how long do blood tests take to come back

Blood test results typically take from a few hours to a few days to come back, depending on the type of test. Routine tests like a Complete Blood Count (CBC) or Basic Metabolic Panel may have results within a few hours to one day. More specialized tests, such as thyroid function or vitamin deficiency tests, usually take one to three days. Some blood tests, like diabetes or vitamin D tests, can take about a week or longer. Generally, most routine blood test results are available within 72 hours, but exact timing varies by the test and laboratory processing times. If there is any abnormality, the doctor will usually contact the patient directly; otherwise, results may be accessible through online portals or during follow-up appointments.