Where can I have a blood or a urine test?
Yes. Blood and urine tests can be performed at both clinics and hospitals in Japan.
You do not necessarily need to visit a facility with its own laboratory. If a clinic does not have an in-house lab, it can send your blood or urine sample to a contracted laboratory for testing.
In Japan, blood and urine tests are commonly arranged through a clinic or hospital rather than through a standalone testing facility. In most cases, you will need to see a doctor first.
The doctor will assess your needs and order the appropriate blood or urine tests. The clinic or hospital will then collect your sample and send it to its laboratory or a contracted testing laboratory for analysis.
We often receive inquiries from people who would like to have blood or urine tests without seeing a doctor first. However, these tests generally need to be ordered by a doctor.
There are many different types of blood and urine tests, and the doctor needs to decide which tests are appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and what needs to be checked. The laboratory then performs the tests according to the doctor’s specific orders.
Test results can also be difficult to interpret on their own. Your doctor will review the results, explain what they mean, and advise you on whether any further tests or treatment may be needed.
How long does it take?
Some clinics provide the same-day test for the items like CRP, D-Dimer, HIV or Syphilis test or a urine test to check signs of infections. Otherwise it usually takes a week to get the full result.
Your doctor requests you to come back to get the result in person especially when Japanese insurance covers your tests. Emailing is not a common option, often refused due to a privacy concern.
How much is it?
Japanese Health Insurance covers a blood test or a urine test when they are needed to treat medical conditions. Fee range for a general blood and urine testing is less than 5,000 yen with insurance.
The insurance does not cover blood and urine tests for screening purposes, like for an annual physical examination or a Ningen Dock. STD screening without symptom is not covered by Japanese Health Insurance.
We can help you find a hospital or clinic that provides the blood or urine tests you need. Please contact us for assistance.