Why are In-House Labs better than Outsourcing Lab Work?

In-house labs in an urgent care setting carry particular advantages over outsourcing lab work, chief among them being speed and efficiency. In urgent care situations, time is of the essence. Having an in-house lab allows for immediate processing and faster turnaround times for lab results. This rapid diagnostics capability can greatly impact patient outcomes by enabling timely intervention and treatment.

Another key advantage is the potential for improved patient experience. With an in-house lab, patients can have all their needs met in one location, without the need for additional appointments or travel to separate facilities for lab work. This one-stop-shop approach enhances patient convenience, reduces the stress and hassle of healthcare, and can also minimize the delay or miscommunication that may occur when transferring medical data between different entities.

Everyone is Kept in the Loop

Moreover, in-house labs in urgent care provide better integration and coordination of care. Physicians can directly interact with the lab, request specific tests, and discuss results, which may lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments.

Furthermore, keeping everything under one roof helps maintain a continuity of care, ensuring that all the patient’s health information is centralized and easily accessible for the healthcare team, reducing the chances of miscommunication or oversight.

You don’t have to be a patient to take advantage of our state-of-the-art on-site labs. We make lab tests easier and more convenient than your typical options. So, walk away from slow and inconvenient. Walk in for fast and easy urgent care blood work, diagnostic tests, and more.

What can I do to Prepare for an In-House Lab Test at Liberty Urgent Care?

  • Follow the Doctor’s Instructions: Your doctor or nurse may give you specific instructions to follow before your test, such as fasting for a certain period, refraining from certain foods or drinks, or temporarily stopping certain medications. Follow these instructions closely.

  • Fasting: If your test requires fasting, you’ll need to avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for a certain period before your test. This period is typically 8-12 hours, but your healthcare provider will give you exact instructions.

  • Hydrate: Unless otherwise instructed, make sure to drink plenty of water before your test. This can make it easier to draw blood if a blood test is required.

  • Medication: If you’re taking any medication, ask your healthcare provider if you should continue taking it before the test. Certain medications can affect the results of some tests.

  • Bring ID and Insurance Information: You’ll need to bring a form of identification and your health insurance information to your appointment.

  • Bring a List of Symptoms or Concerns: If you’re experiencing any symptoms or health issues that prompted the lab test, make a list of them and bring it with you. This can help your healthcare provider interpret the results of the test.

  • Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothes that give healthcare providers easy access to areas where they may need to draw blood, such as your arm.

  • Be Ready for Possible Side Effects: Some tests can cause minor side effects like bruising or light-headedness. Be prepared for these potential effects.

  • Ask Questions: If you’re not sure what the test is for, how it will be conducted, or how you should prepare, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. It’s important to understand what’s going to happen during the test and why it’s being done.

Remember, each lab test is different and may require unique preparation. Always consult with your healthcare provider for specific instructions related to your individual circumstances.