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New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network

 

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine: Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. What are lab tests?


  2. Why are lab tests ordered by a healthcare provider?


  3. Who performs the lab testing?


  4. Why do some tests need to be repeated?


  5. Do I call the laboratory for my results?


  6. How long before my physician receives the test results?


  7. Can I donate blood for myself prior to my upcoming surgery?
Question What are lab tests?
Answer Lab tests are medical tests that analyze samples of a person's body fluids, tissues or wastes.
Question Why are lab tests ordered by a healthcare provider?
Answer Lab tests are ordered to diagnose medical conditions, for health screening, and/or to monitor medication treatment.

They're an important part of health care today to solve some medical conditions that have similar symptoms and detect other conditions that have no systems at all.
Question Who performs the lab testing?
Answer Laboratories that perform moderate and high complexity tests are staffed by a Lab Director, Supervisors, and Medical Technologists/Technicians. People in all of these positions have highly specialized knowledge and skills and they must meet strict requirements.
Question Why do some tests need to be repeated?
Answer The reasons vary. If the results of a test are unclear or unexpected, second tests may be ordered. If you're on medication, periodic tests help to ensure proper dosage or to check for side effects.
Question Do I call the laboratory for my results?
Answer No - You must call your healthcare provider for results of laboratory testing. They will not only review the results with you but also explain what they mean in terms of your diagnosis and/or treatment plan.
Question How long before my physician receives the test results?
Answer This depends on how your physician ordered the test. There are different types of orders:

STAT: tests are completed within one hour
ROUTINE: tests are performed at specified intervals (usually 1 to 7 days)
SEND OUTS: results are obtained from within 2 days to 2 weeks
Question Can I donate blood for myself prior to my upcoming surgery?
Answer You should talk to your surgeon who will discuss with you typical blood usage for your type of surgical procedure and whether or not they think it's suitable for you. If it's recommended that you donate (3-42 days prior to your surgery) arrangements will be made with the Blood Bank to have your blood collected with the local blood supplier who will make it available to the medical center where your surgery is to be performed.

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