How to Cope with Medical Test Anxiety Test
Medical test anxiety is a fear of medical tests that can be serious and cause physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and trembling.
What this test measures
Medical test anxiety is a fear of medical tests. Medical tests are procedures used to diagnose, screen for, or monitor various diseases and conditions. They can also check the health of organs and body systems.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is medical test anxiety?
Medical test anxiety is a fear of medical tests.
Can medical test anxiety be serious?
Yes, it can be serious and become a type of phobia.
What is a phobia?
A phobia is an anxiety disorder that causes an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger.
What physical symptoms can phobias cause?
Phobias can cause rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and trembling.
Do most people have serious problems with medical test anxiety?
No, while many people feel nervous, it usually doesn't cause serious problems or symptoms.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: How to Cope with Medical Test Anxiety — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.