Lab Tests: Some basic tests can be done at a local lab (like Quest Diagnostics Lab), and are more likely to be covered by insurance.  More complex specialized testing is done by specialty out-of-state laboratories and requires using the Lab's special Test Kit (specimen shipping box), which I will either give to you at the time of your Office Visit or ask the Lab to mail to you (since I cannot keep supplies of all of the less-common possible Test Kits at my Office).  Sometimes 2 or 3 different categories of test panels must be sent to different laboratories.  I will do my best to help you with the specimen collection process.

Each test kit contains detailed instructions for obtaining your specimens, which I will review with you and which you must follow exactly to avoid the need to repeat the test.  Please contact me if you have any questions about how to prepare for and when to obtain your specimens (which may be serum or whole blood, urine, stool or saliva).  The serum or whole blood may be drawn in my office if no preparation time is needed, or at the nearby Quest Diagnostics drawing station (for their tests only), or by your Primary Physician's office or a nearby hospital in some  cases.  Urine, stool or saliva specimens can be collected by you at home.

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS blood-drawing station for simple testing only (no Test Kit needed) is nearby at:

  • 3500 Lomita Blvd (on southeast corner of Lomita & Madison, east of Hawthorne Blvd), Suite 104, Torrance, CA 90505
  • Lab Hours: M-F 8:30-12:00 & 1:00-5:30
  • Lab Phone (310) 326-2241
Each Lab Test Kit includes a Requisition Slip to be submitted with your Test specimen, specifying the exact Test and the Diagnoses.  I will fill this out for you during your Office Visit (unless your Test Kit needs to be mailed to you from the Lab, in which case you will need to fill certain parts of it at home according to my directions).  Each specimen container is required by law to be properly labeled with patient's name, date of birth, and date & time of collection (to prevent lab mixups!).

Laboratories usually require overnight FedEx or UPS delivery on the same day (they prepay shipping) of your specimen boxes, which you hand to an agent at the local FedEx or UPS office before 5 PM (weekdays), rather than to a truck driver or tossing into a bin.  (Some labs do not accept shipments on Saturdays so shipping to them cannot be submitted on Fridays.)  Specimens required may be blood, urine, stool or saliva, and require refrigeration or sometimes freezing prior to your submitting them to FedEx or UPS.  Follow enclosed directions on sealing the box & inserting into the prepaid shipping envelope.  Please ask me if you have any questions on these procedures.

I will discuss my test recommendations with you during your Office Visit, and charge you for the cost of the tests at that time.  These tests have about a 2-week turnaround time. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to review the results and decide on the next step of treatment.  I try to minimize the number and cost of tests, but patient assessment is more acccurate and specific with specialized testing.  It sounds complicated, but improving your health is much cheaper and better than being sick!
 



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