What to bring: A signed order, requisition or prescription from your doctor or healthcare provider; your photo ID; and your insurance card.
Physician instructions: Follow any instructions your doctor has given you. If instructed to “FAST”, do not eat or drink anything except water 10-12 hours before your lab test. Continue to take your medications as prescribed.
Glucose Tolerance Testing: Depending on the test ordered, you may be required to stay 1 to 4 hours. For your safety, you will need to stay near the lab for the entire testing period.
Colusa Medical Center’s Clinical Laboratory provides reliable, timely laboratory testing to support the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of a wide range of medical conditions. Serving both hospitalized patients and outpatients, our experienced laboratory professionals utilize advanced technology and quality-focused processes to deliver accurate results that help physicians make informed healthcare decisions.
Conveniently located within the hospital, our laboratory offers outpatient specimen collection and diagnostic testing in a comfortable, patient-centered environment. Whether you are completing routine blood work, monitoring a chronic condition, or undergoing specialized testing, our team is committed to providing efficient service with compassion and professionalism.
Our Clinical Laboratory performs a comprehensive range of diagnostic testing, including:
Chemistry
Coagulation
Hematology
Microbiology
Serology (Serum Antibody Testing)
Urinalysis
Outpatient Phlebotomy Services
Specialty laboratory testing is also available as ordered by your healthcare provider.
To help ensure a smooth visit and accurate test results, please review the following information before arriving.
A laboratory order, requisition, or lab slip from your physician or licensed healthcare provider
A valid photo ID
Your insurance card
We accept Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most commercial insurance plans.
Please wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm, such as a short-sleeved shirt or sleeves that can easily be rolled up.
Your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions before your laboratory testing. Please follow these instructions carefully, including any medication guidance or preparation requirements.
Some laboratory tests require fasting. If your provider instructs you to fast—or if your laboratory order indicates a fasting test—do not eat or drink anything except water for 8 to 12 hours before your appointment. Continue taking your routine medications unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.
Depending on the type of glucose tolerance test ordered, your visit may last between one and four hours. During this time, you must remain near the laboratory, as some patients may experience low blood sugar, nausea, or lightheadedness. We recommend arranging childcare when possible, as the testing process can be lengthy. Please call the laboratory before your visit to receive arrival instructions and preparation guidelines.
For most laboratory tests, appointments are not required. Walk-in services are available for your convenience. Please remember to bring your laboratory order from your healthcare provider.
Upon arrival, please check in at the hospital’s Registration Desk located in the main lobby before proceeding to the laboratory.
Colusa Medical Center accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most major commercial insurance plans. If you have commercial insurance, we encourage you to contact your insurance provider before your visit to verify that Colusa Medical Center is an in-network provider and to confirm your laboratory benefits.
At Colusa Medical Center, we understand that accurate laboratory results play a critical role in your healthcare. Our laboratory professionals are dedicated to providing dependable testing, outstanding customer service, and timely results to support your physician and help you receive the highest quality care possible.