Similar to CSI detectives, doctors need to collect evidence to get to the root of a medical problem or rule out certain illnesses. Laboratory tests provide that evidence, analyzing blood, body fluids or tissue samples to find irregularities in cells or chemical components in your body.
Also, certain diseases may require ongoing monitoring to find out how well your treatment is working or to help your doctor determine future treatments. Even if you’re feeling healthy, your doctor may order certain tests as a way to establish a baseline normal for you. Future tests will be compared to this baseline, helping your doctor flag any changes that may require closer attention. Remember, abnormal results can show up even when you’re feeling fine. That’s why doctors often order tests as part of your regular physical exam. Lab tests reveal information your doctor cannot discover using his or her senses.
Appointments for lab draws may be scheduled through My Health Online beginning January 2018. Prior to that time, please call the phone number associated with the lab draw site, and select the option to be connected with the lab appointment scheduling department. We also accept walk-in patients without appointments.
You can access your laboratory test results through the My Health Online website or app. Results are usually available the same or next day for common laboratory tests. Ask your laboratory professional or care center team about singing up for My Health Online.
Sutter laboratories stay on top of emerging technology that can help patients identify disease earlier and more accurately. Our labs perform thousands of tests each year, which means our lab technicians have extensive experience. All Sutter labs are licensed by the State of California's Department of Health Services, certified as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) laboratories and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
