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LABORATORY
Why is my blood being drawn?
The doctor orders blood work to be able to diagnose and treat your condition in the most efficient manner. A person’s blood tells a physician many things that could not be known otherwise.
Why is my blood drawn so early in the morning?
We draw early so that blood work results will be available to your doctor during morning rounds. The doctor then has the information that will help in your treatment.
Why is my blood drawn so many times a day?
Your doctor may order your blood drawn multiple times during the day so that your progress can be closely monitored and treatments can be adjusted as necessary. If multiple doctors are involved in your treatment, each doctor may request tests that have not been previously ordered. Various hospital departments such as Respiratory and Dialysis may also draw your blood so they can establish your condition and decide on the best course of treatment.
They just drew my blood. Why are they drawing it again?
It is possible that your doctor ordered tests that require multiple draws from multiple body sites. It may be necessary for the laboratory to draw venous (from veins) blood to run one test, while the Respiratory department wants arterial (from arteries) blood to run another test.
Who do I ask about my lab results?
Your doctor can best explain your lab results as they relate to your diagnosis and treatment.
I have a central line. Why do they still have to draw blood from me?
Some tests that your doctor orders may be affected by medicines you are receiving or the location from which the blood sample is obtained. The type of test will dictate whether or not a specimen can be obtained from a central line.
How many times is one phlebotomist allowed to attempt to get blood from me?
A phlebotomist can make two attempts to collect a specimen. After that, a second phlebotomist will perform the collection. Based on factors such as age and illness of the patient, it may be difficult for a specific phlebotomist to obtain a specimen.
Why do they draw multiple tubes of blood?
The test(s) ordered by your doctor may require multiple tubes to be drawn. Be assured that every attempt will be made to combine tests on previously drawn specimens. However, the time that has passed and the treatment you may have received since the last draw could cause your doctor to want new blood samples.
Who do I talk to if I have an issue with the person who drew my blood?
The laboratory staff at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center strives to treat every patient in a compassionate, professional manner. If at any time you would like to speak with someone about the person who drew your blood or the procedure itself, contact Gregory Dunn, laboratory central processing manager, at (479) 314-1740. You may also contact Sharon McMillan, laboratory director, at (479) 314-6069. We will do our very best to address your concerns.
St. Edward Mercy Medical Center Laboratory
7301 Rogers Ave.
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone: (479) 314-6070
Fax: (479) 314-6157
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