Patients Frequently Asked Questions
Laboratory Testing Questions
What is Clinical Laboratory Testing?
Clinical laboratory testing plays a critical role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease in patients. Laboratory tests help determine the presence, extent, or absence of disease and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. A significant percentage of all decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis and treatment, and hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results.
Clinical laboratory tests and EKG studies are performed by medical technologists using state-of-the-art equipment and methods, supervised by Board Certified Pathologists. Laboratory personnel microscopically examine and analyze blood, body fluids (e.g., urine, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid), tissues and cells. They test for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms, chemical content of fluids, blood matching for transfusions, and to evaluate patient response to treatments.
Northwest Medical Analytic Laboratory’s technical staff is comprised of exceptional pathologists, microbiologists, and general clinical laboratory scientists. We take great pride in providing the highest quality testing with a personal level of service.
What is Fasting?
Some tests require that the patient is fasting when the specimen is drawn in order to achieve an accurate result. Fasting means that you have nothing to eat or drink, except water, for at least 12 hours before your specimen is drawn. Even gum or mints can affect test results and must also be avoided.
How do I know if my test requires fasting?
Your doctor or nurse will usually tell you when you need to be fasting for your tests. It may also be noted on the test order form. If you are unsure, you can contact our laboratory and we will help you determine whether your tests require fasting.
Where do I go for specimen collection?
Your specimen may be collected in your doctor’s office or your provider may refer you to one of our convenient patient service centers. Click here for locations and maps (link to Locations page) to locate the patient service center nearest you.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is needed for specimen collection. Just stop by during normal business hours.
How long does it take?
Our convenient locations have close, easy parking and most patients are in and out within 10 minutes! Most test results are in the provider’s hands within hours of specimen collection.
I have other questions about my test.
Call us at (360) 425-7915 or email us and we will be happy to answer your questions.
Billing Questions
Why did I receive a bill from Nothwest Medical Analytic Laboratory?
Your healthcare provider ordered laboratory tests to assist with diagnosis and treatment. Northwest Medical Analytic Laboratory’s billing is separate from your healthcare provider. For additional information , contact our billing department. (link to Billing Department line on Contacts page)
Does Northwest Medical Analytic Laboratory bill my insurance company?
NMAL bills most primary insurance companies if the information is provided when your tests are ordered. If you have received a bill and it does not indicate that your insurance company was billed, please contact our billing department at (360) 425-9038 or submit your insurance information by email (link to email billing@lcpath.com Be sure to include your account number and name, the name of your insurance company, billing address, subscriber ID, group number, employer, and primary policy holder name. Also include your phone number in case we need to contact you for additional information.
How can I pay my bill?
Payments are accepted at all of our patient service centers. Click here (link to locations page) to locate the service center nearest you. Payment can be mailed to: P.O. Box 3012, Longview, WA 98632. We accept all major credit cards. To pay by credit card, call (360) 425-9038.
How can I contact the billing department?
Call the billing department directly at (360) 425-9038. Click here (link to locations page) to locate the patient service center nearest you. Click here (email to billing@lcpath.com) to contact the billing department by email.