LABORATORY
Our Medical Laboratory is a full service laboratory, with the ability to perform a broad spectrum of medical tests listed
below. Tests are performed by Certified Medical Technologists and Lab
Assistants under the direction of a Board Certified Pathologist.
Fasting Blood Tests
Fasting means you may not eat or drink for a
certain period of time before blood tests. If your doctor has ordered a
test which requires fasting, the length of the fast is shown next to
the test. You may take your scheduled medications unless your doctor
instructs you otherwise.
In general, the busiest time for outpatient testing is on weekdays
between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. because of patients who are fasting for
their tests. For your convenience, you may wish to come in for your
test after 10 a.m. whenever possible.
GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test)
Please call the Laboratory to schedule an appointment at 413-568-2811,
Ext 5035. Depending on the type of GTT ordered, this test may take 2 to
5 hours. Glucose Tolerance Tests require an 8 hour fast.
Therapeutic Drug Tests
If your doctor has ordered a therapeutic drug test, your blood usually should be drawn just before your next dose.
If you are taking Digoxin, the blood can be drawn no sooner than 6
hours after the last dose is taken, but no later than 24 hours after
the medication is taken.
If you are taking Lithium, your blood test should be drawn 12 hours after you take your medication.
Sperm Counts
Sperm is accepted for analysis in the laboratory from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon, Monday through Friday.
Fertility sperm counts must be delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection.
Instructions and containers are available in the laboratory.
Post-vasectomy sperm counts must be delivered to the laboratory within
2 hours of collection.
Cytology - Sputum
If your doctor has ordered a sputum for cytology, please come to the
laboratory for instructions and a container with a special
preservative.
Urine Analysis
If your doctor has ordered a urine analysis, do not empty you bladder
just before coming to the laboratory. You will be asked to produce a
urine sample for testing when you are in the laboratory.
Stool Specimens
All stool specimens for analysis must be delivered to the laboratory within one hour of collection.