You’ve been exercising more often and watching what you eat, and you wonder whether your cholesterol levels have improved since your annual checkup. A Direct Access Lab appointment can help you find out!

A lipid panel, which shows your cholesterol level, is only one of the many tests you can access through the Direct Access Laboratory. We offer a wide spectrum of laboratory tests that can help keep you informed about aspects of your health.

If you’ve visited the River’s Edge Direct Access Laboratory before, you may have simply walked in to access lab testing. The process for having labs done has changed—but it’s still convenient and accessible. To access laboratory testing now, schedule an appointment with us at the time of your choosing, and we’ll have you in and out quickly.

Why You Might Want Lab Work

When you’re a kid, just thinking about having blood drawn can be frightening. Even as an adult, you probably don’t look forward to a blood draw, but you likely now recognize the benefits of lab tests.

There are many different types of lab tests for analyzing blood, urine, and other fluids or tissue. These tests can reveal many important aspects about your overall health and well-being.

If you’re having regular checkups with a primary care provider, you likely already have lab work performed as part of your checkup routine. The test results offer you and your care team insight into your health and whether there are any underlying problems.

Lab tests are also a standard part of diagnosing health issues. If you’re experiencing an illness, for example, your provider may recommend having your blood and urine tested to identify the source of the illness. Knowing whether you have a virus or a bacterial infection can better guide your treatment.

While these are all labs performed at the request of a medical provider, there are also times when you might simply want to take a look at your own health. If you want to get an inside perspective at how you’re doing in between checkups, Direct Access Laboratory testing offers an ideal solution. Direct Access Laboratory also provides an affordable option for those who don’t have health insurance or who have a high deductible plan.

Through our lab, you can access a full set of lab tests. Once you obtain your test results, you can use that information to guide your personal health habits and share the details with your providers if you desire.

Tests Available With a Direct Access Laboratory Appointment

Wondering what lab tests you can access through our lab? The Direct Access Lab offers the following tests:

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). ALT is an enzyme found in the liver. An ALT test measures the amount of that enzyme found in the blood, with high levels indicating liver damage.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). AST is an enzyme found in the liver and in muscles in the body. An AST test measures the amount of that enzyme found in the blood, with high levels indicating liver damage.

Basic metabolic panel (BMT). The BMP test measures eight substances in the blood, including glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, chloride, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.

Complete blood count (CBC). A CBC test looks at the different components in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit. This test can reveal any imbalances in your blood that may indicate a blood disorder.

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). A CMP test offers a more comprehensive test of your body’s metabolism, checking for albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST and bilirubin, in addition to the substances in the basic metabolic panel.

Glucose. This standalone test checks a person’s blood sugar level.

Hemoglobin. This standalone test measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.

Hemoglobin A1C. An A1C test is a measure of a person’s average blood sugar level over a two- to three-month period. The test provides a more accurate reflection of blood sugar than a simple glucose test.

Lipid panel. A lipid panel offers a comprehensive look at cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides.

Pregnancy test. A pregnancy test checks a sample of blood for levels of a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. High hCG levels are an indicator of pregnancy.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. High levels of PSA can indicate a problem with the prostate, including prostate cancer or another condition.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The TSH test measures the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. Levels that are too high or too low can indicate a thyroid disorder.

Vitamin D. A vitamin D test measures the amount of vitamin D in the blood, with low levels a risk factor for bone disorders and other conditions.

Scheduling and Attending a Direct Access Laboratory Appointment

Lab testing at the River’s Edge Direct Access Laboratory doesn’t require a medical referral or order, and testing cannot be billed to your insurance. We intentionally offer low-cost lab testing, allowing you to access the tests you need at a cost you can afford. You can pay with cash, a check or a credit card at the time of your appointment.

If you’d like to have lab testing done, you can schedule an appointment by calling (507) 629-1332. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

When you schedule your Direct Access Laboratory appointment, you will choose the test or tests you’d like to have. On the day of your appointment, you’ll check in for testing at the hospital’s main desk located at the Emergency Room entrance.

Once you’ve checked in, you’ll have your blood drawn by one of our experienced providers. Your results will be mailed to you within two to three days.

Want to learn more or schedule an appointment for lab testing at our Direct Access Laboratory? The process is quick and easy.