis. The significance depends on the test, degree of abnormality, symptoms, history, medications, preparation and other laboratory findings. Clinical follow-up may be appropriate.
What If My Result Looks Urgent?
Routine Local Lab testing is not emergency care. If the laboratory or a healthcare professional gives you urgent instructions about a critical result, follow those instructions promptly.
If you have emergency symptoms—such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, fainting, severe bleeding or another potentially life-threatening condition—call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
Can I Get My Blood Draw at Home Instead of the Clinic?
Yes, depending on service area and test. Use Mobile Phlebotomy for professional collection at a supported home, office or other location. Do not confuse mobile phlebotomy with a self-collected mail-in test.
Are At-Home Test Kits Available?
Avendano Health also has separate nationwide at-home testing pathways:
- At-Home Hormone Testing
- At-Home Metabolic & Preventive Testing
- At-Home Organ Function Testing
- At-Home Advanced Biomarker Testing
When Can I Schedule an In-Office Lab Appointment?
Local in-office laboratory services are available Monday through Friday by appointment. Where the approved operating schedule specifies a morning window, appointments are available 8 AM–12 PM.
Where Is the Boca Raton Lab?
7025 Beracasa Way, Suite 205B Boca Raton, FL 33433
Which Lab Service Should I Choose?
I know the individual tests I want.
I want a broader wellness panel.
I need confidential STD or drug testing.
I need a rapid in-office test.
I already have a specialty/Rupa kit.
I want a professional blood draw at my home or office.
Still deciding which lab service you need?
Start with the Local Lab Services hub, or choose the pathway above that best matches your testing goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for blood work?
Eligible Avendano Health direct-access testing can be ordered without a traditional referral. Review the specific test requirements before ordering.
Do I need insurance?
No. The Local Lab operates on a cash-pay/self-pay model, so insurance is not required for these services.
Can I use my HSA or FSA card?
HSA/FSA cards are accepted for qualifying laboratory services. Eligibility depends on the expense and applicable plan/tax rules.
How fast are results?
Most standard Local Lab testing is generally listed with results in approximately 24–48 hours, but turnaround varies by test.
Can someone come to my home for the blood draw?
Yes. Avendano Health offers Mobile Phlebotomy across supported South Florida service areas, with a separate travel/service fee that may apply.