Laboratory

The Laboratory at Salem Township Hospital is a full service laboratory performing thousands of tests each day to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating illness and maintaining overall wellness. Services are provided for patients ages neonate to geriatric and an appointment is not necessary, though a physician’s order is required. Our laboratory is located on the 1st floor (on the same level as the emergency room and surgery suit) across from the elevator next to physical therapy.

The laboratory is CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified and accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program through the American Osteopathic Association. We operate under the medical direction of a Board Certified Pathologist, Dr. James R. Miller. Our laboratory serves as a clinical site for Kaskaskia College Phlebotomy Program and SICCM (Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market) Medical Laboratory Technician Program.

Employees of the lab are available for public service appearances to schools and other organizations to discuss what tests the lab performs, how the results help the physician, who are the professionals that staff the laboratory (Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Assistant, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Pathologist, Phlebotomist), what is their function and how to become one.

Services offered:

• Breath Alcohol Testing

• Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology, Microbiology, Pathology, Serology, Transfusion Services and Urinalysis

• Drug Screening Services (DOT (Department of Transportation) and Non- DOT)

• Paternity Testing

• Wellness Screenings

Patient Instructions:

The majority of lab tests require that you stop in Hospital Registration and register for the date your testing will be done before taking your order to the laboratory. You will need your order for the test if your physician has given it to you and your insurance card(s). For paternity testing, drug screens, and breath alcohol testing, you will need a photo ID.

Some lab tests require that you are fasting for 8-12 hours. This means that you do not eat food (including candy and mints), chew gum, drink, or smoke for the 8 – 12 hours before your blood is drawn. You may still take your medications with a small amount of water, unless your physician has told you otherwise.

Medicare and many other insurance companies will not pay for certain tests that they consider experimental, screening, or not medically necessary. You may be asked to sign an ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice). By signing an ABN, you are agreeing to have the test done and to be responsible for the payment of these tests if Medicare or the insurance company does not pay. The ABN will list the test(s) potentially not covered and what the price of the test is. You have the right to refuse to have the test performed.

Most tests are resulted within 24 hours and automatically faxed to the ordering physician. Test results are sent to the ordering physician only, unless the order specifies it be sent to other physicians. You may obtain a copy of your results from the Health Information Department at Salem Township Hospital.

At Salem Township Hospital Laboratory we never forget our services are crucial to maintaining overall wellness and are the foundation of the physician’s diagnosis and treatment of your illness. Attention to detail is critical. Our services impact lives. The Laboratory Staff as well as the entire staff at Salem Township Hospital, look forward to serving you in your healthcare needs now and in the future. It is our commitment to provide excellence in health care and promote wellness for our community through compassionate care, personalized service, and teamwork.