Laboratory Services FAQs
What is fasting?
Fasting is not ingesting food or liquid (other than water) usually for a period of time from 12 -14 hours. During this time, you should not chew gum or drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages. You can brush your teeth, but do not swallow.
Which tests do I need to fast before taking?
- Glucose Tolerance
- Lipid Profile
- Gastrin
- Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Basic Metabolic Profile (Recommended/not required)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (Recommended/not required
- Quick Guides for Clinicians
Download the TEG Quick Guide for Clinicians.
Who do I contact for information on paternity testing?
Call 800-362-2368 to obtain information about paternity testing.
What are the most common glucose tolerance tests and how do I prepare for each?
Three-Hour Glucose Tolerance Test
- You must fast for 12-14 hours prior to test.
- Your physician must schedule an appointment for this test.
- Be prepared to stay at our facility for four hours to allow time for registration, preparation for test and to ensure that blood is drawn at exact intervals.
- You will be given a glucose drink and have your blood drawn five times: first at 30 minute intervals and then one-hour intervals.
O'Sullivan or One-Hour Glucose Tolerance Test
- You must fast for 12-14 hours prior to test.
- Be prepared to stay at our facility for about an hour and a half to allow time for registration, preparation for test and to ensure blood is drawn at exact time.
- You will be given a glucose drink and have your blood drawn once.
Post-Prandial Glucose Test
- You must fast 12-14 hours prior to test.
- Your blood will be drawn, and then you will be sent home to eat a meal. Exactly one hour after eating your meal, your blood will be drawn again, so please allow for travel time.
Will I be expected to pay at time of service?
If you have Medicare, Medicaid or an insurance plan, we will file a claim on your behalf. If you do not have insurance coverage, plan to make at least a partial payment at time of service.
Why is my physician ordering this test?
You need to consult your physician regarding why certain tests are being performed. When determining what tests to order, your physician considers your particular condition, and therefore is the most appropriate person to ask regarding why particular tests are being performed.
How soon will my physician receive my results?
Most test results will be returned to your physician by the following day; however, some results, depending on the test, might not be available to your physician for up to seven days.
How do I collect a stool specimen?
Prior to collecting a stool specimen, come to our facility to obtain instructions and appropriate containers. Most specimens will need to be refrigerated.
How do I collect a urine specimen?
Clean Catch Mid-Stream:
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You will be given a urine collection container with all your information on it.
- You will be given a towelette.
- You must use the towelette to cleanse the urethral opening.
- Wipe front to back using the towelette.
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Begin voiding into the toilet.
- While voiding, place the container into the stream (Mid-stream).
- Catch enough urine to fill the container ¾ full.
- Place the lid correctly on the container and tighten firmly until you hear a click.
- Bring specimen back to the phlebotomy area.
24 Hour:
- Immediately upon rising in the morning, void into the toilet as normal. Note the time (ex. 7:10 a.m.).
- Collect all urine voided during the next 24 hours in a clean container (commode collection device) and pour into the large, plastic container (furnished by the laboratory). KEEP SPECIMEN REFRIGERATED AT ALL TIMES DURING COLLECTION.
- Caution should be used when adding urine to the container to avoid splashing.
- The following morning (ex. 7:10 a.m.), collect urine voided and add this to the collected specimen in the container. This finishes the 24 hours.
- Return specimen to laboratory as soon as possible after last collection time.
- If specimen is delayed in transportation, refrigerate and bring in as soon as possible.
DNA:
- No cleansing of area necessary
- First morning void is a good specimen.
- Any specimen can be used for this testing, just remember to NOT clean before.