Having regular laboratory testing is important to keep your health in check. Understanding your cholesterol levels, for example, helps you understand your risk for a heart att
…ack. By having routine laboratory testing, you can prevent common health problems. With so many great laboratories throughout Chicago, there is bound to be a convenient location for you to have appropriate health tests done regularly. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding lab testing and where the best places in Chicago are to have your tests done.Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp are two major diagnostic laboratory chains with multiple locations. Both have locations in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Chicago's hospitals, such as Northwestern Memorial, Rush, Mercy, and Saint Joseph, all perform outpatient lab work for patients as well. Sometimes you can even get lab work done by a phlebotomist at your doctor's office. Be sure to check with both your doctor and insurance provider to find the best place to get your testing done.Diagnostic laboratories typically allow walk-ins and appointments. Some labs do not allow appointments to be scheduled in advance at all. If you plan to go to a Chicago hospital, such as Northwestern Memorial, you do not need an appointment. But calling ahead helps you avoid a busy period. Due to the frequency of fasting tests, these offices can become very crowded around 8 a.m. So if you are getting a fasting test done (one which requires you not to eat any solid food for a certain time before the test), it may be beneficial to make an appointment ahead of time if possible.You need a doctor's order to have lab tests done. If there are specific tests that you would like to have performed, you can request these from your healthcare provider, but they will order the tests. Be aware that hospitals in Chicago such as Rush Medical Center may only accept those with orders from the hospital's own doctors.Certain blood tests require fasting for the results to be accurate. This should be marked on your lab order. If you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider.You can always request patient pricing before having blood drawn. This is especially important if you do not have medical insurance. Testing can be expensive if you do not have insurance. For those with medical coverage, check with your insurance provider as many labs participate "in network" with certain insurances. This means that a larger percentage of the test costs are covered by the insurance company.From Chicago's major hospitals to your local doctor's office, there are places all over Chicago to have laboratory testing done. This leaves no excuse to postpone having your bloodwork checked. Laboratory testing can identify major health risks. By identifying these risks early, you can improve your health and prolong your life. If you ever feel that your doctor is not ordering necessary tests, be sure to request lab orders for additional testing at your next appointment.Drink plenty of water before having any blood drawn. Even if your tests require fasting for eight hours, you can still drink water both the night before and morning of testing. This helps increase blood volume, dilating your veins and making it easier for the phlebotomist to do their job. (MORE)