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iThe laboratory at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital (NNRH) is staffed with Phlebotomists and Medical Technologists. These are highly trained professionals who collect and process laboratory specimens. The technologists perform diagnostic testing on blood and other body fluids such as cell counts, microscopic examination, chemical analysis, coagulation studies and cultures. Blood components are obtained from the American Red Cross in Salt Lake City, Utah. All blood units are extensively tested for infectious diseases and blood borne pathogens.
Pathology services are provided to NNRH by Dr. George Mardini at Great Basin Pathology. Dr. Mardini is also the Medical Director of the Laboratory.
Laboratory tests require an order from your physician or other healthcare provider. You may either bring the order with you when you visit our lab or your provider may fax the order to 775-748-2111. Patients with standing (recurrent) orders may call ahead to register by phone to expedite their visit to the phlebotomy station. If interested, please ask the phlebotomist about this service on your next visit.
Physicians, you may download a Lab Menu with more information on specific tests by clicking here.
The laboratory at NNRH is open for Outpatients from 8am- 8pm, 7 days per week. The staff serves patients from the Emergency Department as well as every hospital unit 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Employer-Ordered (Pre-employment and regular testing) Drug Screening Collections / Services are available from 8am – 8pm, 7 days per week.
Our laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment. Our instrumentation includes two Sysmex XT2000s, two Siemens Atellicas, Siemens Sysmex CA-560 and CA-540, Siemens Microscan, Roche Urisys 1800 and two Siemans Rapid Point 500s.
Do I need to be fasting for my lab tests?
Fasting is required for some tests. Common tests that require fasting are CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Screening), Fasting Glucose, Glucose Tolerance Tests, Lipid studies (Triglyceride, HDL/LDL), Iron and Iron Binding studies, Insulin and Vitamin levels. For most tests an eight hour fast is long enough, but for Lipid studies, it is best if you fast 12 hours.
When I am fasting, may I drink water?
Yes, when you have fasting lab tests, please drink water. You may brush your teeth, take your medications (unless specifically told by your doctor not to), and even drink non-caloric drinks. Please do not consume anything with calories.
Do I need a doctor's order to get a lab test done?
Yes, your doctor can give you an order to bring in with you or fax an order. Our fax number is 775-748-2111.
Do I have to make an appointment?
The lab is open for outpatient services from 8AM to 8PM, 7 days per week. No appointment is necessary for most tests. Exceptions include paternity testing, semen analysis, and insurance physicals.
Can I come directly to the lab to have my blood drawn?
When you come to NNRH, you will be asked to register prior to your sample being obtained. If you have been to see us recently, and your information (insurance, address, phone number, emergency contact information) is current in the computer system, registration should only take a few minutes. If you are new to us or your information has changed, registration may take a few more minutes. If you are a patient with "standing orders" for recurrent lab work, we have an option for you to register by phone. Please ask one of the laboratory staff on your next visit for information about this.
Why are so many tubes of blood needed?
Though the amount of blood may appear to be a lot, each tube holds a few spoonfuls and is not nearly enough to hurt you. The average adult has 6 pints of blood circulating, equal to about 12 cups. 2 or 3 ounces is safe to remove for testing. The different colored caps on the tubes indicate what additive is in the tube. These additives are anticoagulants or preservatives. Different tests need to be drawn in different additives.
Can I obtain a copy of my results?
Yes, you may pick up a copy of your results at the laboratory (be prepared to show us a picture ID) or we may mail them to you at the address you supply at the time of registration. To protect your privacy, we will not give lab results over the phone or fax them to a non-secure (personal) fax number. We will ask you to sign a release of information form, so that we have record of disclosure of your results.
When will my doctor get the results?
Your doctor will receive your results as soon as they are complete. For most tests that will be the same day the sample is taken. Some tests, particularly cultures, require several days. Again, these results will fax or print to your doctor's office via our computerized automated fax system when they are complete.
Will you call me if my results are abnormal?
No. Your results will go directly to the physician who ordered them.
Can you tell me what my blood type is?
Your doctor needs to specifically order blood typing to be done. This probably will not be done unless it is medically necessary for your situation. Going to your local blood bank and donating a unit of blood is an easy way to find out what your blood type is.