Self-Ordered Lab Tests

In today's health care environment, there is a movement toward involving the patient more in their own health, and making all of us educated consumers of health care. Such patient involvement can include taking better care of ourselves through diet and exercise. It also includes monitoring risk factors for certain diseases.

Today, it is more important than ever that you take more responsibility for understanding your care and communicating with your doctor.

Low-Cost Self-Referred Screening Tests Available

As a service to the community, St. Charles Labs provide the opportunity for anyone to have a Cholesterol, Lipid Panel or Glucose test at Health Fair prices at any time. These tests are among a small number of tests okayed by the state of Oregon to be done without a physician order. They can be done on a walk-in basis, at the laboratory outpatient draw sites in Bend and Redmond.

Testing is available with payment at the time of service only. There is no patient or insurance billing involved.

• Lipid panel $10
• Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL and cardiac risk ratios
• Cholesterol only $5
• Glucose only $5

Fasting for at least 8 hours is recommended. The tests are by blood draw from the arm and are performed in the clinical laboratories rather than by point of care instruments.

Results are mailed the following day to the patient, along with information regarding the results, and other educational materials.

See the following website for more information about cholesterol screening: American Heart Association

The Facts About Home Testing Kits

Some of the tests which have traditionally been done only in a clinical laboratory have been miniaturized into home testing kit versions, which allow you to monitor certain important blood chemicals conveniently at home, on your own schedule. Currently available are kits for glucose (blood sugar), pregnancy, cholesterol, ovulation (when you're trying to become pregnant), occult blood (bleeding in the intestines), and testing for HIV (the cause of AIDS). Each of these kits is a marvel of technology, but will only give reliable results if the steps are performed exactly as required in the kit directions.

For Questions about home testing kits available in drug stores visit: American Society for Clinical Science