Laboratory Request Guidelines

Adhering to the following definitions and guidelines for ordering laboratory testing will facilitate the most appropriate service response by the laboratory, depending on urgency of the situation.

STAT To be requested when medically indicated and specifically ordered as such by a physician, i.e. an unstable patient in a life threatening situation.
ASAP To be requested when a degree of medical urgency exists but the patient is stable.
TIMED To be requested for determination of medication levels, the results are usually available the same day.
TODAY To be requested when results are needed the same day but there is no medical emergency.
ROUTINE To be scheduled or obtained when practical, the results are usually available the next day.

When requesting laboratory work to be performed, please use the guidelines above. This will allow the laboratory to properly prioritize your requests and respond in the most efficient manner.

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