When my doctor instructs me to fast prior to having my blood test, what exactly does that mean?
For lab testing purposes, fasting generally means that you should not eat or drink anything other than water after midnight, prior to the morning of having your blood test. In some instances, your doctor may ask you to fast for up to 14 hours prior to your blood test. Consult your physician if you have a medical condition that may preclude you from fasting.

How long will it take to get my results?
Test results are released to the ordering physician by a clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) once Westcliff has performed the test. Depending on the test ordered, results are usually received within 24-48 hours.

What are clinical laboratory tests?
Clinical laboratory tests are tests ordered by your physician to help evaluate your physical health condition. The evaluation provides valuable information for your physician prior to symptoms arising or the evaluation can confirm the symptoms with abnormal test results. A normal test result can help your physician establish your normal baseline and will allow him/her to monitor variations of the clinical tests baseline.

What are some examples of clinical laboratory tests?
Listed below are some examples of clinical laboratory tests:

• Basic Metabolic Profile (BMP) - The BMP is used as a screening panel to check for diabetes and renal disease. The test results from the BMP can offer information on the current status of your kidneys, electrolytes, and blood glucose level. Any significant changes in test results may indicate renal, diabetic, respiratory, or cardiac functional problems.
• Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP) - The CMP is a screening panel that is used to evaluate the current status of your liver, kidneys, blood glucose level, proteins, electrolytes, respiratory, and cardiac functions. The CMP includes five (5) calculated results. One or more abnormal test result(s) are usually repeated or followed-up with other specific tests to confirm a suspected diagnosis.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A CBC is ordered during a routine medical examination and is used as a general screening test to rule out anemia and infection. The CBC test also helps to diagnose blood disorders such as leukemia, sicke cell, thalasemia anemia, parasitic infections, abnormal blood clotting, and bleeding. In addition, the CBC test is used to monitor the response of drugs, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.
• Urinalysis (UA) - The UA test is used as a screening and diagnostic test to detect metabolic and renal disorders. It can be used in the determination of urinary tract or kidney infections, diabetes screening, and parasitic infection.

Are my laboratory results confidential?
Yes! Westcliff Medical Laboratories adheres to test result information disclosure laws.