Lab Services
Sound Family Medicine offers laboratory services at all of our locations, including our walk-in clinics.
Many tests are run at our onsite labs, resulting in quick turnaround times for test results. For tests that cannot be run onsite, we partner with an outside reference lab. For our established patients, we accept and process lab orders from other facilities, ensuring that the results are returned to the ordering provider. Please note that fees associated with our lab are separate from your office visit.
Tests done in house at Sound Family Medicine will be billed either to you or your insurance company. Tests sent out to third-party laboratories will be billed separately by them. For a list of common tests and screenings, please read below. Please note that drug abuse testing and urine toxicology collections are available at our 31st Ave clinic and 10th St clinic labs only.
Urine Testing/Urine Toxicology (UTox)
A drug abuse test looks for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, MDMA, oxycodone, opiates and THC. A urine toxicology screen tests for all these substances as well as alcohol. We offer legal observed or non-observed chain of custody urine toxicology at our 31st Ave Lab.
This testing is used for DOT, FAA, USCGS, court systems, law enforcement, attorneys, schools, and employers. Results for a urine test normally take 2 to 3 business days for legal chain of custody and about 2 days for clinical drug tests.
Cholesterol Testing
Adults with normal cholesterol levels need to be screened every five years. For those with borderline or high cholesterol levels, or with other medical conditions including diabetes or atherosclerosis, your provider may recommend more frequent testing.
Diabetes Screening
Adults with high blood pressure should be screened for diabetes once a year. For your convenience, this can often be done at the time of a routine physical exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast for blood work?
Your provider and care team will provide instructions if fasting is required before a blood work. If you have been instructed to fast, drink nothing but water 10 to 12 hours prior to blood draw. You may take medication with water at this time.
This is still a case-by-case basis – please follow the instructions provided by your care team depending on the need for blood work testing.
When will results be complete?
Most lab tests only take 3-5 business days to process and result. Some tests can take longer depending on the test or processing location.
What can I expect results for testing or imaging referred out or coming from another facility?
X-ray, ultrasound, CT (computed tomography imaging) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) results are usually received at our office within five (5) working days after the test is performed. We will contact you by letter, phone call or mySFM with these results within ten (10) working days after the test is performed.
Results of testing performed at Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department are usually received at our office within five (5) working days.
Out-of-town ER visits, hospital or outside lab results are less predictable in reaching our office. Please advise us if there are tests you want us to review with you so that we can request them prior to your visit.
How will I hear from my provider about the results?
Mychart – the quickest: You will see results in your MyChart labs immediately after they are processed. It may take your provider a few additional days to fully review your results before contacting you via MyChart or phone call**
Follow up Lab appointment: Your provider will wait to review those results with you at that appointment. Please schedule before you leave. Please note this will be billed as a regular office visit.
If you do NOT have MyChart or a Follow-up appointment: Once your provider has reviewed your results, they will either call you with results or send you a letter in the mail If you would like to set up MyChart please let us know and we will help you
**please give your provider that time to review those results even though you will be able to see them immediately.
