Laboratory FAQs

For electric current laboratory hours, please visit umass.edu/uhs/accesstocare/hours.

For COVID-xix testing information, visit umass.edu/uhs/covid-19-testing

Lab FAQs:

  • Tin can the UHS lab give me my COVID-19 test results?
  • Practice I really demand this exam?
  • When volition my results be ready?
  • How tin can I go my results?
  • Can the UHS lab exercise tests ordered past my home provider?
  • Do I take to pay for lab tests?
  • Will my blood test hurt?
  • How much blood practise you take?
  • Tin can I exercise later on having blood drawn?
  • Do I need to fast?

Can the UHS lab give me my COVID-xix test results?

No, the lab cannot give you your test results. Delight expect to receive your test results either by email or telephone.

Exercise I actually demand this test?

Providers only social club lab tests they need to make a diagnosis or other decisions about your care. You take the correct to reject any examination. However, every bit an informed patient, yous should understand that not having test results may affect your provider's ability to care for you.

When will my results be gear up?

Most routine tests are ready by the next mean solar day. Certain tests, such as blood counts, mono tests and urinalysis, can be set in an hour or less, if the provider orders them on an urgent basis. Bacterial cultures take 24 hours to three days. Viral cultures tin take three to 14 days. Pap smears and tissue biopsies take ii to three weeks.

How can I go my results?

Lab results are given to the ordering provider and placed in your UHS medical tape equally soon as they're available. You must get the results from a provider or nurse, so they can answer questions well-nigh intendance and medications. The UHS lab is non allowed to release results directly to yous.

To become your results, call the main UHS number, 413-577-5000, and ask to leave a message with the clinic where your provider is located. To make a follow-up engagement, telephone call 413-577-5101.

Can the UHS lab do tests ordered by my home provider?

Distressing, no. The UHS lab tin only perform tests ordered by a UHS provider. Your provider at home should not fax exam orders to the UHS lab.

If you have written test orders from your home provider, merely desire to employ the UHS lab, make an appointment with a UHS provider so your tests can be appropriately ordered.

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Do I accept to pay for lab tests?

Lab tests are billed to your master insurance; whatsoever uncovered deductibles are billed to you lot.

Will my blood test hurt?

Having blood drawn is a minimally invasive process taking less than a minute. Whatsoever pain is cursory and, for about people, slight. For your comfort and relaxation we have you lie down on a lounger.

How much blood do you take?

The amount depends on the tests your provider orders. The amount usually ranges from five to 20 milliliters (a few teaspoons to a few tablespoons). In comparison, almost 450 milliliters is taken when you donate blood.

Tin can I practice after having claret drawn?

It's best to postpone practice or carrying heavy objects for the first 60 minutes or then afterwards your venipuncture. You can remove your cast at that indicate.

Do I need to fast?

Fasting ways consuming nothing but water for 10 - 12 hours. The most commonly ordered tests requiring fasting are lipid panels, fasting claret carbohydrate and triglycerides.

If yous take questions almost tests your provider has ordered, just ask!

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