Convenient Lab Testing, Collected On-Site
A Brighter Future Healthcare Services offers convenient on-site blood collection for laboratory tests ordered by your ABF healthcare provider. After your specimen is collected, it is securely sent to an outside laboratory for processing and analysis. When the results are available, ABF may schedule a follow-up appointment—often by telehealth—to explain your results, answer questions, and discuss any recommended next steps.
Laboratory tests are ordered based on each patient's symptoms, health history, medications, diagnoses, and clinical needs.
What to Expect From Your Lab Work
Your Provider Orders Your Tests
Your ABF healthcare provider determines which laboratory tests are medically appropriate based on your health history, symptoms, medications, diagnoses, and treatment plan.
Your Blood Is Collected at ABF
A trained clinical team member collects your blood specimen during a scheduled laboratory appointment or qualifying office visit.
The Specimen Is Sent for Testing
ABF packages and sends the specimen to an outside laboratory. The laboratory performs the ordered tests and sends the results back to ABF.
ABF Reviews the Results With You
After the results are received and reviewed, ABF may schedule an in-person or telehealth follow-up appointment. During this visit, a member of the clinical team will explain the findings, answer questions, and discuss any treatment, medication, lifestyle, referral, or repeat-testing recommendations.
Lab results are not typically interpreted during the blood-draw appointment. A separate follow-up appointment may be required.
Tests Commonly Included in ABF Lab Orders
The exact tests ordered will vary by patient. A common ABF laboratory order may include some or all of the following tests.
Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c estimates a patient's average blood glucose level over approximately the previous two to three months. It may be used to screen for, diagnose, or monitor prediabetes and diabetes.
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It commonly includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and may help evaluate cardiovascular risk.
Iron
Iron testing helps evaluate the amount of iron available in the body. It may be used when assessing fatigue, anemia, nutritional concerns, blood loss, or other health conditions.
Folate
Folate is a B vitamin needed for healthy blood cell development and other essential body functions. Testing may help identify a folate deficiency or support the evaluation of certain types of anemia.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell production, neurological function, and DNA formation. Testing may be ordered for fatigue, anemia, numbness, tingling, memory concerns, dietary deficiencies, or medication-related monitoring.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone, commonly called TSH, helps evaluate thyroid function. Abnormal levels may indicate that the thyroid is underactive or overactive.
Free T4
Free T4 measures a circulating thyroid hormone. It is often interpreted along with TSH to provide a more complete evaluation of thyroid function.
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy is commonly used to evaluate vitamin D status. Vitamin D supports bone health, muscle function, and other important body processes.
Complete Blood Count with Differential
A CBC with differential evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and different types of white blood cells. It may help identify anemia, infection, inflammation, or other blood-related concerns.
Basic Metabolic Panel
A basic metabolic panel may evaluate glucose, electrolytes, kidney function, calcium, and the body's acid-base balance.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
A comprehensive metabolic panel includes many of the measurements found in a basic metabolic panel while also providing information about liver proteins, liver enzymes, and additional metabolic functions.
Patients will not necessarily receive every test listed above. Your provider will select the appropriate tests for your individual medical needs.
Toxicology and Controlled-Medication Testing
In addition to blood collection, ABF conducts toxicology testing for certain patients receiving controlled medications. Depending on the provider's order and the patient's treatment plan, testing may be completed using a urine specimen, an oral-fluid specimen collected with a mouth swab, or another clinically appropriate specimen when ordered. Testing may be required before a controlled-medication prescription is issued, renewed, or continued.
The Provider Orders the Test
The treating clinician determines whether toxicology testing is required based on the medication, treatment plan, clinical history, previous results, prescribing requirements, and safety considerations.
The Patient Provides a Specimen
The patient may be asked to provide a urine sample or allow a trained team member to collect an oral-fluid specimen with a mouth swab.
The Specimen Is Tested
The specimen may be tested on-site, sent to an outside laboratory, or both, depending on the type of test and whether confirmation testing is needed.
The Provider Reviews the Result
The provider evaluates the result together with the patient's prescribed medications, reported medication use, health history, and treatment plan. A prescription may be delayed, modified, withheld, or discontinued when testing or other clinical information requires further evaluation.
A toxicology test is not the same as the routine bloodwork panel described elsewhere on this page. Toxicology testing is ordered for medication monitoring, treatment safety, or another specific clinical purpose.
Patients should be prepared to complete required testing before leaving the office. Inability or refusal to provide the requested specimen may affect whether a controlled medication can be prescribed or refilled.
How to Prepare
Do not stop, skip, increase, or otherwise change a medication solely to prepare for toxicology testing unless instructed by the prescribing healthcare provider.
What Happens During a Mouth Swab?
An oral-fluid test uses a collection device placed inside the patient's mouth to collect saliva or oral fluid. The patient may be instructed not to eat, drink, smoke, vape, chew gum, or place anything in the mouth for a specified period before collection. The patient must follow the exact instructions given by the ABF clinical team because preparation requirements may vary by test. The collection process is generally brief and does not require a needle.
What Happens During a Urine Test?
The patient receives a specimen container and collection instructions from the clinical team. The patient must provide their own specimen and return it according to staff instructions. Depending on the test, ABF may use collection-integrity procedures to confirm that the specimen is suitable for testing.
