Diagnostics and laboratory

Laboratory at Alaska Regional in Anchorage, Alaska

Part of getting an accurate diagnosis for health problems begins with lab testing. At Alaska Regional Hospital, we offer a wide array of procedures to help your doctor diagnose your illness. Alaska Regional offers the latest technology in all types of medical procedures including blood tests, drug testing and screenings.

For general information about our diagnostic laboratory, call us at (907) 264-1028.

Clinical laboratory testing to find your diagnosis

Our full-service laboratory provides a variety of diagnostic services with quick turnaround times so physicians can begin treatment as soon as possible. Whether inpatient or outpatient, our priority is quality patient care. Our laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

Common reasons for lab testing

Physicians use clinical laboratory tests to both diagnose disease and to understand how they operate. Lab tests help to create a treatment plan based on a patient's disorder, stage of disease and physical condition. Additional reasons doctors order clinical tests include:

• Monitor progress of treatment
• Preparation for surgical and non-surgical procedures
• Screening for a specific condition

Common lab tests we offer

As there are many types of illnesses, it takes many types of tests to determine a diagnosis. Doctors may order tests such as:

• Bacteria, fungi, parasite identification
• Blood cholesterol testing
• Blood glucose testing
• Complete blood counts
• Hepatitis testing
• Pap smear
• Thyroid stimulating hormone test
• Urinalysis

To schedule an appointment for a lab test, speak with a scheduling team member at (855) 226-9105.

Advanced diagnostic-related services

Our lab specialists may involve imaging technologists and radiologists to diagnose your illness. Our related services include:

Alaska Regional Imaging Alliance

In cooperation with imaging services, our freestanding facility, Alaska Regional Imaging Alliance, offers a variety of services and procedures. Radiologists, nurses and technologists conduct procedures in a spa-like, soothing setting. Also, we specialize in breast health imaging, screening tests and image-guided procedures. For general information about the Alaska Regional Imaging Alliance, speak with a team member at (907) 264-2929. Our services include:

• Computed tomography scans
• Bone density scan
• Traditional and 3D mammography

Our facility also offers image-guided lab services. These services include:

• Injections for pain management
• Placement of port-a-caths and peripherally inserted central venous catheters for oncology care or medication infusion
• X-ray guided vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures

Your lab appointment and lab results

To take a lab test at our facilities, we will need lab orders from your personal doctor. You may drop them off in person or have them faxed toll-free to (866) 605-9602. Some laboratory results are available as early as the same day of collection. For more complex tests, results are usually available within a few days.

Patients over 18 years of age can access their results through the MyChart service, an online portal connection to your lab results. If you're unfamiliar with the service, one of our staff members can assist you. You will also have access to results through your doctor.

Understanding your results can sometimes be difficult. The very best way to understand your results is to have a trained health professional review them with you. This is usually the person who ordered your tests. In the meantime, you can learn basic knowledge about lab tests by visiting the website: LabTestsOnline.org.