I’m fully convinced now that absolutely everything is available via the internet.

Case in point: I just discovered a website where you can buy online lab tests. Instead of going to the doctor and being referred to a traditional laboratory inside a clinic or hospital, you can buy your blood work directly and get the results e-mailed to you.

At first blush, I thought this was a little weird. Unless you have some condition that requires regular monitoring, I can’t see the average person understanding all those numbers. And how do they get the samples in the first place? But then, I read about the advantages. Now, I’m sold.

First, as someone who has really high cholesterol and no medical insurance, I can appreciate having the ability to save big bucks on those lipid tests I have to take every four months. I’m also impressed with the privacy factor. And yes, they do provide interpretation of the results, which can make talking to your doctor about it a lot more productive.

I think I’ll try online testing before my next doctor visit. It would be cool to surprise her with my cholesterol and liver function numbers before she even asks for them.