FAQs • Graham County Health Dept, NC • CivicEngage

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I need my cholesterol checked. Can I get it there without an order from my doctor?: Yes, the laboratory follows guidelines set forth by our Medical Director and if you fall under those guidelines you could qualify for cholesterol testing that would not require your health care provider to write an order.

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Laboratory

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1. My physician wants me to have lab work. Can I come to the Health Department and have that lab work done?: Yes, the laboratory will gladly accept written orders from your physician providing all necessary information is written on your prescription.

2. What does fasting mean?

By definition, fasting means abstaining from all food and drinking only water. For laboratory tests, a 12-hour fast becomes important when food and drinks may affect performing certain lab tests.

3. I need a chicken pox titer for this health class I have enrolled in at school. Can I have that done at the health department?: Yes, the health department laboratory will provide a chicken pox titer and other titers needed for school health programs for a fee.

4. Do I need an appointment to have lab work done?: No, the laboratory is here to provide laboratory services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

5. My doctor has written an order for me to have some lab tests done, how much are they?: Because there are literally thousands of laboratory tests available to assist your physician in diagnosis and management of your health, the laboratory asks that you call them directly for specific cost information.

6. I live out of state and need lab work once a month. Can I come there and have my lab work done?: Yes, the laboratory provides services for physicians throughout the U.S. We ask that all pertinent information be affixed to each written order that your physician writes, including your physicians name, exact mailing address, telephone number, fax number, personal ID number (UPIN Number).

7. When my lab work is done, do you forward the results to my doctor?: Yes, all lab work that has been ordered by your physician is sent either by mail or faxed to that office.

8. Medicaid requires me to have proof of pregnancy, how do I get that?: Once Medicaid has informed you that you must have proof of pregnancy to file for Medicaid services, you will need to have a documented pregnancy test that can be done here at our laboratory.

9. Is all the lab testing performed there at the Health Department?: No, although some of the laboratory testing is performed on site, the laboratory uses other reference laboratories to perform some testing. The primary reference laboratories that we use are Quest Diagnostics and the North Carolina State Laboratory located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

10. I’m getting married, does North Carolina require any blood work to issue a marriage license?: No, currently the state of North Carolina does not require any laboratory work prior to being married. However, some of the surrounding states do require blood work in order to issue a marriage license. You will need to contact the Register of Deeds in the county in which you are getting married to find out what is required.

11. My employer requires me to have a urine drug screen, can I have it done at the Health Department?: Yes, the laboratory can provide urine drug testing for those employers that set up an account.

12. I need my cholesterol checked. Can I get it there without an order from my doctor?: Yes, the laboratory follows guidelines set forth by our Medical Director and if you fall under those guidelines you could qualify for cholesterol testing that would not require your health care provider to write an order.

13. I take insulin for my diabetes, how and where do I dispose of my needles?: You must place your needles in a puncture proof container then you may place the puncture proof container in your household garbage.