Lab Visit Instructions

Prepare for your phlebotomy (laboratory) appointment with these instructions to ensure a safe and successful blood draw or test collection. 

Prior to the Visit

• Complete insurance and consent forms using the electronic link sent with the appointment confirmation and reminders, including the name and/or address of the doctor ordering laboratory tests.
• If the birth parent or legal guardian will not be coming to the appointment, make sure all legal documentation (e.g. court documents) is on file. The authorization to consent form needs to be completed and approved by the legal department in advance:
• Specially trained Child Life Specialists help children cope with stressful medical experiences through preparation, comfort positioning, and distraction. If your child has a sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, high anxiety, severe fear of needles or any other diagnosis that can make blood draws difficult, a Child Life Specialist can be requested for their phlebotomy appointment.
• You may request a Child Life Specialist when scheduling your appointment.
• For walk-ins, please indicate the request for a Child Life Specialist on your intake form and notify a member of the registration team.

How to Prepare Before Arrival

• If instructed by your doctor, begin fasting (no food or drinks except for water) eight hours before the scheduled appointment.
• Drink plenty of water, especially if your doctor ordered urine tests.
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes.
• Bring drinks and snacks to eat after the blood draw (especially if fasting).
• If collecting urine or stool samples at home, ensure specimens are tightly capped and labeled with patient name and date of birth.

Day of Appointment

• Please arrive at the registration desk 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Bring insurance card(s), photo ID and co-payments (if applicable).
  If your doctor has given you paper laboratory orders, bring these with you to give to the laboratory staff.
• Notify registration and phlebotomy staff if certain tests need to be drawn at an exact time (e.g. drug levels).
• Notify phlebotomy staff of any history of dizziness or fainting related to blood draw or if others have had difficulty drawing your blood in the past.