The laboratory at Speare Memorial Hospital provides a full range of clinical laboratory services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for receiving and processing blood, fluid, and tissue samples. The laboratory underwent a complete renovation in 2006 and houses an array of comprehensive and accurate testing equipment. Laboratory personnel perform over 150,000 tests a year

Results for most tests performed at the laboratory are reported to the ordering physician within 24 hours. Tests that are referred out to another lab may take longer.

Federally Licensed and Certified
The laboratory is licensed by the Federal and State of New Hampshire governments. The government conducts random “surprise” inspections of hospitals throughout the State. The laboratory at Speare Memorial was inspected in March/2007

The SMH laboratory is also accredited by the College of American Patholigists (CAP). This is an accreditation process based on the results of an on-site inspection every two years. The last unannounced on-site inspection of the laboratory was in January 2009.This is a voluntary program that the laboratory chooses to participate in as part of an ongoing commitment to quality laboratory medicine.

Services Provided
All out patient and inpatient medical laboratory specimen collections can be accomplished at the hospital laboratory, including young children. Some specialized laboratory specimens can only be collected on weekdays due to testing requirements.

What to Expect During Your Visit/Procedure

• The hospital' laboratory is busiest during the morning. If you do not require a fasting sample, you should keep this in mind when scheduling your day.
• You must go to Out-patient Registration before coming to the laboratory. It is important that you have your insurance information readily available and that you bring your laboratory requisition.
• If the provider has sent the requisition over earlier, if you are an Oncology patient, a standing order, or a one –time faxed order, please tell the laboratory's registrant. This will help us find your order in a timely manner.
• Remember to wear loose fitting clothing so that we can examine your arms for the appropriate draw site.
• We are staffed with experienced phlebotomists and technologists but if you have a personal request or want your blood drawn from a specific site please let us know, and we will try to accommodate you.

Important Reminders/Things to Remember

It is recommended that such tests as profiles, glucose, HDL panels be drawn while fasting (you should fast for 8-12 hours/you may drink water) unless otherwise specified by your provider.

Certain tests such as drug levels should be drawn when recommended by the ordering provider to assure test level is representative of the medication steady state. You will be asked when you took your last dose (You should take your medication as usual unless directed otherwise by your provider).

We try to meet the needs of all our patients with friendly skilled service. If we do not meet your needs please let the laboratory's Administrative Director, Bob Ryan, know at (603) 238-2224. Your comments help us improve our service (PS Compliments are also welcome).