Patient Frequently Asked Questions about Laboratory Tests


REQUESTING LAB TESTS

• Can I request my own laboratory tests?
  Patients cannot order tests themselves, but if you are interested in having a specific laboratory test performed, please ask your healthcare provider if the test is appropriate for you, and if he/she can order the test(s) for you.
  

• Do I need to fast before having my specimen collected at a Patient Service Center?
  Some blood tests do require fasting prior to having your blood drawn. Please contact your healthcare provider to determine his/her requirements for your specific testing.

LAB TEST RESULTS

• How long does it take to receive test results?
  Depending on the test performed, most tests are completed and reported to your ordering healthcare provider within about 24 hours of receiving the sample for testing. Certain tests take several days to weeks. Results are sent directly to the ordering healthcare professional. Please ask your healthcare provider to contact you when your test results have been received.

• Can I receive a copy of my test results?
  As you may know, the Data Privacy Rule under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) allows patients to request access to their medical information. At the same time, however, laws in some states prohibit clinical laboratories from releasing laboratory test results directly to patients. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) require that ACS follow state law and, where state law is more strict than HIPAA, ACS is not permitted to release your test results to you. If your healthcare provider ordered your test for you, please contact your healthcare provider to obtain copies of your test results.

If state law does not prohibit ACS from releasing test results to you, you may fill out an ACS Request for Access Form to request a copy of your test results directly from ACS. Details on how to request a copy of your test results can be found in our online Notice of Privacy Practices.

• Can I see my test results online?
  Currently, we do not have a means for patients to access their own test results online. Results for laboratory tests performed by ACS are reported to the healthcare provider who ordered the test(s) and are not sent directly to you. Please check with your healthcare provider to review your test results.

• Can ACS help me interpret my results?
  Please address questions related to interpretation of your test results to your personal healthcare provider.
  
• Your doctor will interpret your laboratory test results (that is, determine their meaning) in conjunction with information about your medical history, physical examination, and other test results, and provide you with medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
• If you do not have a personal healthcare provider, you may contact the American Medical Association at www.ama-assn.org for information on healthcare providers in your area.