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1. What should I know prior to my tests?
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We will need to verify your insurance card at each visit.
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You must bring a signed lab order from your health care provider. Your order should include:
- Name, date of birth and social security number
- Desired test(s) clearly indicated
- A diagnosis or ICD-9 code for each test ordered
- An authorized signature from your health care provider
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Occasionally your health care provider may call or fax a lab order to the lab site of your choice.
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Fasting may be required. Please verify with your health care provider.
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Medicare patients may be asked to sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice waiver accepting financial responsibility
if the diagnosis provided does not cover the tests(s) ordered.
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Patients with timed tests may need to be prioritized.
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Contact your health care provider for the results of you laboratory test(s).
2. Do I need to fast before my test?
Some tests do require that you sustain from eating and drinking for several hours before the test. Cholesterol, glucose and lipid tests are a few examples of these tests. Ask your health care provider about any specific instructions for the tests that have been ordered for you.
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3. What will happen during the test, and how long will it take?
After registration, most tests only take a few minutes. A phlebotomist, a health care professional specially trained in drawing blood, will take you to a private area to collect your blood. He or she will also advise you in the collection of any other specimens that are necessary.
4. Where are my specimens sent for testing?
Martin Memorial processes almost all lab tests at our main state-of-the-art laboratory facility at Martin Memorial Hospital South. Because we perform tests locally, your health care provider will get quick results. The few specialty tests that are not performed at Martin Memorial are sent to a national reference laboratory, ARUP Laboratories.
5. When and how do I get my test results?
Most of the results for tests performed locally at Martin Memorial's laboratory will be available to your health care provider within 24 to 48 hours. A few tests take longer. Test results must be obtained from your health care provider. After your health care provider has reviewed the results of your laboratory tests, he or she should contact you to explain the results, talk to you about any other tests or treatment options that may be necessary, and answer any questions that you may have.
6. What are some commonly requested tests?
There are hundreds of tests that can be performed. Read more about some of the more commonly requested lab tests. |