Blood Tests Specialist

NY Urology


Dr. David Shusterman, a board certified specialist in urology at NY Urology with locations in both Forest Hills and New York City, New York uses his onsite lab to ensure his patients get the most comprehensive care available. By doing blood tests at the practice, patients get answers quickly and conveniently through the NY Urology patient portal. For quick and convenient blood testing, make an appointment with Dr. Shusterman’s office today.

Blood Tests

What kind of blood tests are done at NY Urology?

NY Urology prides itself on having the latest in technology available onsite for patients. This means they can get almost any blood test done with very few exceptions. Some common tests that are done in-office include:

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Blood sugar
  • Lipid profile
  • Thyroid
  • Kidney function

These tests offer clues to overall health. Onsite testing quickly provides the answers Dr. Shusterman needs for his patients, allowing treatment plans to move forward without prolonged waiting for test results.

What is the PSA test?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen test and it’s a gender-specific test for men. PSA is a substance made by the prostate gland. When the levels of this substance are elevated, it may be an indicator of a prostate problem such as:

  • Prostatitis
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Prostate cancer

PSA is just one of a number of tests that help determine a man's risk of prostate cancer. The PSA, although important, does have limitations. The current recommendation is that most men get a PSA test after the age of 54, and earlier if the patient falls into a high-risk category.

What is a CBC?

CBC stands for complete blood count and it is a measurement of the number and types of blood cells produced by the patient's body. CBCs are very common for any age or gender. It's a test that offers critical information that speaks to the core health of the patient such as hematocrit, white blood cell count, and even oxygen levels.

Don't blood tests also check for sexually transmitted diseases (STD)?

STD testing is always a good idea, especially for patients who are sexually active and have more than one partner or for those who have had unprotected sex with someone new. Left undiagnosed, conditions like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and syphilis can have devastating effects not just on the patient but on any partner, as well. Checking for STDs doesn't end in the lab, though. It includes a physical exam as well, looking for things like bacterial infection or cankers that may indicate herpes or another condition.

What about testosterone levels?

That certainly falls into this category. Dr. Shusterman may recommend a blood test to check testosterone levels for patients who have symptoms such erectile dysfunction, infertility, or low sex drive.

How does a blood test confirm kidney stones?

When Dr. Shusterman orders blood testing to help diagnose the presence of kidney stones, he also requests tests for:

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
  • Testosterone
  • Total blood count
  • Kidney function
  • Sexually transmitted diseases

The blood tests check your levels of urea nitrogen, calcium, phosphate, uric acid, and creatinine to determine what is causing the stones to form. Additionally, these tests will indicate the severity of present stones.

Patients may be asked to have follow up blood work after the stone has passed or been removed to determine if further preventive care and lifestyle modifications are necessary. By testing your PSA and testosterone levels, Dr. Shusterman can eliminate other conditions or identify possible causes for the development of your kidney stones. Similarly, many sexually transmitted diseases cause symptoms similar to kidney stones, and a negative test can help confirm that there a more complex diagnosis isn’t necessary.

Will a standard blood panel from my annual exam show if I’m developing kidney stones?

No. The tests for the specific minerals and proteins produced when you have kidney stones are specialized and aren’t typically performed during an annual physical exam. If you have a family history of kidney stones, blood in your urine, or are experiencing symptoms like severe pain in the lower back and groin, you should make an appointment with Dr. Shusterman to get an expert diagnosis and treatment. His on-site lab ensures you’ll get your results as soon as possible and start treatment with an accurate diagnosis.

What do I need to do to prepare for blood tests?

Unless Dr. Shusterman wants to rule out other conditions, you don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the blood tests. Unlike standard blood panels that test your glucose levels, there’s no need to fast before the test. However, he’ll provide instructions if your situation requires special preparation.

How do I get my results?

Your blood test results will typically be complete on the same day that you have your blood drawn. Since the draw and testing is done on-site, the turnaround is much quicker than if you had to go to another facility for testing. You’ll also have access to a secure and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant patient portal where you can view your test results and patient records.

This patient portal is accessible at any time and will include records that could be requested by another provider. Dr. Shusterman’s office will contact you to make a follow up appointment to discuss your results as quickly as possible to ensure that treatment can begin sooner rather than later.

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