Evaluation of patients applying for laboratory tests at Çukurova University Education Family Health Center

Evaluation of Patients Applying for Laboratory Tests at Çukurova University Education Family Health Center Aim: This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic and health-related characteristics of patients who were referred for laboratory tests at the primary care level, as well as the results of these tests. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 280 participants who met the inclusion criteria and were referred for testing at the Çukurova University Education Family Health Center between April 1 and 30, 2025. Data were collected face-to-face using a form containing sociodemographic and health-related characteristics and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Tests were obtained from the database used by the physician. Results: 64.3% of participants stated that the reason for visiting their family physician was to have blood and urine tests done, 55.4% stated that they had tests done for check-up purposes at their own request, 8.9% stated that their family physician requested the tests due to their complaints, 8.5% stated that they had tests done at the recommendation of another physician, 15% stated that they had tests done for pregnancy monitoring, 7.5% for report preparation, 0.7% for child follow-up, and 4% due to existing chronic diseases/medications. The mean ages of those who requested tests at the patient's request and those who requested tests for other reasons were similar (p=0.099). The highest rate in both groups was in the 19-30 age range. Significant differences were found between those who requested tests at the patient's request and those who requested tests for other reasons in terms of family type, test frequency, complaints, and anxiety variables (p<0.05). It was determined that 12.5% of participants were at risk for anxiety and 25% were at risk for depression. The mean anxiety and depression scores of those who requested tests at the patient's request were similar to those who requested tests for other reasons (p<0.05). The most requested test was a complete blood count at a rate of 91.7%. The most frequently requested biochemical tests were B12, ferritin, iron, and iron-binding capacity, respectively. The vast majority of test results were within the reference range. Conclusion: The fact that one in two participants requested tests from their physician and that most results were within the reference range highlights an important issue in rational laboratory use. It may be advisable to consider the patient's anxiety and testing habits when they request tests and to take action accordingly. Keywords: Family medicine, rational laboratory use, patient request