Services @ RHSHC
Wellness Laboratory Testing: Monitoring Your Own Health
Regional Health Services of Howard County offers wellness laboratory testing to the public. This laboratory testing service differs in that the public may choose from a select list of laboratory tests, which are available without a doctor’s order. The results of these tests will help patients monitor their own health status.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Wellness Lab Testing
- Testing Definitions
- Wellness Lab Gift Certificates
Because Americans are more health-conscious today, more aware of their own bodies, and more knowledgeable about physical health and illness in general, they are interested in knowing and monitoring their personal test results beyond what is provided at their annual physicians. While this service does not take the place of medical care, it is another tool for patients to access the information they need to monitor their own health.
Wellness laboratory testing is offered from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Monday through Friday and 8:00 to 10:00 am on Saturday at the hospital
lab. Everyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent
or guardian. Results of the tests will be sent directly to the
patient within one week. Patients are encouraged to share the results
with their personal physician. Critical test results will be reviewed
by a physician. Payment for the tests must be received at the time
of service in cash, check or credit card; insurance will not be
billed. Wellness tests offered include:
| Hematology Wellness | $15.00 |
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| Glucose Wellness * | $10.00 |
| Cholesterol Wellness * | $10.00 |
ALT Wellness (liver) |
$10.00 |
| AST Wellness (liver) | $10.00 |
| Lipid + Glucose Wellness * |
$25.00 |
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| Chemistry Wellness * | $25.00 |
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| Hemoglobin A1C Wellness: |
$30 |
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| Potassium Wellness: | $10 |
| TSH Wellness (thyroid): | $40 |
| PSA Wellness: |
$45 |
| Prostate Specific Antigen (prostate cancer). PSA levels can also be elevated in a number of conditions other than cancer, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (noncancerous enlargement of the prostate), prostatitis (inflammation or infection of the prostate), and after manipulation of the prostate (e.g., after a prostate biopsy or urinary catheterization). Waiting three months for testing is recommended after biopsy or manipulation. | |
| Blood Type | $15.00 |
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* Indicates that an individual should be fasting. Fasting, for the laboratory, means no solid or liquid food for 12 hours and no alcohol 24 hours prior to specimen collection. Water should be taken in normal amounts, and you should continue taking your medications as directed by your health care provider.
Lab Staff (standing L to R): Missy Rush, Lab Asst.; Katie Holzer, MLT; Hannah Timkang, MT;
Madonna Hoehn, MLT; (seated L to R): Lasandra Hall, MT; Janet Rustad, MT/Director
Please contact the Hospital Laboratory at Regional Health Services of Howard County at (563) 547-2101 if you have questions about this service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wellness Lab Testing
I’ve completed some lab tests, now what do all the numbers mean?
High blood cholesterol signals a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly and discuss them with your health care provider.
What should my total cholesterol level be?
Less than 200 mg/dL = Desirable (lower risk)
200 to 239 mg/dL = Borderline high (higher risk)
240 mg/dL and above = High blood cholesterol
What should my HDL (good) cholesterol level be?
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein and is considered “good” because it lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke. The higher number for your HDL, the better. You can raise your HDL by quitting smoking, losing excess weight and being more active.
Less than 40 mg/dL = Low HDL (higher risk)
40 to 59 mg/dL = The higher, the better
60 mg/dL and above = High HDL (lower risk, which is good)
What should my LDL (bad) cholesterol level be?
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in your blood. A high level of LDL means there is a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Less than 100 mg/dL = Optimal for people with heart disease or diabetes
100 to 129 mg/dL = Near or above optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL = Borderline high
160 to 189 mg/dL = High
190 mg/dL and above = Very high
What should my triglyceride level be?
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They are also a major energy source. They come from food, and your body also makes them. As people get older, gain excess weight or both, their triglyceride and cholesterol levels tend to rise. Many people who have heart disease or diabetes have high fasting triglyceride levels. Some studies have shown that people with above-normal fasting triglyceride levels (150 mg/dL or higher) have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Less than 150 mg/dL = Normal
150 to 199 mg/dL = Borderline high
200 to 499 mg/dL = High
500 mg/dL and above = Very high
Glucose: Helps diagnose and monitor for diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions.
Hemoglobin: Measures the amount of red blood cells in your blood. Abnormal hemoglobin is related to conditions such as anemia, dehydration, iron deficiency, excessive bleeding, kidney or liver disease.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Evaluates kidney function. Certain medications make it necessary to monitor your kidney function. BUN levels increase with age and also with high protein diets.
Creatinine: Evaluates kidney function. Frequently this test is used in combination with the BUN to diagnose kidney diseases.
Uric Acid: Evaluates whether the body is breaking down cells too quickly or not getting rid of uric acid quickly enough. Levels can vary from day to day. Many drugs, including diuretics and aspirin, can affect the uric acid blood level. High uric acid levels must be treated.
Potassium: Affects all body organs. As part of a routine medical exam, it can be used to investigate a serious illness such as blood pressure or kidney disease.
AST: Detects liver damage.
Calcium: Used to screen for/diagnose/monitor conditions relating to bones, heart, nerves, kidneys and teeth. This test may be used to diagnose kidney stones, bone disease or neurological disorders. Blood calcium will not tell you how much calcium is in your bones but will tell you the total calcium circulating in your blood stream.