Patient FAQs
Is there a difference between labs?
How can I find a lab that’s convenient for me?
Can you tell me more about the tests that I’m having?
How soon will my doctor get my lab results?
How can I obtain my lab results?
What if I have questions about my bill?
Will I have to wait long to have my blood drawn?
Why do you ask for my personal information more than once?
Why do you need more than one vial of blood?
Should I use the same lab for all of my lab work?
How do I collect 24 hour urine samples?
How do I collect stool samples?
How can I learn about pregnancy-related testing?
Getting the answers you need.
There is plenty of information on the internet about labs and lab testing. Unfortunately, much of it is written for doctors and scientists. So it isn’t always easy to find explanations of the things you need to know, written in a way that’s simple to understand.
At URMC Labs, we believe that labs and lab tests should be understandable by everyone. That’s why we’ve created this FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): It’s here to explain the things you need to know, in words that don’t require medical training to be understood.
Of course, this FAQ can never answer every question. But it can answer more and more of them, with your help. Let us know if there are other questions you would like to have answered here. Send your questions to labservicesoutreach@urmc.rochester.edu
Why Is Choosing the Right Lab So Important?
Questions & Answers About Your Lab
Your Lab. An Important Choice.
Over 75% of the decisions your doctor makes about your health care are based on lab results. Your doctor is depending on information received from your lab to make the best possible choices for you. So it’s important to make sure your lab provides the highest quality results.
Q: Is there a difference between labs?
A: Though every lab strives to provide accurate lab results, not every lab is the same. URMC Labs is part of the University of Rochester Medical Center—the only Academic Medical Center in the area. As a result, we have the largest range of tests. We also have the area’s top specialists in pathology, so your doctor can rely on their expertise if he or she has any questions relating to your lab tests.
Q: Can I go to any lab I want?
A: The choice of what lab you go to is usually up to you. If your doctor wants you to go to a particular lab, you should follow that advice. But if your doctor does not specify one, you can choose whichever lab you prefer.
About Your Lab Experience
Q: How can I find a lab that’s convenient for me?
A: With over 25 locations in and around Rochester, we try to make it easy for you to find a lab that’s nearby– wherever you are.To get an up-to-date listing of lab locations and their hours of operation, simply visit www.URMC-Labs.com or call Client Services at (585) 350-2600 or (800) 747-4769.
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Q: Can you tell me more about the tests that I’m having?
A: Many tests have more than one purpose. We are always happy to tell you the names of your tests, but we can’t tell you why you are having them performed. We do not know your medical history, and the person drawing your blood is not a doctor. If you have questions about a particular test, it’s important for you to speak to your physician.
Q: How soon will my doctor get my lab results?
A: This depends on what tests are ordered. Most routine outpatient tests are reported to your physician within 24 hours. Microbiology and specialty testing may take several days to several weeks.
Q: How can I obtain my lab results?
A: It is best to obtain your lab results directly from your provider so the results can be conveyed by the person who knows your clinical history the best. If your provider indicates in writing on your lab requisition to us that we have permission to provide your results to you, please call Client Services at (585) 350-2600 or toll free (800) 747-4769.
Q: What if I have questions about my bill?
A: If you have questions about your insurance policy coverage or deductibles that may apply to lab work, please call your insurance carrier. For other questions related to your lab bill, please call the Patient Accounts department at (585) 784-8500 or toll free (800) 544-0877.
Q: Will I have to wait long to have my blood drawn?
A: We help our patients on a first come, first served basis, and we always do our best to have you in and out within 20 minutes. However, our busiest time is from 8:00 am -10:00 am in the morning, so if possible, it is best to come at other times of the day. To help you with scheduling, we have several sites that are open later in the evening, or on the weekends, and we will soon have a site that takes appointments.
Q: Why do you ask for my personal information more than once?
A: When you have lab work done, it is critical that you receive your own results — not someone else’s. The treatment you receive from your doctor is depending on it. So we do multiple checks to make sure we have your name and other information correct. Most labs process several thousand patient samples each day. By asking for your name and other information several times, we help ensure that you always get the correct lab results. This is an important part of our quality control.
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Q: Why do you need more than one vial of blood?
A: We continually work to make sure our tests require the least amount of blood possible. Still, different tests often require separate tubes of blood. This depends on the tests your doctor requests. You can rest assured, though, that we will only draw the minimum amount of blood required.
Q: How can I make it hurt less?
A: We all realize that having blood drawn is going to hurt a little bit. In general, it feels like a bug bite. The best way to make the process easier is simply to trust your phlebotomist. All of our phlebotomists are highly trained, and they take pride in making the process as pleasant and pain-free as possible. If having your blood drawn makes you nervous, talk to your phlebotomist. This can help us to find a way to make things more comfortable for you.
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Q: Should I use the same lab for all of my lab work?
A: While it isn’t necessary for you to use the same lab all of the time, it can be beneficial to you and to those who provide your medical care. When you use URMC Labs consistently, for example, all of your lab results are consolidated into a single place where your doctors can review them at regular intervals, if needed.
Q: How do I collect 24 hour urine samples?
Patient instructions for 24 hour urine collection
Patient instructions for 24 hour super saturation analysis urine collection
Q: How do I collect stool samples?
Patient instructions for fecal fat collection
Patient instructions for stool collection
Stool test & collection containers
Q: How can I learn about pregnancy-related testing?
First trimester screening Spanish version
Second trimester screening Spanish version
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Do you have other questions about having your blood drawn?
Ask your doctor. Visit our website at www.URMC-Labs.com. Contact Client Services at (585) 350-2600 or (800) 747-4769.
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Rochester Medical Center
601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 608
Rochester, New York 14642
Tele: (585) 350-2600
Toll Free: (800) 747-4769
www.URMC-Labs.com