Laboratory

Providers only order lab tests they need to make a diagnosis or other decisions about your care. You have the right to refuse any test. However, as an informed patient, you should understand that not having test results may impact your provider's ability to care for you.

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

Your test results will be released to the UMass Patient Portal as soon as they are available. You will receive an email notification that your lab results are available to view in the UMass Patient Portal. Login to the portal and go to UHS Medical Providers > Lab Results to view your results.

When will I hear from my provider? Some tests come back sooner than others. Your provider may wait for everything to come back before contacting you. If you have an upcoming appointment, they may review the results at the upcoming appointment.

What should I do if my results are not normal? Please know that not all results marked as "abnormal" are cause for concern. Your provider can explain which tests need attention once all the results are available. If you have concerns that cannot wait, please send a secure message to your provider.

Yes. We can process orders from home providers, and test results will be sent directly to the home provider. Please note that laboratory order are accepted Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. due to the time required for review, verification, and processing.

Lab tests are billed to your primary insurance; any uncovered deductibles are billed to you.

Having blood drawn is a minimally invasive procedure taking less than a minute. Any pain is brief and, for most people, slight. For your comfort and relaxation we have you lie down on a lounger.

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, about 450 milliliters is taken when you donate blood.

It’s best to postpone exercise or carrying heavy objects for the first hour or so after your venipuncture. You can remove your bandage at that point.

Fasting means consuming nothing but water for 10 - 12 hours. The most commonly ordered tests requiring fasting are lipid panels, fasting blood sugar and triglycerides. If you have questions about tests your provider has ordered, just ask!