Phlebotomy FAQs
Information About Blood Drawing Services
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from patients and taking the blood specimens to the laboratory to prepare for testing.
What is fasting and do I need to be fasting?
Some blood tests do require fasting prior to having your blood drawn. Please contact your healthcare provider to determine his/her requirements for your specific testing.
The nutrients in the food and beverages you consume are absorbed into your bloodstream and could impact factors measured by certain tests. Tests to determine your lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL) usually require fasting. You also will be told to fast before glucose testing. Other tests may also require fasting. If you don’t fast, or fast for a shorter time than prescribed, your tests could give inaccurate results, meaning you’ll likely have to repeat the test. If you think fasting is going to be a problem for you, please discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Fasting is when you consume no food or drinks, with the exception of water, for a set period of time. It’s important to drink plenty of water, not just because you’re not eating, but because it’s easier to draw blood from your veins when you’re well hydrated.
Generally, before a lipid or a glucose tolerance test, you’ll be told to fast for eight hours. However, your healthcare provider may advise you differently. Always follow his/her instructions to the letter.
Be sure to take your usual medications unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider. If you’re taking vitamin/mineral supplements, ask whether you should continue to take those as well.
Do I need an appointment?
No, we operate on a drop-in basis. Wait times are typically longest in the early morning.
Can I request my own laboratory tests?
Individuals cannot order tests themselves, but if you are interested in having a specific laboratory test performed, please ask your healthcare provider if the test is appropriate for you and if he/she can order the test(s) for you.
Do you do blood typing?
Yes, we perform blood type testing with an order from your healthcare provider.
Do you do paternity testing?
No, we do not perform paternity testing. Please contact 800-359-9465
Do you do forensic (legal) testing?
No, we do not perform forensic or legal testing. Please contact 800-523-6487
Do you accept blood donations or pay for blood donations?
No, please contact American Red Cross for information on donating blood.
How long will it take to get my results?
Depending on the complexity of the test performed, tests may be completed in as little as a few hours to several days or even weeks. Results are sent directly to the ordering healthcare professional. Please do not call the laboratory for results.
How will I receive my lab results?
Your lab results are very important to us. All laboratory results are sent to the physician requesting the tests. They are also placed in your medical record as soon as they are completed. Regulations do not permit laboratory employees to give results to patients. Please contact your doctor for the results of your tests.
You may also view your results on MyChart. MyChart is a free online service from Confluence Health that enables you to use any computer or mobile device to renew your prescriptions, schedule or request appointments, check lab results, send messages to your care team, view/pay your bill, and more. Sign up for a MyChart account here.
What is this test for?
Your healthcare provider can answer this best. General information about lab testing can be found online at Lab Tests Online
