Stockbridge-Munsee 

Health and Wellness Center 

Laboratory

General Information:

The SMHWC Laboratory offers a variety of diagnostic tests which include chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, limited bacteriology and endocrinology.  Tests not performed here are sent to Marshfield Labs.  All tests must be ordered by a medical provider.  In order to receive lab results, please contact medical staff.

 

When a doctor or other provider asks for a patient to be fasting what does that mean?

For a good cholesterol (lipid panel) or glucose (blood sugar) check the patient should have at least an 8 hour fast. Some places state that they want a 12 hour fast so those orders should be followed. If the patient was going to have blood drawn at 8:00 in the morning, then they shouldn't have anything to eat or drink after 12:00 at night. If it is 12 hour fast then no food or drink after 8:00 in the evening. However, we encourage people to drink water. One can drink as much water as they want and still be fasting. This accomplishes two things; the patient is well hydrated (which makes it easier to draw their blood) and two, the patient can take their medications. Also drinking water sometimes makes the patient feel like they have had something and they don't feel so hungry. The patient can drink black coffee or tea, but they cannot put sugar, creamer, cream or milk in these drinks.

 

Some medicines that a patient takes may require them to be taken with food. If these meds must be taken at a specific early morning time, a fasting blood specimen would not be feasible. When asked by the lab personnel if they are fasting they should say they "No, I'm not fasting because I have medications that need to be taken with food." These cases are very rare. A note will be put on the report that the patient was unable to fast due to medications they have to take with food.      

Our Staff

Amy LeNoble

Lab Supervisor

JoAnn Malueg

Medical Technologist

Bridgette Hill

Medical Technologist

Toni Valek

Lab Assistant - Fill in