National Medical Laboratory Professional week is April 24-30, making this week the perfect time to highlight the phenomenal staff and laboratory services available at Student Health Services (SHS).
Medical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Illinois State University students are able to utilize laboratory services for lab tests that are ordered by the clinical staff at Student Health Service or those ordered by their primary care physician or specialist.
The laboratory employees at SHS are all highly skilled and are board certified by a national organization. Two staff members received their education from the ISU Medical Laboratory Science program. In order to maintain certification for high complexity testing, the department participates in federal inspections.
The laboratory at SHS performs laboratory tests during the time of the office visit, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment, so time spent away from class is minimized. Many of the tests performed in the SHS laboratory are at no additional charge to the student, and any that require additional fees may be submitted to insurance. SHS does not bill private insurance companies, but Patient Support Services can provide a billing statement suitable for insurance for any laboratory charges.
Students who are away from home and require laboratory testing ordered by their home town physician are able to submit a copy of the order to the Medical Records Department and schedule an appointment with the laboratory to have the testing performed in the lab. This type of appointment must be made by calling the appointment line (309) 438-2778 or nurse consult (309) 438-7676. The test results will be faxed to the ordering physician when completed.
A unique service offered to students is the STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing program. Students are able to make an appointment for lab only STI appointments. This service allows the student to discretely test for STI’s without scheduling an appointment with a physician. Students who utilize this service must not have signs or symptoms of infection. A lab-only STI appointment can be made online or by calling for an appointment. Results will be sent electronically to the patient through the secure web portal.
Visit the SHS laboratory for questions about tests or visit Sexual Health for information about STI testing.
