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VA Health Record FAQs

VA Microbiology

What does Microbiology mean?

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms that are alive but are too small to be seen with the naked eye. These tests are done to determine if an infection is caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites. An abnormal result may be a sign of disease.

Microbiology labs include many tests. A common Microbiology tests is a urine test.

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What is VA Microscopy?

VA Microbiology is a feature of the My HealtheVet Personal Health Record (found under the VA Blue Button section. Here VA patients can view the type of Microbiology test they had done and the test results. This lab information comes from the Veteran's VA health record.

VA Microbiology is only one type of lab test. Other types of VA lab tests may include Chemistry/Hematology, Pathology, Cytology, and Electron Microscopy.

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What are the requirements for viewing VA Microbiology?

To view your VA Microbiology results you must:

  • Be registered as a VA Patient in My HealtheVet

  • Have an upgraded Premium My HealtheVet account

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How do I access VA Microbiology?

To access:

  • Sign in to your My HealtheVet Premium account

  • Select Blue Button Medical Reports

  • Select VA Blue Button Report

  • You can now select the Types of Information

    • Select one or more types of information

    • Select VA Laboratory Results

    • Select Submit

    • Select either Download PDF File for a format that is easy to read and print (PDF file) or Download for a simple text format (.txt file)

    • Select View/Print if you want a printed list

    • Select the Done button to return to the previous screen

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Where can I learn more about Microbiology?

Go to the Learn More section under the About tab. Here you can find general information about lab tests. This includes VA Microbiology and links to additional resources.

If you cannot find information in the Learn More section, you can contact your VA health care team. You can use the Secure Messaging feature on My HealtheVet to communicate with them.

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If I have Microbiology tests done outside the VA, can I also view those results in My HealtheVet?

No, at this time the results of lab tests done outside the VA are not sent to your My HealtheVet account. However, you can self-enter non-VA lab results. To do this, just: 

  • Select the Track Health tab

  • Select Labs + Tests

  • Select Self-Entered Test

  • Select the Add New button

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Can I print a copy of my VA Microbiology results?

Yes, you can print a copy of your VA Microbiology lab results. You can also print your self-entered Microbiology results and other tests, using VA Blue Button, just:

  • Sign in to your My HealtheVet Premium account

  • Select Blue Button Reports

  • Select VA Blue Button

  • You can now select the Types of Information

    • Choose Select one or more types of information

    • Select VA Laboratories

    • Select Submit

    • Select either Download PDF File for a format that is easy to read and print (PDF file) or Download for a simple text format (.txt file)

    • Select View/Print if you want a printed list

    • Select the Done box to return to the previous screen

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Who do I contact if I have a technical problem with the VA Microbiology feature?

You can contact My HealtheVet about technical problems you have with the VA Microbiology feature. Simply complete the Contact Us form to send a message to the My HealtheVet Help Desk. You may also contact the My HealtheVet Coordinator at your VA Medical Center.

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Updated March 5, 2020