Testing may identify:
- Prescribed medications or medication-related substances
- Medications that were not reported
- Non-prescribed controlled substances
- Other substances included in the ordered test panel
- Findings that require confirmation by an outside laboratory
The presence or absence of a substance does not always establish medication misuse by itself. Results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider in the context of the patient's medication history, timing, dosage, metabolism, and other relevant information.
Agreement Required for Certain Controlled Medications
Before ABF prescribes or continues certain controlled medications, the patient may be required to review and sign the ABF Controlled-Substance Treatment Agreement. The agreement explains medication risks, safe-use expectations, refill procedures, pharmacy requirements, required appointments, toxicology testing, and possible consequences when treatment requirements are not followed.
Review Controlled-Medication Prescribing Requirements
Visit the Primary Care page for details on the Controlled-Substance Treatment Agreement, refill expectations, and patient responsibilities.
How to Prepare for Your Blood Draw
Confirm Whether You Must Fast
Some laboratory tests may require fasting. Do not eat or drink anything other than water during the instructed fasting period unless your provider tells you otherwise. Patients should not assume that fasting is required. ABF should provide fasting instructions when applicable.
Drink Water
Unless you have been advised to restrict fluids, drink water before your appointment. Being adequately hydrated may make it easier to collect a blood specimen.
Take Medications as Directed
Do not stop prescription medications, vitamins, or supplements unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Bring an Updated Medication List
Bring a complete list of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, injections, medication doses, and how often each medication is taken.
Bring Identification and Insurance Information
Patients should bring a valid photo ID, current insurance card, and any requested laboratory paperwork.
Wear Accessible Clothing
Wear clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up comfortably above the elbow.
Tell the Clinical Team About Special Concerns
Before the blood draw, notify the clinical team if you have previously fainted during blood collection, are taking a blood thinner, have a bleeding disorder, have difficulty with blood draws, have an allergy to adhesives or latex, have a preferred arm for blood collection, or have been told not to use a particular arm.
Do not make changes to your medications, diet, or supplements solely to prepare for laboratory testing unless instructed by an ABF healthcare provider.
What Happens After Your Lab Visit
Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after a routine blood draw.
A small bandage may be applied to the collection site. Keep pressure on the area as instructed by the clinical team.
Minor soreness or bruising can occur. Contact ABF if you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, significant swelling, worsening redness, or another concerning reaction.
Your specimen will be sent to the appropriate outside laboratory. Processing times vary depending on the tests ordered, the laboratory, specimen quality, insurance requirements, and whether additional testing is needed.
The person collecting your blood will not have the final laboratory results at the time of your appointment.
How Will I Receive My Results?
Once ABF receives the completed laboratory report, a healthcare provider will review the findings. Depending on the results and your care plan, ABF may:
- Schedule a telehealth results appointment
- Schedule an in-person follow-up visit
- Send appropriate instructions through an approved patient communication method
- Recommend repeat testing
- Adjust or prescribe medication
- Recommend lifestyle changes
- Refer you to a specialist
- Request an earlier appointment for findings that require timely evaluation
Important Timing
Routine laboratory follow-up appointments may be scheduled several days or weeks after the blood draw, depending on provider availability, the type of testing performed, and the urgency of the findings. ABF should contact patients sooner when the clinical team determines that a result requires prompt attention.
Patient Responsibility
Patients should keep their contact information current and respond to appointment calls, portal messages, text messages, or emails from ABF. If a patient has not received follow-up instructions within the timeframe provided by the clinical team, the patient should contact ABF rather than assume the results were normal.
Reviewing Your Lab Results by Telehealth
Many ABF patients review laboratory results during a scheduled telephone or video appointment. During the appointment, the clinical team may:
- Confirm the patient's identity
- Review the tests that were completed
- Explain results that are normal, high, low, or outside the expected range
- Compare results with previous laboratory findings
- Discuss symptoms and medications
- Answer patient questions
- Recommend treatment or lifestyle changes
- Discuss prescriptions or medication refills when clinically appropriate
- Schedule repeat laboratory testing or follow-up care
Preparation Checklist
Before the telehealth appointment, patients should:
- Choose a quiet, private location
- Keep their phone charged and nearby
- Allow calls from unknown or clinic telephone numbers
- Have their medication list available
- Write down questions in advance
- Have a pen and paper ready
- Keep blood pressure or glucose readings available, when applicable
- Join video appointments early enough to test the camera and microphone
Helpful Questions for Your Healthcare Provider
Which results were normal?
Which results were outside the expected range?
What may have caused the abnormal result?
Does this result require treatment?
Should I change my diet, physical activity, medication, or supplements?
Do I need to repeat any of the tests?
When should the tests be repeated?
Are these results different from my previous results?
Do I need to see a specialist?
What symptoms should prompt me to contact ABF?
Where can I obtain a copy of my laboratory results?
What is the next step in my care plan?
Insurance and Billing Information
Laboratory testing may result in charges from ABF, the outside laboratory, or both. Insurance coverage depends on factors that may include:
- The patient's insurance plan
- Network participation
- Medical necessity
- Diagnosis codes
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Plan exclusions
- Frequency limits
- Whether a test requires prior authorization
ABF cannot guarantee that an insurance company will pay for a laboratory test. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company before testing when they have questions about laboratory benefits or expected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Laboratory Testing or a Results Appointment?
Contact A Brighter Future Healthcare Services to request an appointment, verify your preparation instructions, or ask about a pending laboratory follow-up visit.
For emergencies or severe symptoms, call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical care. Do not use the website or routine appointment system for emergencies.