Outpatient Lab Service
Our Outpatient Laboratory presents a comfortable, convenient setting for your laboratory testing needs. Patients are seen on a walk-in basis. Physician's orders are required for all laboratory tests.
Once the samples are obtained, they are sent to the main laboratory for testing, and results are given directly to your physician.
Registration for Outpatient Laboratory services occurs at the Admitting office. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Outpatient Lab Hours
Monday - Friday: 7:00 am-4:15 pm
Lab closes promptly at 4:30 pm, with last patient sign-in at 4:15 pm.
For more information, please call 617-313-1145.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fasting?
Fasting requires that you do NOT eat or drink anything 12-14 hours before your lab test. However, contrary to popular belief, water consumption is allowed and encouraged. All medications should be taken as usual.
Do I need to fast?
Certain tests (such as glucose or a cholesterol panel) require fasting. Please consult with your physician before visiting the laboratory.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments for routine lab work are not necessary. Patients are seen on a first come, first serve basis.
Why do I need to register each time I visit the laboratory?
Even though you may have registered before, we must ask you to register each time to avoid any billing errors caused by inaccurate or out of date information.
What if I have a standing order?
For patients with standing orders for frequent lab tests, we've created a program to help make your experience more efficient. A standing order requires an initial registration then allows you to bypass the process on all subsequent visits until your orders expire.
Will my insurance cover my laboratory tests?
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton accepts most insurance plans. However, because coverage varies from plan to plan, we recommend you contact your insurance provider for complete details.
When will my doctor get my test results?
Most routine tests are performed in our laboratory and will be completed and reported to your physician within 24-48 hours.
Can I get a copy of my results?
A copy of your results can be obtained through the medical records department at BID-Milton. You will be required to sign an authorization release.
Main Laboratory
BID-Milton's Laboratory performs more than 750,000 different tests annually, ranging from the common, such as blood counts and glucose, to complex testing for thyroid function, cancer tumors or cardiac diagnosis. All testing is done by 25+ laboratory technicians and technologists who have undergone specialized advanced training and been nationally certified to perform the work they do. They are supported by 15+ phlebotomists whose job is to ensure the right specimen is obtained from the right patient at the right time. This dedication to a quality service has earned the lab accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). CAP accreditation is the gold standard for laboratory performance. The rigorous inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory’s patients.
BID-Milton also operates a transfusion service, which has been awarded accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), a voluntary inspection the hospital participates in because it assists facilities in achieving excellence by promoting a level of professional and medical expertise that contributes to quality performance. Through inspection and evaluation it was determined that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance meets or exceeds the rigorous requirements established by the AABB.
The hospital's transfusion service is used to process blood and blood components from the American Red Cross. Blood transfusions are given during surgery when there is a blood loss, and more frequently, to support patients whose bone marrow is not producing enough red cells or other components. The Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton laboratory also types and screens approximately 2000 samples of blood from patients to determine the type of blood or blood product that should be given for a transfusion. BID-Milton employs two full-time transfusion service technologists who oversee testing and typing, and who are responsible for maintaining the high quality of standard that has earned the hospital accreditation by the AABB.
