Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) from the Laboratory and Pathology Department.
1. How do I request a copy of my lab results?
You can request lab results through your provider's office. You can also view lab results on MyVirginiaMason. Learn more.
2. Has my provider put an order in for me?
To see if you have an order in the computer for you, please contact your provider's office.
3. Is fasting required for my test?
Fasting for a test requires no food or drink, except for water, 12 hours prior to collection.
4. Are there medications that affect blood draws?
Some medications can affect test results; ask your doctor if there are any medications that may interfere with the tests that they are ordering. In addition, certain medications are monitored using a laboratory test, and these tests need to be drawn at certain times.
5. How much will these tests cost?
For an estimate of charges, please contact Virginia Mason's financial counselors at (206) 223-6715.
6. How will I be notified of my results?
Your provider will send you a copy of your results once all of the tests are completed.
7. How will my provider get the results?
If your provider is part of Virginia Mason, the results will be available in your electronic medical record and a paper copy will be sent to them. For non-Virginia Mason providers, results will be faxed and mailed to them.
8. How long will it take before my results are available?
Some tests will be available to your provider within one hour and some tests require seven to 10 days to perform. Most providers' offices request that you contact them if you have not received the results as expected.
9. Can you send a copy of my results to a different provider?
If you would like an additional copy of your results sent to a different provider please include the provider's name, organization, fax and phone number to the receptionist at the time of checking in at the lab or call (206) 223-6701.
10. What are the laboratory hours?
For patient blood draws and clinic hours see specific location information.
11. Do I need an appointment to come to the laboratory?
No appointment is needed for the laboratory. All the clinic lab locations are walk in. For clinic hours see specific location pages.
12. Where should I park?
Parking arrangements vary by location.
13. Where is the laboratory located?
Find laboratory location information.
14. I received a patient portal secure message for a laboratory test. Is this test still necessary?
Your provider determined the laboratory testing was medically necessary at the time of the visit. Our laboratory records indicate the test wasn’t performed yet and the portal message is a reminder.
15. I had lab tests done at an outside organization and the records were sent to Virginia Mason. Do I need to get them completed again? Why am I getting a notice via a patient portal secure message?
Outside laboratory results are scanned into our medical records and our laboratory information system doesn’t sync with scanned records. You can ignore the request as the orders will expire on the date listed in your message.
16. Should I be concerned about the patient portal secure message I’ve received? Why am I being notified of this outstanding test now?
You should not be concerned. A periodic audit of our records indicate that you have outstanding tests and the patient portal message is a reminder.
17. What happens if I do not choose to get these tests done?
Completion of testing is your decision. If you have questions about outstanding tests we recommend you should consult with your provider.
1. How do I request a copy of the results?
Contact the Downtown Virginia Mason Laboratory at (206) 223-6701 and they will be happy to fax you a copy of the results.
2. What are the hours of the laboratory?
The Downtown Virginia Mason Laboratory is open 24 hours and can be contacted at anytime at (206) 223-6701. For patient blood draws and clinic hours see specific location pages.
3. How do I order blood work for a patient coming to the Virginia Mason Laboratory?
You can fill out a Virginia Mason Laboratory Request form and send it with the patient. Please contact downtown laboratory at (206) 223-6701 if you need to fax the order to us so it does not get lost. The Downtown fax number is (206) 223-7540.
4. As an outside provider, how will I be sent the results?
All referring providers will be sent results through the US MAIL once the testing is complete. You can request results to be faxed by writing it on the order form.
5. How do I add a test on to previous lab order?
Please contact (206) 223-6701 with the patient information and tests needed. Most add on requests can only be done up to a week after collection.
6. How do I cancel a test that has already been resulted?
Please contact (206) 223-6701 with the patient information and tests that need to be canceled. The downtown lab will credit the patient for the canceled test. Please let us know the cancellation reason when you call.
7. How do I interpret these results?
Call the downtown main laboratory number at (206) 223-6701 and we will direct you to the correct testing department.
8. What is the reference range for this test?
Call the downtown main laboratory number at (206) 223-6701 and we will direct you to the correct testing department where they can answer your question. If you have the report, the reference range should also be listed with the result.
9. Does the laboratory run the test in house or send it out?
Virginia Mason's neighborhood clinics run a small number of tests in house. For questions if a test is run at the main downtown laboratory or sent out to a reference lab, please contact (206) 223-6701.
10. What if a test I want needs a special kit?
The Virginia Mason laboratories are happy to try to accommodate all needs. If you are sending the kit with the patient, please include instructions, a contact number, and the name of a person to contact for any questions we may have. If you would like the lab to provide the kit or will send it directly to the laboratory, please contact the laboratory at (206) 223-6701 to make arrangements.