Lab Testing

Whether you’re looking to get a quick and easy COVID-19, flu, or strep throat test or interested in preventive lab work, Candace Bentley, MSN, APNP, FNP-BC, at CB's NP Health Services in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, offers several lab tests. Treating patients aged two and older, the practice is CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified and partnered with Quest Diagnostics and MicroGenDx laboratories. If you’re interested in hearing more about lab testing and booking an appointment, reach out online or call the practice today. 

What is lab testing? 

Lab testing is when your provider draws your blood or checks your urine or body tissues. The practice then sends the samples to a laboratory where they can detect any abnormalities. 

Lab testing can be preventive and part of a physical or wellness exam, or your provider may encourage testing to understand a current health concern. 

Lab testing allows your provider to identify or monitor several diseases and conditions and helps them to see if your organs are healthy. If you need medical treatment, your provider can reference the lab findings to determine the proper treatment plan or medication. 

How should I prepare for lab testing? 

Before any lab test, you should discuss specific preparation with your provider. Let them know about any medication, vitamins, or supplements you or your child takes, as they can interact with lab testing. 

Depending on your test, your provider may ask you or your child to: 

• Avoid certain food
• Avoid alcohol or smoking 
• Temporarily stop taking certain medications or supplements 
• Drink extra water (for urine tests) 
• Fast 
• Avoid strenuous exercise or sexual activity 

It’s essential to be honest with your provider if you or your child didn’t fast properly or follow instructions — this can alter your test results. 

What are my lab testing options?

CB’s NP Health Services offers several tests for patients aged two and older. Tests include: 

• Urine tests (for pregnancy or urinalysis) 
• Rapid strep throat 
• Flu
• Mononucleosis 
• PCR nasal COVID-19 testing 
• Tuberculin skin test
  
  

If you’re looking to do a routine blood test, your provider may include a: 

• Thyroid panel
• Basic metabolic panel
• CBC (complete blood count) 
• Vital nutrient test 
• STI test
• Enzyme marker (if you’re at high risk for cancer, stroke, or celiac disease)
• Blood glucose/diabetic panel 
• Cholesterol test 
• Cortisol test 
• Electrolyte test 

For children, basic blood chemistry tests help your provider learn how their body’s organs, like the kidneys, are working and ensure their healthy development. These tests check for electrolyte levels to be sure your child has healthy minerals, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (kidney function), and glucose levels (diabetes). 

If you’re interested in hearing about lab testing CB’s NP Health Services offers, call the office or book an appointment online today.