Laboratory

Preparing for Your Test

Fasting Requirements

Eating or drinking can cause inaccurate results on some tests. If your provider has requested a test that requires fasting, you must refrain from eating or drinking anything other than water or prescribed medications for 12 hours before these tests are collected.

Glucose Tolerance Test

Glucose tolerance tests require an appointment, usually scheduled in the morning. You will be given a special diet that you need to follow for three days before testing, and you need to be fasting for the last 12 hours. For your safety, you will need to remain in the area for the full three hours of the test. You can request an appointment in person at Laboratory Arrowhead, Building 9, Level 2, or call 301-295-2100.

What to Bring

You will need to bring your military or dependent identification card.

Obtaining Your Test Results

Availability of Results

In most cases, tests are completed and reported to the requesting provider within 24 hours of the Laboratory receiving the sample. Some tests can take several days to weeks to complete. In those cases, please ask your provider to contact you when your tests results are complete.

Copy of Test Results

The Laboratory Department is prohibited from giving patient results to anyone other than licensed providers. Please contact your healthcare provider or Outpatient Records (Non-Active Duty) to obtain copies of your test results.

Interpretation of Test Results

The Laboratory Department is prohibited from discussing and interpreting test results with patients. Your provider should review your laboratory test results with you, so please address questions related to the interpretation of your results with your provider.
 

Privacy and Confidentiality Information

Confidentiality of Test Results

This laboratory adheres to test result information disclosure laws. The laboratory report is recorded in your MHS GENESIS electronic medical record and is sent to the ordering physician or other authorized person who has requested the test. Please contact your clinician for further information regarding your results.

Release of Results to an Outside Provider

The Laboratory Department is not permitted to provide any portion of your medical record, including specific test results, to outside providers. A DD Form 2870 must be completed and submitted to Outpatient Records (Non-Active Duty) for any test results that need to be released to an outside provider.