OSF System Laboratory - Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go to have my blood drawn and/or urine collected for laboratory tests?

Go to the OSF Medical Office Building, Suite 101, to have blood drawn or urine collected. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. For most laboratory tests, no appointment is necessary. Exceptions are the Glucose Tolerance Test, where appointments are advised. For hours other than these, you must go to the Emergency Department for registration.

Can I get the results of my laboratory tests by calling the laboratory?

The Laboratory staff is prohibited from giving results to patients or their families except in rare circumstances where the physician has written an order indicating to whom results can be given. Results are sent from the Laboratory to your physician.

What does fasting mean, regarding laboratory tests?

Fasting means that you do not eat, smoke or drink anything but water during the specified time.

What laboratory tests require that I fast before having my blood drawn?

The most commonly ordered fasting tests are:

  • fasting blood glucose (sugar); fast for 6 to 8 hours

  • lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL); fast for 12 to 14 hours

  • gastrin; fast for 12 hours

  • viral antibody tests such as influenza antibody, which are performed by a method known as complement fixation; fast for 6 to 8 hours

What is a "clean catch" urine specimen, and why is it important?

A clean catch specimen requires that you clean the external area of the urinary tract. This is important because the many bacteria normally on this area could interfere with and cause confusion and misleading results in tests done on the urine.

What is a 24-hour urine collection?

For some laboratory tests, all urine during a 24-hour period must be collected and added to a large jug, which is provided by the laboratory. It is most important that every drop of urine during the 24 hours be added to the jug, as total volume is used in calculation of the test result. Your physician or the laboratory staff will give you specific instructions about the collection.

What do I need to know about the colorectal cancer screen?

A test for blood in your stool, which can indicate colon cancer, is a simple test in which you apply a portion of your stool to a special card and return it to the Laboratory for testing. It is important for you to know that you do not collect samples during, or until three days after your menstrual period, or while you have bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in the urine. For accurate results, the following diet should be followed for at least 48 hours before collection stool samples.

Foods to eat:

  • Well cooked pork, poultry or fish
  • Any cooked fruits and vegetables
  • High fiber foods

Foods to avoid:

  • Red meat
  • Any raw fruits and vegetables (especially melons, radishes, turnips and horseradish)
  • Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg/day
  • Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (avoid seven days prior to test)