Lab Services
When you want more information or a better understanding of your health, rely on the complete lab and pathology services at Grand River Medical Group clinics in Dubuque, Iowa. Our board-certified pathologists provide accurate, timely lab results to you and your medical team to ensure you get the care you need.
Accredited Laboratories
You can expect the best possible care because our clinic-based lab facilities are fully accredited by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and COLA, Inc. That means we meet the highest quality, safety and accuracy standards.
Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing
Depending on the reason for your test, your lab test may be considered a:
- Screening test – Routine testing for people without symptoms
- Diagnostic test – Examination to help make a diagnosis for a person with symptoms or an abnormal screening
Full Range of Laboratory Tests
Our conveniently located labs collect and test specimens from people of all ages to look for signs of medical conditions, determine how well a treatment is working, check for changes in your health and screen for substance use.
Your doctor may order a:
- Coagulation test – Checks for proteins that help your blood clot and is common for people on blood thinners
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) – Tests how well your kidneys and liver are working
- Diabetes test – Measures blood sugar levels and is also known as an A1C test or a hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c test
- Electrolyte test – Measures the amount of sodium and chloride in your body
- Hemoglobin test– Measures the protein in your red blood cells
- Histology test – Assesses tissue samples to look for diseases
- Lead testing – Checks for lead in your blood
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) test – Diagnoses or rules out STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Strep throat, mono and flu testing – Looks for signs of bacteria or viruses that cause certain infections
- Thyroid function test – Checks how your thyroid is working and can help a doctor diagnose conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer
Call a Grand River Medical lab location near you if you don’t see the lab test you need listed above. Our team can complete any lab work for you with an order from your doctor.
How to Prepare for Your Lab Test
If your test requires preparation, you'll receive instructions when your doctor orders the test. Make sure to follow any instructions since they can affect your test results. You may need to reschedule your test if you can't complete the preparation steps.
Before your lab test, talk to your receptionist or nurse to:
- Confirm the location and ask if the lab services are at the same clinic as your doctor's appointment
- Check if you need to fast before the lab test
- Confirm your appointment time
New Patients
If you haven’t been to a Grand River Medical Group location before, bring:
- A copy of your insurance card
- A photo ID or your driver's license
Test Results
You may get the results of your lab tests on the same day as your test. Some specimens, like blood and urine, need to be sent to one of our lab partners, United Clinical Laboratories or LabCorp, for testing. Pathology Associates, P.C., completes our pathology services.
Your test results will be in your patient portal as soon as they’re available. If needed, your doctor will call to explain your results and discuss the next steps.
