Laboratory FAQs
Do I have to be fasting?
That depends on what your healthcare provider indicates. Most lab tests
can be performed either fasting or non-fasting. We will ask you if you
are fasting and indicate this on your report so your provider can evaluate
your results based upon your fasting results.
Can I take my medications if I am having fasting labs drawn?
Fasting for the Laboratory is different from fasting for other departments.
For the Laboratory fasting means NO FOOD for 9-12 hours and only water
to drink. Drinking water will keep you from being dehydrated and make
your veins easier to locate. You may take your medications unless your
healthcare provider has instructed you otherwise.
How does my doctor get my results?
All lab results are faxed automatically to the ordering provider by our
computer system upon completion. If you have orders from multiple doctors,
they will get results of the ordered tests.
Can you send my results to the other healthcare providers I see?
The Laboratory can only send your results to the ordering providers. Your
other providers can contact our Medical Records Department for any test
results that have been performed in our facility.
Can I call for my results?
The Laboratory cannot give out any results over the phone due to privacy
issues. You can obtain a paper copy of your results Monday through Friday
in our Medical Records Department. You will need to bring a photo ID for
identification purposes.
I have picked up a copy of my results and it indicates I have test results
outside the normal range. What should I do?
Results outside the normal or "reference" range signals further investigation
may be needed. Your healthcare provider will be the one to discuss what
each test means and what the next course of action should be. If a lab
result is critical, the laboratory will promptly notify your provider.
I have a lab order from a healthcare provider other than an RGH provider.
Can I still have my labs performed at your lab?
It is the right of every patient to have their lab work done at the facility
of their choice. We want and would appreciate the opportunity to serve you.
My healthcare provider has told me I need to have lab work. Do I go directly
to the lab?
During regular business hours, you will need to bring your lab orders with
you and stop by the Front Registration window. If you arrive after business
hours, you will need to go to the Emergency Room Public Entrance as the
ER Clerk will help you complete the registration process prior to going
to the lab. Once the registration process is complete, you will then bring
your paperwork and orders to the Laboratory. From the Front Registration,
turn left at the first hallway and the Laboratory is the second door on
the left. Come in and sign in, give your paperwork to the Phlebotomist
and have a seat in our waiting room. We will call you back in the lab shortly.
What is my average wait time?
We offer one of the shortest wait times in the area. On average, your wait
time should be 10 minutes or less once you've signed in.
Why do I sometimes have to wait when there is no one else signed in ahead of me?
Our Phlebotomists provide care to Laboratory patients, and also to our
Emergency Department and Hospitalized patients. Sometimes they are providing
patient care in these other areas or on the phone with healthcare providers.
When should I expect my results?
Your healthcare provider should receive the results of
most tests we run in the Laboratory within 24 hours. However, some tests may
require a longer period of time due to the type of test ordered or the
need to send the test to a Contracted Reference Laboratory.
If I cannot collect a urine or stool sample while I am at the Laboratory,
what should I do?
Many times a urine (especially a 24-hour urine) or stool specimen cannot
be collected at the time block work is drawn. The Laboratory can provide
you with the appropriate container and collection instructions and you
can bring the specimen back. If you bring the specimen back the same day,
you do not need to register, simply bring the specimen directly to the
Laboratory. If you bring the specimen back the next day or later, you
will need to re-register and then bring the specimen to the Laboratory.