Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Preparing for My Test

My doctor said I need to fast for my test. What is fasting?

Will the blood draw be painful?

How long will the specimen collection process take?

Locations/Appointments

How do I find the nearest PeaceHealth Laboratories Patient Service Center?

Why has my physician sent me to PeaceHealth Laboratories for testing—and how will I receive my results?

How do I get a copy of my lab results?

For questions about billing refer to our billing FAQ.

Preparing for My Test

My doctor said I need to fast for my test. What is fasting? Top

To ensure the most accurate results, certain tests require that you “fast” before arriving at the patient service center. In most cases, unless otherwise directed, avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 12 hours before the sample is taken. That includes gum, hard candy and all other beverages.

Will the blood draw be painful? Top

Although some patients do experience a slight discomfort when their blood is drawn, rest assured that our skilled, experienced phlebotomists will do their best to help you remain as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

How long will the specimen collection process take? Top

We recognize that your time is valuable, so we try to keep wait times as short as possible. Except during high-volume times—mornings, early in the week and around beginning of the month—you can expect to wait 10 minutes or less from check in / registration until the phlebotomist (individual with special training to draw blood) calls you.

Locations/Appointments

How do I find the nearest PeaceHealth Laboratories Patient Service Center? Top

PeaceHealth Laboratories operates Patient Service Centers in Oregon and Washington. Click here for a complete listing, including addresses, phone numbers and directions.

Why has my physician sent me to PeaceHealth Laboratories for testing—and how will I receive my results? Top

PeaceHealth Laboratories is a “test specialist,” separate from your doctor’s office, and we perform tests that are not usually done in the doctor’s office. We are an independent facility, which means that test billing is handled separately from your other medical bills. In most cases, the laboratory report containing your test results is sent to the health care provider who ordered the test. For information about your results, please contact your ordering physician.

How do I get a copy of my lab results? Top

While PeaceHealth Laboratories believes that your physician is best equipped to interpret your lab results because they have the complete clinical picture,  patients may request their lab results directly from the lab.

• In Oregon: To give the physician time to review lab results and notify patients of their findings, Oregon law requires the lab to wait 7 days from the final lab report before sending a written copy to the requesting patient. To request results contact PeaceHealth Laboratories client services at 541-341-8010 or 800-826-3616, ext. 8010 or from Portland at 866-511-5963.
• In Washington: you may fill out a release form when you arrive for your test(s) and a copy of the results will be mailed when the final results are available. You may also present a photo ID at any of our Patient Service Centers and we will provide you a print out of your results. You may also phone our Bellingham office at 360-788-6330 to receive a release form. You will be provided a unique ID code. You may call any time the test is complete to obtain results by providing your ID code. Release forms are valid for one year from the date of submission.