Laboratory

About Our Laboratory

The Heart of Texas Healthcare System Laboratory is licensed by COLA, a clinical laboratory organization that offers education, consultation, and accreditation services and verifies that clinical laboratories are meeting CLIA and other regulatory requirements. Our Lab was awarded COLA’s Laboratory Excellence Award for 2013-2014 in acknowledgement of its outstanding performance in quality patient testing and overall exemplary application of the principles of laboratory practices.

Laboratory Services

Our Laboratory offers services to patients whose physicians are located not only in Brady, but anywhere in the U.S. All that is needed is a physician’s order which includes the patient name, date of birth, and testing requested with suitable diagnoses. It should also include the physician’s name, address, phone and fax numbers. Your physician can even fax the order to us at 325.792.9047. Upon completion your test results will be faxed to your physician. Outreach services are also provided to Home Health agencies and Nursing Homes.

Turnaround Time

Stat Testing: Usually one (1) hour or less
Routine Testing: 3-4 hours or less

Tests Performed at Our Lab

There are many other tests available through our reference laboratory, Hendrick Regional Laboratory (HRL) in Abilene, which offers routine courier service for specimen pickup Monday through Saturday. Turnaround time for these tests vary widely. Call Laboratory for estimated time for results.

Transfusion Services

Transfusion services for routine and emergency transfusions are offered through HRL Transfusion Services with the blood products being supplied by<br> Meek Blood Services. Meek Blood Center Mobile Unit comes to Brady on a scheduled basis for donor services.

Laboratory FAQ

Q. Where do I go to get my lab work done?<br> A. The Heart of Texas Healthcare System Laboratory is located just inside the hospital main entrance. Please stop at the Registration Desk upon entering the hospital to complete registration prior to testing.

Q. Do I have to make an appointment?<br> A. No. You do not need an appointment. The only exception would be for Glucose Tolerance Testing. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Q. What items do I need to take with me to the Laboratory?<br> A. You should bring the following information with you to the lab:

• The doctor’s orders/request form requesting laboratory testing, unless your doctor has already previously faxed your order to 325-792-9047.
• A current insurance identification card (private insurance, HMO/PPO, Medicare, or Medicaid). Self pay patients are also welcome.
• Photo identification

Q. Does the lab accept my insurance?<br> A. Call 325-792-3501 to verify insurance coverage.

Q. Do I need to do anything special to prepare for a lab test?<br> A. There are some tests that should be fasting: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) and Lipid Panel are among those tests for which an approximate twelve (12) hour fast is appropriate. There are many other lab tests that may require special instructions. Your physician should provide you with this information.

Q. Who will report my test results to me?<br> A. The physician who ordered the test or a member of the physician’s staff will contact you regarding your test results.

Q. When will my doctor/provider receive my results?<br> A. Depending on the complexity of the test, results could be available in a few hours or in several days. Because most of the routine laboratory testing is done on the premises, the expected turnaround time for these tests is less than 24 hours.

Q. Whom should I contact if I have a question about my bill/invoice?<br> A. Please call Heart of Texas Healthcare System Patient Billing at 325-792-3503.

Laboratory Hours

Emergency Room and Inpatients : Monday – Thursday 7:00 am to 1:00 am. Holidays, Weekends and After Hours are covered by on-call personnel.<br> Outpatient: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.<br> For after hours availability please contact the Lab.

Contact

Laboratory Phone: 325.792.3504

Fax: 325.597.2588