News and Stories

June 05, 2023

Now Available: Pediatric Patient Service Centers!

HNL Lab Medicine is thrilled to announce our new pediatric Patient Service Centers (PSCs). In partnership with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, our pediatric services combine expertise and experience to optimize laboratory services for children.

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June 01, 2023

Men’s Wellness

Did you know that serious medical issues can creep up on you without any noticeable symptoms? Screening tests are essential because they detect health conditions in the earliest, most treatable stages.  
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May 26, 2023

Celebrating 25 Years

Celebrating 25 Years

For 25 years HNL Lab Medicine has been a cornerstone of the community, providing high quality laboratory services for approximately 3 million patients and 12,000 healthcare providers each year. 

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May 26, 2023

HNL Lab Medicine Now Accepting Ambetter Insurance

HNL Lab Medicine has partnered with Ambetter from PA Health & Wellness to improve access and affordability of healthcare for Ambetter insurance plan members at any HNL Lab Medicine location.

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May 24, 2023

Love your skin: An interview with Dr. Hina Sheikh

Summer is right around the corner, and we can finally bask in the glorious sunshine. While sunlight gives us vitamin D and boosts our happiness, it can also increase our risk of skin cancer if we’re not careful.

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Patients

Know Before You Go

Lab Testing Should Be Easy

Whether you’re a first time visitor or a longtime friend, we’re here to answer any questions you have about your visit, your results or your health. We know you’re here for answers and we want to make the process as pleasant and painless as possible.
 

Giving a Blood Sample

Before the Draw

Fortunately, many lab tests don’t require any special preparation. No Apppointment Needed.  Simply walk into one of our Patient Centers whenever it’s convenient for you and we’ll be ready to help you.

Some tests may require fasting, which means you’ll have to refrain from eating or drinking anything (except for water) before giving your sample. Your healthcare professional will let you know if you need to fast. 

 
During the Draw

Your sample may be drawn from a vein in your arm using a needle, or it may be taken from your fingertip with a device called a lancet. How blood is taken will depend on the type of blood test you need.

No matter the type of draw, our phlebotomists are highly trained to make sure the experience is as comfortable as possible for you. If you have special considerations or have had any problems giving a sample in the past, please let us know. 

There are steps we can take to make you feel as comfortable as possible. 

 
After the Draw

Once your sample is collected, you should be fine to go about your day. A few people may experience slight bruising where the sample was taken, but it should fade within a few days.


Fasting for Blood Tests

Depending upon the specific blood test, you may be asked to fast for up to eight to twelve hours prior to your blood draw. Fasting means not eating anything or drinking anything except water prior to your blood draw. 

Please contact your healthcare professional if you’re uncertain fasting is needed. It’s important not to wait until the day of your blood draw to ask if you should fast, as it may necessitate revisiting our patient centers.  

It’s also important not to smoke, chew gum (even sugarless), or exercise prior to your blood draw. These things can rev up your digestion, and that can affect your results.

 

Why do I have to fast before certain lab tests?

Nutrients and ingredients in the food and beverages you consume are absorbed into your bloodstream and could impact factors measured by certain tests. Fasting improves the accuracy of those tests.
 

Why is water okay to drink while I’m fasting?

Water hydrates your veins. Hydrated veins are easier to find.  Drink plenty of water before having any blood test.
 

What types of blood tests require fasting?

Glucose testing that checks blood sugar levels and tests that determine your cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels usually require fasting. Other lab tests may require fasting, which is why you should ask your doctor. If you think fasting might be a problem for you, visit our patient center in the early morning and bring a snack for after you had your blood drawn.
 

I have a question about my results. What should I do? 

You should talk to the healthcare professional who ordered the test. This person will have the most complete picture of your health based on your physical exam, medical history and the results of your lab tests.