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Laboratory Services
The laboratory services are intended to provide the clinical testing needs of all Prima CARE patients. The collection and disposition of biological samples as needed for the analytical determinations requested by the patient's health care provider. Our laboratory performs a wide variety of routine testing that includes basic and special chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation studies, endocrinology and serology. All tests results are via electronic reports to the Prima CARE, P.C. ordering physician.
Our phlebotomists are trained professionals that assist in obtaining, processing, storage and shipping of the biological samples. In addition, our medical laboratory scientists are highly skilled technologists that provide and monitor the analytical processes in the laboratory, using advanced instrumentation that allows the performance of assays with accuracy, precision and efficiency.
Click here (or scroll down) for a list of tests performed by the Laboratory.
Click here (or scroll down) for Specimen Collection Special Procedures and FAQ.
Prima CARE, P.C.
Laboratory
289 Pleasant Street, Suite 104
Fall River, MA 02721
Phone: 508-646-7620
Fax: 508-646-7621
Click here for office directions.
Our laboratory is pleased to perform the following tests:
Chemistry
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- CO2
- Calcium
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
- Glucose
- Total Protein
- Albumin
- Total Bilirubin
- Direct Bilirubin
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- ALT (SGPT)
- AST (SGOT)
- Triglycerides
- Cholesterol
- HDL
- LDL (Direct and Calculated)
- Uric Acid
- Creatine Kinase
- Urine Microalbumin
- Urine Creatinine
Special Chemistry
- PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
Diabetes Monitoring
Thyroid Function Tests
- TSH
- Total T4
- T3 Uptake
- Total T3
Coagulation
Hematology
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- White Blood Cells
- Red Blood Cells
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
- Platelets
- Indices: MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW
- Differential Count (WBC differentiation: Neutrophiles, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils and Basophils).
- Sedimentation Ratio (ESR)
Urinalysis
- Urine Chemistries
- Specific Gravity
- pH
- Protein
- Glucose
- Ketone
- Bilirubin
- Blood
- Leukocytes
- Nitrite
- Urobilinogen
- Urine Sedimentation Analysis (Microscopy)
- Epithelial Cells
- Bacteria
- Casts
- Crystals
- Other
Miscellaneous Testing
- Pregnancy Testing (Serum and Urine)
- Beta Strep Screen (Rapid Test)
- Fecal Occult Blood
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Specimen Collection Special Procedures
Tolerance Tests
Tests performed to determine patient's response to certain substances.The patient follows instruction from the provider before reporting to the laboratory.
At the laboratory the patient is given a specific drink and blood is collected at different intervals. The patient is expected to stay in the collection station for up to five hours depending on the test ordered.
Timed Urines (24 hour Urines)
The patient collects the urine voided for a period of 24 hours and stores it refrigerated in a container provided by the laboratory. Specific instructions will be provided at the time the container is picked up.
Timed Stools (24 hour Stools)
The feces are collected for a period of time and stored in a container. Special instructions will be provided by the laboratory.
Stool Collection
Stool testing may require the specimen to be placed into several kinds of containers depending on the test ordered.
The laboratory will provide these different containers with specific instructions.
The collection of these samples will be done in the comfort of the patients home.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast?
Follow your provider's instructions. However, most testing can be done in random specimens where there is no need to be fasting. Some tests should be performed on fasting specimens such as Lipid, Glucose or other special assays.
A good fasting is generally 12 hours without food or drink prior to the specimen collection. Special circumstances may prevent one from fasting. Always check with your provider.
How many tubes of blood will be needed?
It depends on the combination of tests ordered. Many tests can be done from one single tube of blood. Yet, others require special tubes with different additives in it.
Is there a better time for blood collection?
Generally the answer is no. However certain testing requires morning specimens. Consult your provider or the laboratory.
In case of Prothrombin Times, it is preferred that the blood be collected in the morning so the result can go to the provider before the day is over. This way monitoring of the patient will be easier.
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