Skip to content

Date of Last Blood Collection (Lab Test Closure Time)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test records when your blood sample was taken and processed in the lab, not a measurement of any substance in your blood.

Quick summary

["It helps track when your bloodwork was completed for follow-up or billing purposes."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
71504-5
Short code
DATECLOSED
Synonyms
—
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
esrd
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Measures

This test does not measure any chemical, hormone, or cell in your blood. Instead, it captures the timestamp when your blood sample was fully processed in the lab, including when it was collected, centrifuged, and prepared for analysis. This information is used internally by healthcare providers to manage test results and scheduling.

Why It Matters in Your Care

While this test doesn’t provide diagnostic information, it ensures your bloodwork is accurately documented for medical records, insurance claims, and follow-up appointments. It helps healthcare teams track when tests were completed so they can review results promptly.

Common Uses and When It Might Be Ordered

This test is typically ordered as part of routine blood draws or when a lab needs to confirm the timing of sample processing. It’s not used for diagnosing conditions but is essential for administrative and logistical purposes in healthcare settings.

Clinical Significance

This test alone does not contribute to medical decisions. However, it ensures your blood sample was handled correctly and processed within standard timelines, which is critical for maintaining the accuracy of other tests performed on the same sample.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test does not provide any clinical data about your health. It serves as a record-keeping measure to confirm when your bloodwork was completed, ensuring proper documentation for your healthcare provider’s records and billing processes.

Frequently asked questions

Why is this test called a ‘date-closed’ test?
The term ‘date-closed’ refers to the timestamp when the lab officially finalized the processing of your blood sample, including when all steps were completed. It’s not a measurement of anything in your blood but a record of when the lab work was done.
Does this test affect my treatment or diagnosis?
No, this test does not influence your treatment or diagnosis. It’s purely an administrative record to track when your bloodwork was processed, not a diagnostic tool.
Can I request this test for a specific reason?
This test is not typically requested by patients for personal reasons. It’s ordered by healthcare providers as part of routine bloodwork to ensure accurate record-keeping and processing timelines.
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy