Lab Tests
-
- Tweet
Downtown Medical Group
Primary Care Practice & Internists located in Union Square, San Francisco, CA
Lab tests are a key component of many health exams because they help your primary care physician identify problems early. At Downtown Medical Group in Union Square in San Francisco, a team of experienced physicians offer on-site lab tests including blood tests, urine tests, and even electrocardiograms (EKGs), just to name a few. Call us if you have any special tests that you require. Book your appointment through the online scheduler or by calling the clinic today.
Lab Tests Q & A
How do I prepare for blood testing?
Your Downtown Medical Group physician tells you if you need to do anything, in particular, to get ready for blood testing. Some blood tests, like glucose (blood sugar) and lipid (cholesterol & triglycerides) panels, requires 8-10 hours of fasting before the test.
How do I prepare for urine testing?
Like blood tests, urine tests sometimes require you to fast for accurate results. Of course, you need to be properly hydrated before a urine test. But avoid overhydration because too much water can dilute your urine and make it difficult to get an accurate test result.
How do I get ready for an EKG?
During an EKG, the Downtown Medical Group staff attaches small electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs to evaluate your heart’s electrical activity. Your Downtown Medical Group physician gives you specific preparation guidelines, which often include:
No caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can potentially affect heart activity, so it’s best to avoid it before your EKG. The staff at Downtown Medical Group gives you an exact time frame for discontinuing caffeine.
Nothing on your skin
Before your EKG, it’s important to avoid applying lotions, creams, or anything else that could prevent the electrodes from adhering to your skin properly.
Medication changes
Before your EKG, you’ll review your current medications with your Downtown Medical Group physician. You might need to temporarily discontinue certain medications if they’ll interfere with EKG results. Your physician gives you personalized medication change recommendations if needed.
An EKG is a simple, comfortable test that takes only around 10 minutes or so in the Downtown Medical Group office. Once your EKG is over, you can get back to your normal routine right away.
When do I get my results after lab tests?
Some test results are available almost immediately while others can take a few days. Having an on-site laboratory allows your Downtown Medical Group team to process tests and get back to you with answers as quickly as possible. With lab tests at a separate facility, you could be waiting for weeks to get answers.
Click the online appointment maker or call the Downtown Medical Group office to get fast and efficient lab testing in San Francisco now.
