How long for lab results to get reported?

Prairiedog

My biopsy samples were sent off to Mayo Clinic Labs ten days ago for the ER, PR, and HER2 tests and are not back yet. It is a one day shipment and they were sent on Monday the 9th so I'm pretty certain they got there in a timely fashion. I previously had an HER2 positive BC so I'm rather anxious to know the status of this tumor. My thought is that since it is taking so long that the HER2 test is showing positive and they are doing follow up tests. Perhaps I’m just borrowing trouble as my grandmother would have said. How long does it generally take to get these results returned from a lab?

Ingerp

Will you hear from your local BS or the clinic directly? Pathology usually takes 2-3 days (in my neck of the woods), and FISH is about another week. Can you call Mayo on your own?

Prairiedog

Thanks for the reply Ingerp,

I will hear from my BS or my GP or the nurses that I bug to check if the reports are in. (Grin). I don't think I can call the lab. It does seem that this is taking a long time but I know that I want everything to be done NOW. I had a genetic screening today and nine of the genes that may affect surgery were sent in STAT and should be back within a week. The rest of the panel, 37 more genes, will be done more slowly as they would only affect treatment after surgery. I had an MRI today also and that will not be read because the radiologist is out of town until Monday. I am getting lessons in patience!

gb2115

I think it really depends on the lab. I had a skin biopsy (negative) that took 2 full weeks to come back. And then it needs to be reviewed by the ordering physician. After my first MRI, my results sat on my surgeon's desk for 2 days before she had time to call me, and her staff wasn't authorized to tell me the results (when I called to enquire). It is so hard to wait!!

Ingerp

Prairiedog--Netflix is your friend. ;-)

edwards750

It does depend on the lab and no it wouldn't do any good to call them. Since they send the results to your doctors they'll tell you the doctor will let you know.

Believe me I am the poster person for worrying so I truly understand your anxiety.

In my case I was already braced for the DX. Didn't mean I wasn't upset - just not shocked.

I have to admit when I hear test results sit on doctor's desks for days I wonder how those doctors would feel if it was them or one of their loved ones waiting by the phone. They have to know how scared we are.

Maybe sensitivity training is in order for some doctors. I've had a few charm school dropout doctors who could benefit from it.

Good luck!

Diane

Anonymous

I had my basic pathology shared with me the Monday after my lumpectomy on Friday. Two weeks later, when I had my initial appt with the doc who eventually wound up as my oncologist, was when she shared my hormone status, etc.