NEWS
RELEASES:
Direct Access Lab Testing Expanded
Saint John’s Clinical Laboratory is now
providing Direct Access Testing for laboratory tests
requested by individuals without a physician’s order. The
Clinical Laboratory has offered two tests (total cholesterol
and fasting glucose) for several years. The test menu is
being expanded to offer more choices including complete
lipid profiles, hemoglobin A1c, and several other commonly
requested tests.
Direct Access Testing specimens will be collected only at
the Ambulatory Services Center (2020 Meridian St.) in the
Outpatient Testing Center (Suite 150) during normal
operating hours of Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When individuals enter the suite, they should inform the
greeter that they wish to have Direct Access Testing
performed. They will be asked to complete a consent/order
form and provide payment prior to collection. Payment may be
made as cash, check, debit, or credit. Since most insurance
companies will only cover tests ordered by a physician,
Saint John’s will not submit to insurance for reimbursement.
Results will be returned to the individual in the mail.
They will not be sent to any physicians. It will be up to
the individual to take a copy of these results to his/her
personal doctor.
Any person, 18 years of age or older, can request testing
on themselves. Parents or legal guardians may request and
sign the consent form for anybody under the age of 18 years.
All test results will have an accompanying “normal range”
printed on the report. Normal ranges can vary based on the
age and sex of the person being tested so you should compare
your results to the normal range on your report only.
Laboratory test results by themselves cannot be used to
determine if one has or does not have a specific diagnosis
or condition. Even if all the laboratory test results are in
the “normal” range on your report, it does not eliminate the
possibility that one may have a condition that warrants
further investigation by a personal doctor. Laboratory test
results are used with other diagnostic tests and a physical
examination by a qualified health care provider, such as a
medical doctor or nurse practitioner, to diagnosis health
conditions, make treatment plans, and monitor progress. It
is highly recommended that all participants in this program
discuss the results obtained from these screening tests with
a qualified health care provider.
The following tests are available
Fasting Lipid Panel: This test will determine your
total cholesterol as well as the amount of “high density
lipoprotein” (good cholesterol), “low density lipoprotein”
(bad cholesterol), and triglyceride level. A 12-14 hour fast
is recommended for the most accurate results. $35
Glucose: The total amount of glucose (or sugar) in
your blood is determined. The amount of glucose in your
blood will vary throughout the day based on when and what
you eat and physical activity. An 8 hour fast is recommended
to get the most accurate baseline for patients. $10
ALT: This is a liver enzyme and it is often used to
monitor the effects of certain medications on the system.
$10
Hemoglobin A1c: The test reflects the average blood
glucose level in the blood over the 6-8 weeks prior to
testing. It is not dependent on fasting state. It is used to
help monitor individuals with diabetes to determine
long-term diabetic control. $25
Blood Type (ABO/Rh): The population is one of four
major blood types of the ABO blood group system (A, B, AB,
or O). In addition, all individuals are either positive or
negative for the presence on the Rh factor. $20
Total Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is the component on the
red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all
the tissues in the body. $10
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): This hormone is
involved in the stimulation of the thyroid gland to produce
other thyroid hormones. This helps in the diagnosis of
hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. $40
Total Cholesterol: This is one component of the Lipid
Panel. $10
Urine (dipstick): This is a chemical analysis of your
urine and includes tests for the presence or absence of
glucose, ketones, proteins, bilirubin, red blood cells,
white blood cells, pH, specific gravity, and nitrates. $15
Electrolytes: A measure of the amount of potassium,
sodium, chloride, carbon dioxide, and calcium in your blood.
$25
BUN/Creatinine: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and
Creatinine are tests that are used to help evaluate renal
(kidney) function. $10
Total Iron: Iron is a necessary component for your
body to make hemoglobin. $20
Blood Cell Count: This group of tests includes red
blood cell count, white blood cell count, platelet count,
hemoglobin and hematocrit. Red blood cells contain
hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to all the
tissues in the body. White blood cells fight infections,
such as bacteria and viruses. Platelets are involved in the
clotting of blood. $25
Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) Screen: PSA is used
to help screen for prostate cancer. PSA testing alone is not
enough. Up to 25% of prostate cancers will be missed if this
blood test is done alone. In order to diagnose the presence
of prostate cancer, a digital rectal exam performed by a
qualified medical doctor is needed in addition to the blood
screening test. $45
Urine Screen of Drugs of Abuse: A screening test for
amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine
metabolites, opiate metabolites, PCP, methadone, oxycodone,
methaqualones, and hydrocodone is available. These tests are
considered screening tests only. $50
For more information, call the Laboratory at 646-8225.
(Nov. 14, 2008) |
