Laboratory Services
The Laboratory has been accredited 'with distinction' by the College of American Pathologists. The accredidation places it in the same level of accreditation as much larger laboratories, such as the Mayo Clinic, and laboratories at university hospitals and larger Tennessee hospitals. The lab is also an integral part of the facility's disaster preparedness. Our personnel have received advanced training to recognize and detect microorganisms commonly used in acts of biological terrorism. The lab provides inpatient and outpatient testing to assist your physician in your diagnosis and treatment. We can even perform the tests for out-of -town specialists and fax them the results on the same day.
Important Information about your lab tests:
According to CLIA, the ordering physician is the only “authorized person” to receive lab results. As usual, there are exceptions. The physician can make a request that a patient be allowed to receive results directly from the performing lab. Each lab will have its own requirements as to how the physician can give permission; an attached signed note, sent along with the specimen and test requisition, a phone call where the physician can provide the sample requisition number, or a faxed note requesting you be given the results. [A standing order is also acceptable.]
You DO have the right to have a copy of your lab results, and your doctor will give you a copy. The reason you must obtain the results from a physician actually makes good sense. Most lay people are not familiar with laboratory lingo. This is why it's best to have your doctor give you a copy; s/he has the opportunity to explain the values to you. “Normal” lab results vary person to person, depending on their medical history. A value that might be considered too high for most people, might be where your doctor wants your results, according to your condition.