Not found
No guidance recorded yet
We have not yet recorded a position statement or guideline on this topic. If you know of one, tell us and we will add it.
Ordering laboratory tests
Choose your profession and state in Your lens above, and this page answers for you first.
At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorVaries by stateSome states let chiropractors order laboratory tests such as blood and urine work as part of diagnosis, while others limit related procedures such as drawing blood, so it depends on the state.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistNot typicalPhysical therapy laws generally do not authorize ordering laboratory tests, and Georgia's bars it outright for patients who come without a referral.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistNot typicalOccupational therapy laws exclude diagnosis, and none we read authorizes ordering laboratory tests.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerNot typicalAthletic training laws tie practice to physician direction and do not authorize athletic trainers to order laboratory tests.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistNot typicalMassage laws exclude diagnosis and medical procedures, which leaves ordering laboratory tests outside massage practice.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
Ordering lab tests means sending a patient for blood work, urine tests or similar to check for problems such as arthritis, infection or a vitamin deficiency. Some states let chiropractors order them; most other movement professions cannot, and refer to a physician instead.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractor | Laboratory procedures; diagnostic procedures | The terms in New Mexico's chiropractic rule |
| Physical therapist | Laboratory or body fluid testing | The term in Georgia's physical therapy law |
| Across professions | Clinical laboratory tests | The general term |
What the bodies say
Check your state
Find your licensing board
Get licensed links to the board for each profession in each state, so you can read its rules or ask it directly.
Go to Get licensedState-by-state detail
This topic varies enough between states to warrant a state table, with the statute and board for each cell.
Research
Terms on this page