Short answer
Yes. Most urgent care centers can draw blood and run lab tests, according to the Urgent Care Association. Some tests are done on site in minutes; others are sent to an outside lab, with results in a day or more. Call ahead if you need a specific test.
Lab tests urgent care commonly offers
The Urgent Care Association lists these examples of lab testing available at urgent care centers:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
- Diabetes testing: hemoglobin A1c and finger-stick glucose
- Urine pregnancy test and urinalysis
- Rapid strep and rapid flu tests
- Tuberculosis testing
- Drug screens from urine, hair or saliva
- Cultures for sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections
Not every clinic offers every test. Lab services are part of the Urgent Care Association's definition of an urgent care center, but the menu varies.
On-site results versus send-out tests
UCA notes urgent care centers do lab testing both on site and by sending samples to regional or national laboratories. Rapid tests such as strep, flu, urinalysis and finger-stick glucose are usually done during the visit. Blood panels are often sent out, and the clinic calls or posts results to its patient portal later.
Blood work without a visit
Urgent care is set up for sick and injured patients. Some centers will draw blood for a test ordered by your own doctor, but many do not. If you only need routine blood work, your doctor's office or a commercial lab may be simpler. Call the clinic and ask.
Preparing for blood work
Some tests need fasting. MedlinePlus says fasting means no food or drink except water for up to several hours or overnight, and lists blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride tests as common examples. Ask the clinic how long to fast before you go.
What lab tests cost at urgent care
Lab tests are billed in addition to the visit. Rapid tests done in the clinic usually cost less than blood panels sent to an outside lab, which may bill you separately. With insurance, your plan's lab coverage applies; without insurance, ask the clinic for the self-pay price of each test before it is run. See urgent care cost and cost without insurance.
Getting your results
- Ask how you will get results: a phone call, the patient portal, or both.
- Make sure the clinic has your correct phone number.
- Ask the clinic to send results to your primary care doctor, especially abnormal results that need follow-up.
- Call the clinic if you have not heard back in the time they gave you.
When to go to the ER instead
Lab work is not a reason to delay emergency care. Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, fainting or signs of a stroke.
Frequently asked questions
Can urgent care do blood work?
Yes. Most urgent care centers can draw blood and run common tests such as a CBC, metabolic panel and A1c, according to the Urgent Care Association. Call ahead for a specific test.
How long do urgent care blood test results take?
Rapid tests are ready during the visit. Blood panels sent to an outside lab usually come back in a day or more.
Does urgent care do drug tests?
Many do. The Urgent Care Association lists urine, hair and saliva drug screens among routine urgent care tests. Employer-ordered tests may need specific paperwork.
Do I need to fast for blood work at urgent care?
Only for some tests, such as glucose or cholesterol. Ask the clinic before you go.
Find urgent care near me
Search by city or state to see urgent care centers and walk-in clinics, with hours where they are on file. Services differ from clinic to clinic, so call to confirm before you go.
Related guides
Sources
- Urgent Care Association (2023): 2023 Urgent Care Industry White Paper
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine): How to Prepare for a Lab Test
General information, not medical advice. Costs are typical figures from the sources above and vary by clinic, plan and location. In an emergency, call 911.