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Frequently Asked Questions: Laboratory Procedures
- Can Watkins lab do tests ordered by my family doctor or specialist?
- Do I really have to have this lab test?
- How can I get my lab results?
- When will my lab results be ready?
- How much will this lab work cost?
- Will this blood test hurt?
- How much blood do you take?
- Can I exercise after having blood drawn?
- Do I need to be fasting?
Can Watkins Lab do tests ordered by my family doctor or specialist?
Yes. All we need is an order from your doctor including a diagnosis,
tests wanted, your name, and the doctor's name, address, phone
and fax, if applicable. You can bring the orders with you or your
doctor can fax them to us at 785.864.9479.
Providers/doctors only order lab tests they need to make a diagnosis or other decisions about ongoing care to keep you healthy. You do have the right to refuse any test however, as an informed patient, you need to realize that not having those test results may impact your provider's ability to take care of you.
Your lab results are given to the ordering provider and also placed in your medical record at Watkins as soon as they are available. Watkins policy is that you have to get the lab results from a provider or nurse so that they can answer your questions about ongoing care and medications. This can be accomplished by leaving a message with the Watkins message desk at 785.864.9494, or by making an appointment to see your provider through the appointment desk at 785.864.9507. If you see an outside doctor, you can get your results from them or from a Watkins nurse. Watkins lab is not allowed to release the results directly to you. Pap smear results are mailed to you at the address you specify after we receive the results from the pathologist. You do not have to make a special request for this service.
Certain tests such as blood counts, mono test, urinalysis, and rapid strep tests can be ready in a half hour or less if the provider orders them as an urgent test. Most routine tests are ready by the next day. Bacterial cultures take 24 hours to three days. Viral cultures can take three to 14 days. Pap smears and tissue biopsies take two to three weeks.
Lab tests at Watkins are generally 20-40% less than the community price. Lab staff will be happy to tell you the cost of any particular test. Call 785.864.9544. (There are hundreds of tests, unfortunately too many to list here). Most insurance policies cover lab tests to some degree. Watkins Business Office can submit your claim if you give them your insurance information.
Having blood drawn is a minimally invasive procedure taking less than a minute. Any pain experienced is brief and, for most people, slight. Our medical technologists have over 90 years (!) combined experience drawing blood and do their utmost to make it a good experience. We also have wonderful, cushy, loungers for you to relax in or a bed to make you comfortable.
The amount depends on the specific tests your provider orders. For most people the amount varies between five and 20 milliliters-- a few teaspoons to a few tablespoons. (FYI the pint taken when you donate blood contains 450 milliliters. Thus, you can see that we are only taking a very small amount for these medical tests.)
Only for certain tests. The most commonly ordered tests that require fasting are:
- lipid panels
- fasting blood sugar
- triglycerides
Fasting means nothing but water for ten to 12 hours. The lab will be happy to answer this question in regard to any particular test your provider has ordered.
