Where should I go to get my lab tests done?

As a one-woman enterprise, Dr. Chrissie has chosen not to do routine blood draws in the office.  Instead, you will be given a lab order and go to a near-by lab where a phlebotomist will draw your labs at your convenience.  Legacy and Providence are the most frequently used laboratories.  If you prefer another lab, please let Dr. Chrissie know.  

Legacy Lab Info:         503.413.1234

Providence Lab Info:   503.215.6555

What tests are done in the office?

 - Infant PKU heel sticks

- Rapid Strep and Flu tests can be performed in the office

- Urine Pregnancy Tests and Urinalysis

- A few others 

How long does it take to get my lab results?

Normally, lab results are received within 5–7 business days. After Dr. Chrissie has reviewed those results, she will e-mail you with an interpretation and any further comments. If you haven’t heard anything after 10 business days, feel free to email so we can track down your results together.

Can I eat or drink before my lab test?

If you are having a cholesterol panel or fasting blood sugar test performed, it is important that you not eat or drink for at least 10 hours before the test. You can drink water and a little black tea or coffee (no cream or sweetener) but nothing else.

How often should I get lab tests performed?

This answer varies widely for individuals.  Children should be screened for lead toxicity and anemia once around age one and adolescent girls may need anemia screening as well. For healthy adult patients, a periodic cholesterol test is recommended (every 5 yrs or so). If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, you should have follow-up tests done at least annually.  In our sun-challenged climate, many people are interested in their vitamin D levels, and we have found that the vast majority of otherwise healthy folks are in the deficient level.  This can be checked annually, too.

What tests should I get done if I’m concerned about Sexually Transmitted Infections?

Getting tests for sexually-transmitted infections is important, particularly if you’re concerned about an exposure. Please use the following as guidelines:

If you know you were exposed to HIV or Hepatitis, you should speak with your physician immediately to discuss early preventive treatment options.

If you want to get tested for HIV, please note that exposures in the most recent 6 months may not be detected immediately with standard tests.  Some patients prefer to seek anonymous or confidential testing to keep this result out of the formal medical record.

The blood test for Herpes (HSV) is not a perfect test. Though it may indicate that you’ve been exposed, it cannot tell us whether you have herpes or not. Many individuals may have been exposed to herpes but never develop any symptoms.

If you have any other concerns that are not covered here, you should probably schedule an appointment and discuss them with your physician.