Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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rn66g 05/21/2008

I'm scheduled for an LP tomorrow afternoon. Needless to say, I'm not exactly looking forward to it. My question is about how long it takes to get results. I wasn't given the opportunity to ask the doc when he said they were going to schedule me for it, so I'm not sure how long it typically takes to get results from the VA. When my fiance' had his LP done 5 years ago in VA, he was given results later that night. I have heard of places where they can get at least initial results in an hour or two. I was told by a local doc here that at the civilian hospitals in the area it takes 6 weeks to get results. I know of one person who had her spinal tap at the VA where I am having mine done who said it took 3 months to get results, but they claimed to have lost her results. I will ask tomorrow how long their results typically take, but I was wondering how long anyone else has had to wait. 6 weeks just seems like an awful long time to wait. Thanks

deleted_user 05/21/2008

when i got mine done i had to wait 6 weeks. and yes it was awful to have to wait that long...and it turned out negative on everything so i had stressed over nothing

tiredbunni 05/22/2008

I had wait two weeks here in SC. Mine was negative but I had enough clinical and other positive tests for a definite diagnosis.

I hope you don't have to wait long.

deleted_user 05/22/2008

I was supposed to wait until my next appointment 2 weeks later, but went in 3 days after LP (as I was having LP headaches) and was given the results. I really think its the area you're in. Make your follow-up appointment as soon as possible, they won't give results over phone.

deleted_user 05/22/2008

I was given partial results the next day, and got a report of "final" results about a week later. I think it really depends on where you get it done and what kind of lab facilities they have. If it's a big hospital it will be quicker, if it's smaller they will have to be sent to a different lab to be processed then have the reults sent back to your doc.

deleted_user 05/22/2008

I live in Utah. The hospital sent my labs to a place in California. I got the results a week later. The doc's office told me that sometimes it takes a couple of weeks, but I was able to get mine quickly.

LilMargie 05/22/2008

Isn't the important word here "VA"? You're talking about the Veterans Administration, right, rn?

If so, well then, it's government and I can't think of one organization that grinds slower.

I found out in about 3 weeks, I belong to an HMO. Hope you get some answers soon, I know you are really anxious.

TexasMS 05/22/2008

I had mine done on a Friday afternoon and Monday Morning my Doctor gave me the results

rn66g 05/22/2008

Well, I just got back from having the LP. The doc said they will probably have the results of the cell counts this evening but the MS panel takes 3-5 days. I am scheduled to see him again in 2 weeks so I should be able to get all of my results by then. At least it will only take 2 weeks and not 6. Thanks to everyone for their responses.

deleted_user 05/22/2008

I'm go to Virginia Mason in Seattle. I walked the sample to the lab, and had a result in days.

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