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My HealtheVet VA Microbiology

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 Microbiology test performed and the test results. This lab information comes from the Veteran's VA health record.

To view your VA Microbiology results you must:

  • Be a Veteran enrolled at a VA health care facility

  • Be registered as a VA Patient in My HealtheVet

  • Have an upgraded Premium *My HealtheVet account

Lab tests are done to help you and your health care team to make informed decisions about your health. Using your VA Microbiology lab test results to partner with your health care team helps you take charge of your health. Use it to better understand your health and learn ways to improve your health.

The following sites can help you better understand the many lab tests that are part of routine health care maintenance:

Lab Tests Online

Medline Plus: Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. Start here to learn more.

Use the VA Blue Button to view, print, or download your VA Microbiology lab results. They can be shared with your caregiver and/or non-VA provider. This can help them better understand your health.

If you have questions regarding your VA Microbiology test results, talk with your VA health care team by phone, by sending a Secure Message from My HealtheVet, or during an upcoming VA appointment.

Visit the VA Microbiology Frequently Asked Questions. This site has questions and answers that may help you understand more about the feature and how it can help you manage your health.

* To get an upgraded Premium My HealtheVet account, you will need to go through authentication. This is a process by which VA verifies a Veterans' identity before allowing access to their VA health record. To learn more, go to: Upgrading your My HealtheVet account through In-Person or Online Authentication.

General Information

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

  2. Any fluid from your body can be sent for Microbiology examination. This can include but is not limited to your nasal, throat, eye, ear, genital, urine, fecal, wounds, blood, or spinal fluid.

  3. For each test, there is a range of values that are considered acceptable for the general population. Your result will be a specific number that will be compared to this range. Remember, these numbers vary from person to person. What is right for you may not be right for someone else. Your test results provide information that gives your health care team clues to possible health problems. Results may show other tests are needed to help make a diagnosis or guide changes to your treatment. Microbiology test results are considered a part of monitoring your overall health.

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

  5. Hold Periods for VA information

Some information that comes from your VA health record may not be presented right away in My HealtheVet or your VA Blue Button. This is because your information may first need to be reviewed by a member of your VA health care team. Also, if needed, this gives your provider time to discuss your results with you before you view them in My HealtheVet.

VA Microbiology results are available 36 hours after they have been verified. Depending on the type of test, some laboratory results may not be available right away. If you have any questions about your information please visit the Frequently Asked Questions or contact your VA health care team.

Resources

For facts about lab tests and how to understand the results see:

Reference Ranges and What They Mean: Test results are based on a reference range. This site can help you understand a reference range. It talks about why test results and references ranges take into account each person's health condition

How Reliable is Laboratory Testing?: The health care team uses lab tests to make decisions about your health and health care. This website helps you better understand the importance of reliable lab testing.

Test Preparation: Your Role: You are one of the most important factors in determining the accuracy and reliability of your laboratory test. This site briefly explains your role as the patient and how you can prepare for each lab test.

Updated August 12, 2021