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Virginia Womens Wellness

Lab Tests for Abortion: What We Test, Why, and When

Most women need only a few simple tests before an abortion, and many early abortions need none beyond a pregnancy test. Depending on how far along you are and your health, we may check your Rh blood type, your blood count, or your pregnancy hormone level. Our certified lab is in our own office, so tests are done in the same visit, with results the same day.

Key facts

Which lab tests do I need before an abortion?

It depends on how far along you are and on your health. Your clinician orders only what you need.

Do I need lab tests for a telehealth abortion?

Usually not. Most women having a telehealth abortion before 12 weeks need no lab tests at all. From 12 weeks, your Rh blood type is needed, and you choose how: testing at our lab in person, testing at another lab with the result sent to us, documentation that you’re Rh-positive (such as a blood donor card), or informed refusal of testing, as national guidelines allow. If your clinician needs a hormone level or other test for a medical reason, she’ll tell you why and where.

How do lab tests confirm my abortion is complete?

After a medication abortion, we confirm it worked — with a pregnancy test at home at about four weeks, a hormone blood test, or a follow-up visit. [MD: confirm our follow-up method.] A home pregnancy test can stay positive for a few weeks after an abortion because the hormone takes time to clear, so timing matters; we’ll tell you when to test and what the result means. After an in-clinic procedure, your clinician confirms it’s complete before you leave.

How long do lab results take?

Because our lab is in our own office, most results are ready during your visit, so they don’t delay your care.  There’s no separate appointment at an outside lab.

What happens to my lab results?

Your results become part of your medical record. For in-person care, that record is on paper, in locked cabinets, and never on a computer network. If we ever send a test to an outside lab, we’ll tell you first. How We Protect Your Privacy

Why women choose Virginia Women’s Wellness

abortion-in-office

Questions women ask

Do I need blood work before an abortion?

Not always. Many early abortions need only a pregnancy test. From 12 weeks we check your Rh blood type, and your clinician may order other tests if your health calls for them.

Your blood cells lacks a protein on their surface called the Rh antigen. If you’re 12 weeks or further along, we’ll offer an injection of a medication (Rh immune globulin) to protect your future pregnancies. It’s quick and routine. But there is an extra fee for the injection.

Only if we bill your insurance. If you pay directly, nothing is sent to an insurer. Fees

Often, yes. Bring them or have them sent to us, and your clinician will tell you whether they’re recent enough to use.

Don’t Wait — Call 757-540-1595 or Book Online Now.

Women in Virginia can also Start a Telehealth Visit.

Reviewed by the Virginia Women’s Wellness clinical team — board-certified physicians and licensed advanced practice clinicians providing abortion care since 1997. Last updated November 1, 2026.

Reviewed by the Virginia Women’s Wellness clinical team – providing abortion care since 1997. Last updated November 1, 2026.

Sources

ACOG Clinical Practice Update, Rh D Immune Globulin Administration After Abortion or Pregnancy Loss at Less Than 12 0/7 Weeks of Gestation (2024); NAF Clinical Policy Guidelines (current edition); ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 225. 

This page is educational and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.