Want an early beta? You might not even need your doctor! A MUST READ!

[Montana]

Okay.......for all you peestickaholics or whatever Kimztwinz said about preconception dementia something.....you might be able to relieve your symptoms!!!! And early!!!

I found out today at my prenatal that for some basic tests in many states you do NOT need a doctor's order! YOU as the patient can order your test. We were discussing thyroid testing that I need done on a regular basis and it is allowed to be self referred here. So, I went to the lab site to see what else is there....................

And....low and behold on the list......... SERUM QUANTITATIVE PREGNANCY TESTS.......NO referral necessary! Just stop in and request it be done. At my local lab, they charge $20. Due at the time of service and they will NOT bill insurance, but $20! WHOOHOO

It is called "Direct Access Testing" and here is a generic article about it:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/lab/labtypes-6.html

"Through a Direct Access Laboratory
As with home testing, direct access testing (DAT) has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Currently, 34 states permit health care consumers to order their own lab tests – without a medical order from their health care provider. Also known as patient authorized testing, DAT is another reflection of how health-conscious Americans have become and the opportunities available for them to take a more active role in their own health care. "

So, perhaps check with your local lab or labs and ask about "direct access testing" and if they offer it!

[1XGS]

I always went in myslef at 12dpo (9dp3dt) or (7dp5dt) for an early beta without an order. I picked that day because that is when most IVF charts give a beta number to start comparing by
But I have also never been one to take no for an answer either.
Wahooooooo I would have paid the $20 just for the peace of mind. Heck I spent wayyyyyyyyyyyyy more than that on HPT's lol.
Thanks for sharing the info!!

[Kymztwinz]

Geez louise! I think knowledge of that might have been a bit dangerous in my situation! Thankfully, my OB nurses were wonderful and didn't mind bringing me in for an early sneak beta at 5dp5dt. Thanks for the info! It might come in handy some time in the future!

[AngelRose]

The only question would be...wonder where one FINDS this kind of lab???? LOL

[specialk]

Does anyone know where to find the list of the 34 states?

[AngelRose]

I found this: http://www.health-tests-direct.com/p...tests_g-h.html

You order the blood test from them, and they send you to a clinic near you. Other than that, I don't know a lot about this company...

Mine would be a labcorps about 3 mins from my house...BUT, it's $30...not that it's a lot...but, I AM having betas done on Saturday LOL Oh, the decisions. LOL

[Montana]

For mine, you just walk in and they draw it right there at the local lab. No buying anything online.

To find out, I'd call any of your local labs and ask specifically if they allow 'direct access testing' as allowed by the fda.

[AngelRose]

I called two local labs...Labcorps, and Quest Diognostics...and both said they required doctors orders...not sure how to find other local labs though!!!

[aabreu]

Go to the link posted above. Enter your zip code and it will give you a list of facilities that you can use. For me it listed a LabCorp just up the street.

Thanks for the info I will be using it in a few weeks!

[tiggermom]

Maybe the mods can make this a sticky so it doesn't get lost. I would have loved to know this a couple weeks ago, we would be getting betas every 2 days instead of 4. LOL

[AngelRose]

Go to the link posted above. Enter your zip code and it will give you a list of facilities that you can use. For me it listed a LabCorp just up the street.

Thanks for the info I will be using it in a few weeks!

I just called the Labcorps down the road from me, and they require docs orders! Hmmmm, I guess I'll just be patient and wait and wait... LOL

[Montana]

Did you check the zip Laura? Only 34 states allow it so far, so perhaps yours does not yet? If the state does allow it, I'd question the lab further or use google or dexonline.com to find another lab that does allow it!

[BarbGSX1]

The closest LabCorp is 42 miles from my house!!!! UGH!!!! I hope my friend will be working at the lab the weekend I want mine done!!!! I am such a beta freak and she has moved to working in the city!!!! I might end up driving that 42 miles, gesh!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck everyone!!!!

Barb

[marisa]

I've had the qualitative (yes/no) test done at walk-in clinics with no Dr. order. Just walked in and asked for one....I wonder if they would have done a beta???

[Montana]

I would guess so Marisa. My lab shows Qual and Quaint on their list.

[marisa]

Acceptance
Given the dynamics of the World Wide Web, data is, in essence, available anywhere there is access to the Internet. Presently, no federal statutes restrict test ordering or release of results to patients. However, many states have introduced legislation to regulate DAT. States that presently have restrictions on DAT include California, Nevada, Utah, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, Michigan, New York, Maine, New Jersey, Maryland, Arizona, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Hawaii. Puerto Rico also has restrictions.

These seem to be the states who have restrictions or do not allow it.

[HelpingHand]

Well at least VA is not on the restricted list, only 20 mins from me...........

[mervl]

Oh no! I have two labs near me. Oh no, this is bad bad news. Why did I read this post? NO!!!! LOL. Thank you though.. this is way too exciting, lol!!!!

Mine says $45 ($15 to ship.. ship what?!??) for a quantitative. If it lists two labs near me, then my state must allow this, right?!?

[mervl]

These seem to be the states who have restrictions or do not allow it.

Shoot, so that means I wouldn't be able to do it. Argh!!

[AngelRose]

With that link I posted above, it actually gives you docs orders....so, if you're in a state that doesn't allow you to "direct access test" then, for that price, they will e-mail or fax orders for the test for you!! (I called them to check this out!) You pay them, go get the blood, and they get the results for you...they'll send them to you via fax, email or by postal mail if you wanna wait! haha