A reminder to call 715-793-5000 to schedule a laboratory appointment when you are asked to come in for lab work. The SMHWC Laboratory offers a variety of diagnostic tests which include Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Endocrinology and kit testing. Tests not performed here are sent to Lab Corp. If you get a Lab Corp bill and you are enrolled please bring that bill to the Clinic Laboratory. All tests must be ordered by a medical provider. In order to receive lab results, please contact the medical department.

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.