Laboratory

Appointments

Appointments are not needed. Patients are seen on a walk-in basis. Must have orders in the computer from their health care provider or a script from an outside provider who is currently licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. Reports are faxed to outside doctors, a current fax number must be provided.  

General Information 

• Many tests require that the patient be in a "fasting-state" (no food or drink, other than water, for 10-12 hours beforehand). Your provider should inform you if this requirement is necessary.
• ​Some tests must be performed within a short period after being collected. Therefore they will not be drawn if there is not sufficient time left in the working day. For example: PT/INR not past 4 p.m.
• Basic tests, such as CBCs, chemistry panels, urinalysis, etc., are performed in the Lab and results are available by close of business. Microbiology cultures require 24 - 48 hours.
• We ship more complex tests to Walter Reed and/or a reference lab. Results for these tests are usually back within 7 - 10 days.
• The lab does NOT give out results to patients. You must talk to your provider for that information.
• Wait time to have blood drawn is usually 15 minutes or less. Sometimes a small child or difficult stick will cause a delay.  
• Tests ordered by outside providers must have:
  • Patient name, sex, date of birth/age
  • Provider's full name and address
  • Provider's signature
  • Tests to be performed with diagnosis codes
  • Telephone number for the provider/office
  • Fax number for the provider/office