Frequently Asked Questions about Lab Work
Got a question about your upcoming visit? Get all the information you need prior to your testing day below.
What To Expect For Your Appointment
What are the best days and times to be seen with minimal wait?
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are typically quieter days, particularly after 1pm, however, this is subject to change.
When should I expect to see results?
Common tests are performed at Jersey Shore and should be done within 24 hours of collection. Some tests can take longer, anywhere between 48 hours to over a week, depending on the test.
Do I need an appointment?
We currently take walk-in patients for laboratory visits and some laboratory locations offer online scheduling. Book your appointment online today!
What do I need to bring with me?
Please ensure that your provider has entered orders into Epic, or that you have a prescription from your provider. You also need to bring a form of identification and your insurance card. Please ensure that scripts are legible and signed by the ordering physician is clear.
What are the hours of operation for the HOPE Tower Outpatient Services?
HOPE Tower Outpatient Laboratory Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Lab Work
Does the laboratory service pediatric patients?
Yes, the phlebotomists are trained to do collections on pediatric patients of all ages, including newborn babies.
What if my child is frightened to have blood drawn?
For some children, the experience of having blood drawn at the lab can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Some children may require additional support such as a Child Life Specialist or a Behavioral Specialist in order to make the process less frightening and more manageable. While it may not always be feasible to have these services available during every lab appointment, it is important to advocate for your child's needs and work with the healthcare team to find ways to make the experience as positive and stress-free as possible. Please check below if you feel your child would benefit from additional support during the visit. We will strive to do our best to have these services available during your selected appointment time.
Child Life Services: 732-776-4499
Do you collect NJ State required newborn testing, such as PKU Testing, Comprehensive Metabolic Screens?
Yes, but the collection for Comprehensive Metabolic Screens must be done before 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Do I need to fast before being tested?
Some blood tests do require fasting prior to having your blood drawn. Please contact your healthcare provider to determine requirements for your specific testing.
My doctor provided a test request form for a different laboratory. Can it be used at your facility?
Test requests can be accepted on non-HMH forms. Our team will verify the testing details and order the appropriate test that matches what the physician ordered. In the event there is a question, our team will contact the ordering provider.
If I am not the legal guardian of a minor coming in for labs, what do I need to provide?
Please bring in a valid letter from the legal guardian, stating name, contact information, relation and a valid driver's license or passport picture of the legal guardian.
What insurance does Hackensack Meridian Health Labs accept?
Please check with your insurance company for participating labs under your plan.
Do you accept NJ Family Care for routine lab work?
We only accept NJ Family Care for labs if the lab order is ordered as a STAT and stated on the prescription, if the patient is having a procedure that is scheduled at JSUMC, or the order for the patient is a continuum of care.
If a urine or stool sample needs to be dropped off, does the patient need to wait to be registered if it's a high volume day?
For sample drop offs, the registration department will expedite your registration and send you directly to the laboratory for drop-off). Samples must be dropped off in appropriate media / containers or will be rejected.
Do I need an appointment for a glucose tolerance test?
No appointment is necessary, but we request that you be here in the morning, as the test can take several hours.
Are SIBO Breath Tests completed at your location?
Yes, 2 or 3 hour Breath tests (hydrogen methane, lactulose) are completed Monday through Friday. These should be done first thing in the morning and the patient should be fasting.
Do you perform the Lactose Tolerance Breath test?
Yes, this is collected at our location and sent to Quest Diagnostics. It’s either a 2 or 3 hour blood test. The patient must be fasting.
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health
- Comprehensive Services: Routine, specialty, and pediatric testing available statewide
- Expert Staff: Certified technologists and phlebotomists ensure safe, precise collections
- Fast Turnaround: Results available quickly to keep your care plan on track
- Convenient Access: Multiple outpatient lab locations with walk-in and extended hours
- Trusted Network: Results shared seamlessly with your HMH care team
