Do I need to fast before my blood tests?
No fasting is necessary unless your doctor has ordered a Fasting Glucose, Fasting Lipid Panel, Fasting Metabolic Panel, Fasting Cholesterol, HDL, or Triglycerides.

How long should I fast?
Nothing to eat or drink for 12 hours +/- 2 hours, except water.

What is the turnaround time for receiving results?
Turnaround time for routine lab tests is 24 hours. Should you require additional information please call the lab.

Can the Lab help me interpret my results?
It is advised that all questions related to your tests be addressed to your physician who will interpret your results in conjunction with the information about your medical history, physical examination and other tests and provide you with medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Does an x-ray procedure hurt?
No it does not. X-ray is a form of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum that cannot be felt, seen or smelt. The radiation dose used in x-rays for diagnostic purposes is very low and harmless.

Am I able to eat before an x-ray exam?
Routine x-rays (e.g. chest, hand, leg, abdomen, skull and spine) do not require that you be placed on a special diet prior to having the x-ray done. However, contrast procedures along with some ultrasound procedures do require fasting along with other dietary preparations. Please call the x-ray department for more information.

What is a Mammogram?
Mammogram is a x-ray exam that is designed to examine the breast in both females and males.

Do all imaging procedures use radiation (x-ray)?
No, not all do. In the X-ray (Radiology) department, there are different imaging modalities, some of which use radiation, e.g. routine x-rays, fluoroscopy procedures, and IVP. There are others that use ultrasound waves, e.g. ultrasound procedures, and magnetism, e.g. M.R.I., to produce different images of the body.

Why do drugs cost so much?
The cost of finding new natural sources of drugs is high as many sources have been exhausted and researchers have to go to extreme measures to find alternatives. Secondly, research and development have increased, and the amount of money drug manufacturers spend on finding cures for the devastating diseases that exist today has escalated.

What is the difference between a brand name and generic drug?
A brand name drug has a patent, which lasts 15 years. This prevents anyone else from marketing the product until the patent expires. Once the patent expires, any company who is approved by the FDA can begin to market the product as a generic drug. The active ingredients in these medications are exactly the same as their brand name counterpart, although the inactive ingredients and fillers do not have to be the same. If you have a question or concern about whether to use a particular generic, contact your doctor.

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