Emergency: 911 • Clinic: 325.597.2114
The nationally recognized and licensed laboratory at the Heart of Texas Healthcare system offers a wide range of laboratory and blood transfusion services. We have a fast turnaround time so that you and your physician can get the results that you need fast.
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.
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.
Stat Testing: Usually one (1) hour or less
Routine Testing: 3-4 hours or less
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 for routine and emergency transfusions are offered through HRL Transfusion Services with the blood products being supplied by Meek Blood Services.
Meek Blood Center Mobile Unit comes to Brady on a scheduled basis for donor services.
Q. Where do I go to get my lab work done?
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?
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?
A. You should bring the following information with you to the lab:
Q. Does the lab accept my insurance?
A. Call 325-792-3501 to verify insurance coverage.
Q. Do I need to do anything special to prepare for a lab test?
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?
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?
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?
A. Please call Heart of Texas Healthcare System Patient Billing at 325-792-3503.
Emergency Room and Inpatients : Monday – Thursday 8:00 am to 1:00 am.
Outpatient: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Holidays, Weekends and After Hours are covered by on-call personnel.
For after hours availability please contact the Lab.
Laboratory Phone: 325.792.3504
Fax: 325.597.2588