Would A Lab Hold Back Test Results And Avoid Revealing It If Something Is Seriously A Concern?

Posted on Tue, 29 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 29 May 2018 Answered on

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to my OBGYN around 4 weeks ago and while I was there they did. urine test and found a trace of blood in my urine. They were going to send it to the Lab just to ease my anxiety and make sure everything looked fine and that I had no STD's. Well, I get a call two days later that they accidentally threw my urine sample away and needed me to come back in. Two weeks ago, today, I went in and gave them a sample. I haven't heard back from them so I called and they hadn't received the results back and they're calling to get an update on why they hadn't gotten them since it should only take 24-48 hours. Does not having the results mean they found something bad or is it because they maybe forgot to do them or send the results? Really stressing out.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No labs won't hide results from their patients.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thanks for asking query.
I have read your details and would like to assure you that there is no need to panic.
Most likely they have send the urine for culture.
Culture of any sample takes minimum of 48 hours;In some cases may take upto 72 hours also.
Secondly Blood samples would be collected for STD rather then urine samples.
STD is a umbrella term which covers a number of things ranging from virus to bacteria.
Most likely they are investigating you for a possible urinary tract infection which is quiet common in females and may present with mild hematuria.
As far as i can understand you have given the fresh samples of urine today so minimum 48 hours you have to wait.
Please correct me if I got it wrong.
Just calm down and wait for reports.
Just to reassure you even if its STD most of them are fully curable in todays era.
So just calm down and try to relax.
Hope I was helpful.
Feel free to follow up.
Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)

I did the test two weeks ago. Called today to check on my results and they couldn't find them. They were also testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and one other that I cant remember. The doctor was testing for those just to ease my mind. The nurse called me back and said they aren't showing any results in my records so they are wondering if my sample got lost. I really appreciate your quick response and your help!!

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for follow up,

99% the labs have lost your samples and so you have to wait for a minimum of 2 days. In case you are too anxious or anxiety stricken take 2 capsules of ZMA supplement with Lactium(natural anti-anxiety).
1% chance that the labs or doctor want to reconfirm the results but hiding these facts from you doesn't seem feasible.

My suggestion is to wait for a total of 48 to 72 hours.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee