Lab services

A sensory room is a specially designed room that offers calming textures, visuals and sounds. The goal of the space is to make patients feel safe and relaxed. Patients may benefit from the sensory room if they have challenges with sensory processing, including those with ASD. 

Yes. Talk with your loved one about what will happen during the appointment. Try not to focus on the unpleasant or painful aspects of the procedure. 

Tools and toys from home can help distract, comfort and entertain patients during the procedure. We encourage you to bring the following items to your visit:

• Portable game device to play videos or music
• Favorite toy or stuffed animal
• Visually stimulating or tactile toys (for example, colorful or vibrating toys)

At most locations and for most routine lab services, you do not need to make an appointment. Walk-in services are available during regular business hours and you are welcome to use any of our convenient locations. However, some services require an appointment for specific tests including:

• Chloride sweat test
• Semen analysis and specimen collection
• Glucose tolerance
• Therapeutic phlebotomies

These types of tests are only offered at our hospital lab locations.

Be sure that you understand and follow the directions your medical provider has given you for the lab services they have ordered. Failure to do so may affect our ability to complete your lab work or impact the accuracy of your test results.

Some tests require you to fast before your lab test, which means no eating or drinking anything except water after midnight. Even if you are told to fast, continue drinking plenty of water. Hydration improves blood flow, ensures that your veins are accessible and increases the likelihood that your blood draw will be successful. For patients who have difficulty fasting, multiple Atlantic Health  lab locations open at 6:30 a.m.

In addition, continue to take or discontinue taking any medications or supplements as directed by your provider. If you have been told to stop taking a medication or supplement before your test, be sure you understand how and when to stop taking it, as well as when to start taking it again.

Along with your photo ID and insurance card, bring a copy of your lab orders with you. This is especially important if you are coming to an Atlantic Health laboratory from another provider, hospital or health system.

For pediatric patients or individuals with special needs, we recommend you talk with them before the procedure about what to expect without focusing on the unpleasant or painful aspects of the procedure. To help you with this conversation we have some visual resources available. You are welcome to bring along a favorite toy, stuffed animal or other entertainment to use during their service.

Depending on what type of lab work your provider has ordered, you may have your blood drawn by one of our skilled phlebotomists. If you have had a difficult time with a previous blood draw, tell our staff so that we can do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure a successful blood draw. 

Once your samples have been collected, you are free to go. If your provider required you to fast before your lab work, be sure to bring a snack to enjoy once you are done.

Some people experience mild bruising or pain at the needle site, but find it resolves within a few days. Most test results will be available within 24 to 48 hours after your samples are collected. Ask your provider any questions you have about your test results.