How to Request Lab Results from Quest, LabCorp & MyChart
How do I get my blood test results from Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, or MyChart?
Create free accounts at MyQuest.QuestDiagnostics.com, Patient.LabCorp.com, or your hospital's MyChart portal to see recent results within 24 hours. For older results, submit a written HIPAA request specifying the date range, and the provider must respond within 30 days.
Get your blood test results from Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp patient portal, MyChart, hospitals, and physician offices. Free step-by-step instructions with HIPAA request templates.
MedicalRecords.com does not interpret lab results. We help you get them, verify them, correct errors, and use them effectively.
Quick Access: Get Lab Results in Minutes
The fastest way to access your blood test results is through patient portals. Here's how to get results from the major labs:
Quest Diagnostics MyQuest Portal
Quest Diagnostics is one of the largest reference labs in the US. Access your results through their free patient portal:
- 1. Go to MyQuest.QuestDiagnostics.com
- 2. Click "Create Account" and enter your name, date of birth, and email
- 3. Verify your identity through security questions or ID verification
- 4. View and download results (available within 24 hours of processing)
Phone: 1-866-697-8378 for assistance
LabCorp Patient Portal
LabCorp operates patient service centers nationwide. Access your results directly:
- 1. Visit Patient.LabCorp.com
- 2. Register with your personal information
- 3. Complete identity verification
- 4. Access results as soon as they're processed
Phone: 1-800-845-6167 for assistance
MyChart (Epic Systems)
MyChart login provides access to lab results from hospitals and health systems using Epic's EHR:
- 1. Visit your hospital or health system's MyChart page
- 2. Sign up or log in to your account
- 3. Navigate to "Test Results" or "Labs"
- 4. Download or share results as needed
MyChart is used by Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, UPMC, Providence, and thousands of other health systems.
Pro Tip: Register Before You Need Results
Create accounts on Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, and MyChart before you have tests done. This way, results appear automatically when available, without delays for registration and verification.
Where Your Lab Results Are Stored
Your lab results may be stored in multiple locations depending on who ordered the test and which laboratory processed it. Understanding these storage locations is the first step to successful retrieval.
Reference Labs (Quest, LabCorp, BioReference)
When your doctor sends specimens to national labs like Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp, results are stored in their systems. Under CLIA rules, you can access these directly through patient portals, even if results never reached your doctor.
Hospital Electronic Health Records
Labs performed during hospital stays, ER visits, or at hospital-affiliated facilities are stored in the hospital's EHR. Access through MyChart or contact the Health Information Management (HIM) department.
Physician Office Records
Results routed to your doctor become part of your chart at that practice. Smaller practices may use systems that don't connect to larger networks. Request directly from the practice.
Specialty and Pathology Labs
Genetic testing labs, pathology services, and specialty diagnostics operate independently. Contact information is usually on the test report or available from your ordering physician.
What This Means for You
Don't assume your primary care doctor has all your labs. If you've seen specialists, visited emergency rooms, or had tests at different facilities, you may need to request records from multiple sources.
Requesting Recent vs. Historical Labs
Recent Lab Results (Past 12 Months)
For labs performed within the past year, patient portals are the fastest access method.
Steps:
- 1. Log into your provider's patient portal (Epic MyChart, Cerner, etc.)
- 2. Navigate to "Test Results" or "Lab Results"
- 3. Download or print the results you need
- 4. If missing, check Quest or LabCorp patient portals directly
- 5. If still unavailable, call your provider's office
Historical Lab Results (1-7 Years)
Older results may require a formal written HIPAA request.
Steps:
- 1. Submit a written HIPAA authorization form to the provider or facility
- 2. Specify the date range and types of records you need
- 3. Include your phone number for questions
- 4. Expect 15-30 days for processing; prepare for fees
- 5. Follow up if no confirmation within 10 business days
Very Old Lab Results (7+ Years)
Records older than 7 years may have been archived or destroyed depending on state retention laws.
Steps:
- 1. Contact the facility's HIM department to verify records exist
- 2. Submit a formal request with approximate dates of service
- 3. Archive retrieval may take 30-60 days
- 4. If facility closed, check for successor organizations or state archives
How to Get Medical Records Under HIPAA
Under HIPAA, you have the legal right to access your medical records, including all lab results. Here's how to submit a formal request:
Sample HIPAA Request Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
To: Medical Records Department
[Provider/Facility Name]
[Address]
Re: Request for Medical Records Under HIPAA
I am requesting copies of my medical records pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 45 CFR 164.524.
Patient Information:
Name: [Your Full Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB]
Address: [Address]
Phone: [Phone]
Records Requested:
All laboratory results from [Start Date] to [End Date]
Please provide these records in [electronic/paper] format to [email/address/fax].
Signature: ___________________ Date: _______________
HIPAA Timeline Requirements
- • 30 days: Maximum time providers have to respond to your request
- • 30-day extension: Permitted with written notice explaining the delay
- • Fees: Providers may charge reasonable, cost-based fees for copies
- • Electronic format: You can request electronic copies if records are maintained electronically
Multi-Provider Lab Retrieval Strategy
If you've received care from multiple providers, here's how to assemble a complete lab history:
1. Create a Provider Inventory
List all healthcare providers, hospitals, and facilities where you've had tests. Include primary care, specialists, urgent care, emergency rooms, and hospital admissions.
2. Identify Reference Labs
Ask each provider which lab they use: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, BioReference, or regional labs. Register for patient portals with each lab.
3. Submit Parallel Requests
Send requests to all sources simultaneously rather than sequentially. This reduces overall retrieval time—important for insurance appeal deadlines.
4. Track and Follow Up
Log each request with date, contact person, and expected response date. Follow up on requests without response within 10 business days.
Common Request Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete Authorization Forms
Missing signatures, dates, or blank fields will cause rejection. Complete every field.
Wrong Destination
Sending to billing instead of medical records causes delays. Call to confirm the correct address.
Vague Date Ranges
Requesting "all records" without dates may result in requests for clarification. Be specific.
Not Following Up
Requests get lost. If no confirmation within 15 days, call to check status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my lab results from Quest Diagnostics?
Create a free account at MyQuest.QuestDiagnostics.com using your name, date of birth, and contact information. After identity verification, you can view and download your results within 24 hours of processing.
How do I access my LabCorp results online?
Register at Patient.LabCorp.com with your personal information, complete identity verification, then access results as soon as they're available. You have the legal right to access results directly from the lab under CLIA.
How long does it take to get medical records under HIPAA?
Providers must respond within 30 days, with one 30-day extension permitted. Patient portals provide faster access for recent results (24-72 hours). Learn more about timelines →
Can I get lab results without going through my doctor?
Yes. Under the 2014 CLIA amendment, you can request lab results directly from the laboratory. Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp patient portals were created specifically for this purpose.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
Under HIPAA, denial is permitted only for specific legal reasons and must be explained in writing.
If You Receive No Response
- 1. Call the medical records department and ask for status
- 2. Document the date, time, and name of person you spoke with
- 3. Send a follow-up request citing HIPAA's 30-day requirement
- 4. File an OCR complaint if still no response
If Your Request Is Denied
- 1. Request the denial in writing with the specific reason
- 2. If reviewable, submit a written appeal
- 3. File an OCR complaint if you believe the denial violates HIPAA
Related Guides
Lab Results Guide (Pillar Page)
Complete guide to lab results access, rights, and use.
Why Lab Results Are Delayed or Missing
Troubleshoot missing results and escalation strategies.
Why Lab Portals Don't Match
Portal discrepancies and synchronization issues.
When Your Doctor Can't Find Your Labs
Escalation paths and scripts for patients.