Laboratory Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers for Meadville Laboratory Services Patients
Our laboratory services at Meadville Medical Center (MMC) are dedicated
to the best, most advanced services for our patients. Contact us at (814)
333-5511 for more information. This page answers frequently asked questions
about our laboratory services.
Why do I have to register?
First we need to be sure that we have you properly identified with your
information in our system. Often there are two or more people in our database
with similar names. We need to take care not to bill the wrong person
or put your results with the wrong person's records. We also will
confirm that your insurance information is updated in our system so we
can accurately bill your insurance.
*NOTE: Be sure to tell the registration clerk of all the departments you
will be visiting, such as x-ray or lab. This will enable all tests and
procedures done that day to be registered at the same time.
Why is it important to register for each visit to the lab, even if they
are just days apart?
When registration records your information, they include the specific billing
data needed for the particular test(s) being analyzed that day. During
your next visit, your insurance information may not be different but the
tests being performed are either different or another specimen of a repeated
test. Our registration department must again record this specific information
for correct billing.
Why can't I just drop off a specimen, even if it was collected at my
doctor's office?
The specimen must be registered for proper patient identification and billing
purposes. We have many patients in our database with the same or similar
names, and we need to take special care to correctly identify each patient.
The specimen then needs to be taken to the lab to ensure it is acceptable.
Occasionally the specimen is not labeled. We cannot accept a specimen
that is not clearly labeled with a patient's name and date of collection.
*NOTE: Occult blood stool specimens may not be delivered by mail.
My doctor told me to collect a specimen at home, but I'm not sure I
am doing it right. What should I do?
If you have any questions about how to collect a specimen or are in need
of a collection container, please call our lab at (814) 333-5511. We would
be glad to answer your questions. Proper collection prevents the need
to recollect your specimen.
*NOTE: Stool specimens are not accepted in diapers.
Where do I deliver lab specimens?
You need to register before going to the lab. The specimen may be taken
to the lab at the Terrace Street facility or Vernon Place.
If both areas are closed, the specimen may be delivered to our main lab
located on the ground floor in the Liberty Street facility near the D&E
elevators. Remember that all specimens must be labeled with patient name
and date of collection.
How do I know if a test requires fasting?
If the test requires fasting, the number of hours required are written
beside the test in parentheses.
How will I find out the results of my lab tests?
You must contact your physician for your lab results. We are normally not
allowed to release the results to patients.
How do I get a copy of my results?
Because your results are confidential, they can only be released to your
physician or to you personally. If you have pre-op lab orders for surgery
at another facility, let us know you will be hand-delivering the results
when you come to get your blood taken. We will have the results ready
for you on the appointed day. If you want the results for any other reason,
you must come to our lab and sign a release form. This form ensures that
no unauthorized person has been given access to your test results. Results
are also viewable on the Patient Portal.
What type of tests does the lab perform?
The Laboratory at MMC is made up of seven technical areas. These areas
and their functions are as follows:
- Hematology (blood cell analysis)
- Microbiology (growth of abnormal bacteria and fungus)
- Blood Bank (match of donor units with patients in need of blood transfusions)
- Pathology (diagnosis of abnormal, primarily cancerous, cells by processing
tissues from Surgery)
- Chemistry / Special Chemistry (diagnosis and treatment by using serum to
analyze chemical components and enzymes)
- Serology / Immunology (detection of specific disease states by using antigen
antibody reactions)
- Urinalysis (conducting chemical and microscopic exams of urines for diagnostic purposes)
When, and where, can I get my lab test collected?
Outpatient phlebotomy services are available at our Terrace Street facility
and Vernon Place.
The Terrace Street phlebotomy service, located at 747 Terrace St. Meadville,
is open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The Vernon Place lab is open from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.