The Laboratory at Satilla Regional Medical Center performs many different kinds of tests — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In fact, this year, our specially trained and certified Lab team will perform more than one million tests ordered by the doctors on our medical staff. The Laboratory also operates an accredited Blood Bank. The blood bank receives its supply from the American Red Cross. We rely on local donations for a good supply of all blood types. The blood bank tests to make sure donated blood will be compatible with the patient’s blood.

Satilla’s Outpatient Lab also provides a full array of laboratory services and is conveniently located for quick access and easy registration at 1921 Alice Street, Suite A2. No appointment is necessary. The Outpatient Lab is open Monday - Friday from 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Parking is available directly in front of the office. For more information, call (912) 284-2335.

What to Bring
Please bring your written doctor’s order and your insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid card with you to your appointment. Without your order and card, your test may delayed or rescheduled.

Where to Go
If your test requires a specimen (blood, urine, etc.), please go to the Satilla Outpatient Center at 1921 Alice Street, behind the hospital. Remember to bring your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid card.

What to Expect
A lab test requires one or more small samples of your blood or body fluids. These samples are analyzed to give your doctor important information about your health. Along with your medical history, symptoms, physical exams and other information, lab tests help build a complete picture of the status of your health, so your doctor can plan the best treatment for you.

Your Test Results
Lab test results are usually reported to your doctor the same day as you have the test, unless your sample is sent to an outside lab. The Laboratory staff is not authorized to interpret laboratory results, but will release a copy of the results to you if you sign a release form. Ask a staff member for a release form.

Some of the more common tests performed include:

Glucose: This is your blood sugar. After eating, your blood sugar will rise to about 200, but will drop back to the fasting level after about 2 hours. A doctor may need to do further tests if your blood sugar is high. Blood sugars under 50 or over 250 may need to be treated immediately. Low blood sugars may make you feel "light-headed" and "shaky."

Cholesterol: Eating within 8 hours of specimen collection may elevate your fasting cholesterol level by up to 25%. You should ask your doctor to check your "good" cholesterol level (HDL), especially if your total cholesterol is over 200. High levels of cholesterol are associated with heart disease because this fat attaches to the arteries in the heart. Diet and exercise can often control minor elevations (less than 300) but higher levels may need to be treated with medication.

Blood Sugar and PSA: These blood tests and the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test are some of the most common tests performed. We also do test that show diseases of the thyroid, liver, and kidney. If your doctor orders a "lipid profile", you should not eat anything after supper until the next morning when we can draw your blood.

ALT: This is a test that screens for liver disease. If your ALT is over 70, your doctor may want to do other testing.

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: Hemoglobin is the part of the red cell that carries oxygen through the body. If the result is less than 11, you should tell your doctor to check you for anemia. If the value is over 18, you should discuss it with your doctor because your blood may be "too thick" causing your heart to work extra hard. Hematocrit is another indicator of anemia and should be approximately 3 X your hemoglobin value.

CBC and Protime: The CBC (complete blood count) examines the red and white blood cells to check for anemia and/or infection. If you are taking blood thinners, your doctor may order a Protime test to make sure you are taking the proper dose.

For more information about the Laboratory Services offered at Satilla Regional, call (912) 287-2586.

For a schedule of Blood Drives held in our community, click here.