Laboratory Tests
Diagnostics at Washington Township Medical Foundation
Laboratory tests are used to find out what is causing certain symptoms,
as well as to screen patients for various conditions and illnesses. Lab
tests use a sample from the patient’s body in order to provide diagnostic
results. There are various types of laboratory tests that your doctor
may order for different purposes.
These include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Throat swabs
- Stool samples
- Spinal tap / lumbar puncture
Different factors can impact the results of your lab test, including your
race, age, gender, diet, medications, and whether or not you closely followed
instructions given to you by your doctor before taking your test.
Why Are Laboratory Tests Ordered?
Laboratory tests can be used for a variety of reasons. They may be used
to diagnose a medical disorder, or to monitor the progress of or changes
in a condition. Your doctor may also order a lab test in order to plan
a course of treatment or to evaluate how well a treatment is working.
These lab tests may also be used as a routine part of your regular health
checkups to screen for various conditions and / or any abnormalities or
areas of concern. Ask your doctor at Washington Township Medical Foundation
if you have questions about ordering lab tests.