In-Office Lab Work in St. Petersburg
Blood work, urine tests, EKGs, and breathing tests done right here in our office, so your results go straight to the doctor who knows you. Below you will find the tests we offer and how to prepare for the most accurate results.
Tests We Do in the Office
Having tests done where you see your doctor means no separate lab trip for most patients. Some specialized tests are sent to an outside laboratory, and we take care of that for you.
Blood Work
Blood draws for routine and follow-up panels, from a yearly check to monitoring diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, or kidney function.
Urinalysis
Urine tests that can quickly show signs of infection, kidney problems, or blood in the urine.
EKG
An electrocardiogram records your heart's rhythm in a few minutes and helps evaluate palpitations, chest symptoms, and heart disease.
Spirometry
A breathing test that measures lung function to diagnose and track asthma and COPD. Learn more about our lung care.
Common Blood Tests and What They Check
Which tests you need depends on your age, health history, and medications. For a fuller walkthrough, read our guide to understanding lab panels.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Red cells, white cells, and platelets. Screens for anemia, infection, and blood disorders.
- Metabolic panel
- Blood sugar, electrolytes, and kidney and liver function, including the eGFR. See eGFR explained.
- Lipid panel
- Cholesterol and triglycerides, sometimes with ApoB or a one-time lipoprotein(a) test.
- Hemoglobin A1c
- Your average blood sugar over about three months. Used to screen for and monitor diabetes. See understanding A1c.
- Thyroid (TSH)
- Checks for an underactive or overactive thyroid. See when to get your thyroid checked.
- Vitamin B12 and vitamin D
- Common deficiencies in older adults and people on certain medications. See vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Most results are back within a few days. You can see them in the patient portal, and your provider reviews them and follows up on anything that needs attention.
How to Prepare for Your Lab Visit
Fasting
Fast only if we ask you to. Many tests, including most cholesterol panels, no longer require it. When fasting is needed, it usually means nothing to eat or drink except water for 8 to 12 hours beforehand.
Keep drinking water, since being well hydrated makes the blood draw easier, and take your usual medications unless we tell you otherwise. If you take insulin or diabetes pills, call us before a fasting test so we can tell you how to adjust your doses safely.
Important reminders for all lab visits
- Follow instructions, if there are any, to prepare for the specific test you are having performed.
- Alert the person collecting your sample if you have deviated from the instructions and how.
- Inform the doctor or practitioner of any medications (including vitamins and supplements) you might currently be taking or foods you have eaten within the day prior to the test.
- If you are taking prescribed medications such as blood-thinners or seizure medication, write down the exact time at which you took your dose and when your blood was drawn. This information will be useful if your doctor has any questions about your test results.
- Certain behaviors may affect some test results, such as recent or excessive exercise, not taking in enough fluids (dehydration), excessive eating, or recent sexual activity. You may be asked to refrain from some of these activities for certain tests.
Do lab tests require special preparation?
It should be noted that many tests require no special preparation. But for those that do, be certain to adhere to the instructions provided. If you are ever unclear about the instructions, be sure to ask the person ordering the test for clarification. If you are not given any instructions, you should ask if there are any special instructions needed to prepare for the test.
Find Out MoreLab Work Questions
Can I get blood work done at your office in St. Petersburg?
Yes. We draw blood and collect urine samples in our office, so most patients never need a separate trip to an outside lab. Some specialized tests are sent to an outside laboratory for processing, and we handle that for you.
Do I need to fast before my blood test?
Only if we tell you to. Many tests, including most cholesterol panels, no longer require fasting. When fasting is needed, it usually means nothing to eat or drink except water for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Keep drinking water, and take your usual medications unless we give you other instructions.
What if I take insulin or diabetes pills and need a fasting test?
Call us before your visit. Skipping meals while taking some diabetes medications can cause low blood sugar, so we will tell you exactly how to adjust your doses on the morning of the test.
How long do lab results take?
Most results are available within a few days, and some specialized tests take longer. You can view results in the patient portal, and your provider reviews them and discusses anything that needs attention with you.
Will my insurance cover lab work?
Most plans cover lab tests that are medically necessary, but screening labs done as part of a preventive visit can be billed differently from tests ordered to check a symptom or monitor a condition. If you have questions about a specific test, call our office before your visit.
Do you do EKGs and breathing tests in the office?
Yes. We perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) to check heart rhythm and spirometry to measure lung function, so these tests can often be done during your regular visit.
Our Patients Are Happy & Healthy
"Dr. Zimmer has been my primary physician for many years. He is personable, organized, professional and highly knowledgeable. He and his team deliver efficient, compassionate and supportive care."
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