About In House Lab Testing Services
Oftentimes, lab testing is required for standard physicals and examinations, to evaluate symptoms, monitor existing health conditions, or provide additional information during a medical assessment. Lab results can help providers better understand what may be happening and determine whether additional follow-up is needed.
At Primary Care El Paso, we have an on-site lab that provides in-house lab testing in El Paso, so when you need lab work done, you can complete many testing needs within the same practice. This helps make the process more convenient when lab work is ordered as part of your care.
Our Lab and Facility
Our on-site lab is capable of handling a wide range of tests, including blood tests and urinalysis. We can also perform blood sugar tests, EKGs, and offer in-house Quest Labs. We perform tests in-house so you don’t have to worry about going to multiple locations in order to get this lab work done.
When Might You Need Lab Testing?
Lab work may be recommended for different reasons depending on your health and the purpose of your visit. Your provider determines which tests may be appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, current treatment, and any conditions that require monitoring.
Routine Health Evaluations
Certain tests may be ordered during physical exams or preventive visits depending on your age, health history, and individual needs.
Evaluating Symptoms
Lab testing may provide additional information when you have symptoms that require further medical evaluation.
Ongoing Monitoring
Lab results may also help your provider monitor certain medical conditions or review changes in your health over time.
What Should You Know Before Your Lab Test?
Preparation depends on the specific test being performed. Many lab tests do not require special preparation, while others may require fasting or specific instructions before your appointment.
Follow the instructions provided by your medical team and let us know about medications, vitamins, or supplements you currently take. Do not stop taking prescribed medication or begin fasting unless your provider has instructed you to do so.
Our doctors will take the tests, analyze the results, and give you the proper diagnosis in order to know what is needed for you to maintain a healthier life. Our in-house lab meets all of the regulations required by governing associations, is safe, and produces reliable results.
The Benefits of an On-Site Lab
There are many benefits to going to a clinic that has an on-site lab facility. For one, you save a lot of time. Because the testing can be done during the same appointment as your checkup or physical, you don’t have to waste time driving to another facility, waiting there, getting tested, and then waiting again for them to send the results to your doctor. On top of that, as your doctor, we’ll know exactly what we need to test for and can test for that instead of giving you a more generalized test.
In addition, we can get the results to you faster. While most tests do take a few days to see results, we’ll have them as soon as they’re ready instead of having to wait for another facility to send them to us. This is especially good if what you’re being tested for is serious.
We want to make everything as easy as possible for you, especially since certain medical issues can be incredibly stressful, meaning you’ll want your results right away. That is why we invested in an in-house lab testing. This way, we are a one-stop medical clinic for all of your medical needs.
Why patients choose an on-site lab
Saves time by reducing extra trips
Makes testing easier during the same visit
Helps providers request more targeted testing
Delivers results more quickly when they matter most
When You Want Answers Quickly, Go With Primary Care El Paso!
We make it our goal to provide our patients with the quality care that we believe every person deserves. With an on-site lab, caring doctors, and a wide range of medical expertise, our clinic is your place to go when you need comprehensive care. Stop by our clinic for a walk-in appointment, or call us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab Testing
What lab tests do you perform in your El Paso office?
We offer a comprehensive range of in-house lab tests including complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), HbA1c for diabetes monitoring, fasting glucose, lipid panel for cholesterol, thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4), urinalysis, rapid strep and flu tests, COVID-19 rapid testing, pregnancy test, PSA, vitamin D and B12 levels, EKG, and STI/STD testing through our Quest Diagnostics partnership. If you need a test not on this list, call our office, we can often arrange it for you.
Do I need an appointment to get lab work done?
In most cases, lab work is ordered by your doctor during a medical visit, and the blood draw happens during that same appointment. If your doctor has already ordered labs and you only need to come in for the draw, call our office at (915) 264-1830 to check availability and schedule a convenient time. We try to accommodate lab-only visits with minimal wait time.
How long does it take to get my lab results?
Turnaround time depends on the test. Rapid tests, including strep, flu, and COVID-19, provide results within 10 to 20 minutes during your visit. Most blood panels processed in-house are available the same day or by the next business day. Tests sent to Quest Diagnostics typically take 1 to 3 business days. Your doctor will review your results as soon as they are available and contact you if any values are outside the normal range or require follow-up.
Do I need to fast before a blood test?
Fasting requirements depend on the specific test ordered. Fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw is required for fasting glucose, comprehensive lipid panels, and some liver and metabolic tests. Water is always fine to drink. Many tests, such as a CBC, thyroid panel, HbA1c, or vitamin levels, do not require fasting. Your doctor or our office staff will let you know at the time of scheduling whether your specific test requires fasting.
Does insurance cover in-house lab testing?
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover medically necessary lab tests when ordered by a licensed physician. Coverage depends on your specific plan and whether the test is classified as routine preventive screening or a diagnostic test ordered to investigate a symptom or condition. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your visit to confirm your lab benefits. For patients without insurance, we offer competitive self-pay pricing for all lab tests.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Primary Care El Paso?
We make care simple, accessible, and focused on your long-term health with services designed for everyday needs and ongoing support.