Laboratory Department FAQs

The information provided below includes general questions and answers for tests at the laboratories of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

However, you should always follow the instructions of your physician or the lab that you are visiting.

• Do I continue taking my prescribed medication?
• How safe is it to have my blood drawn?
• How do you draw blood from children?
• Does Medicare pay for all my lab tests?

Do I continue taking my prescribed medication?

You should take your prescribed medications on the schedule your doctor has ordered for you. If the lab test is a measurement of your medication, we will ask you the time of your last dose.
Back to top

How safe is it to have my blood drawn?

You are at no risk of catching a disease, such as AIDS or hepatitis, or getting an infection from having your blood drawn. The lab personnel drawing your blood always wear gloves and use one-time-use, disposable needles.

The most common complication from having blood drawn is minor bruising at the puncture site. Care should be taken to assure bleeding has stopped prior to leaving the lab area. If you experience slight bruising, an ice pack, applied briefly to the site, may relieve the discomfort. For patients on blood thinners, such as Coumadin, a pressure bandage may be applied. Some people feel dizzy or light-headed when having blood drawn. If so, let the lab personnel know you have experienced this feeling in the past, and we will provide the needed support.
Back to top

How do you draw blood from children?

Your child's experience in having blood drawn is important to us. Parents are encouraged to talk to their child before blood is drawn to calm their fears. We also suggest a reward be given to the child after blood has been drawn.

Our laboratories have phlebotomists and technologists who are highly skilled with children and will ensure that your child has the least amount of discomfort possible. Since it is important that we obtain the best sample of blood for accurate results, we usually draw blood from the vein. Occasionally, we may need to help your child hold his or her arm still. Discuss your concerns with the phlebotomist so we can make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Back to top

Does Medicare pay for all my lab tests?

Sometimes, because of payment policies established by Medicare that are beyond our control, Medicare will not pay for some of your tests even though your doctor considers them important to your continued good health.

Medicare may not pay for your tests in the following situations:

• The tests are part of a routine physical exam and are used to screen for early signs of disease
• The test is performed more frequently than recommended by Medicare
• The test is considered by Medicare rules to be medically unnecessary, based on the diagnosis reported by your doctor
• The test is considered experimental or investigational because it has not yet been approved by the FDA
• For some tests, Medicare will only pay a portion of the costs after you have met your annual deductible

Back to top