Laboratory

The lab at Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa offers a full range of services, including:

• Blood Draws
• Laboratory Testing
• Chemistry
• Hematology
• Serology
• Urinalysis
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Clinical Research Trials

Even if you are not a PCI patient, you can schedule labwork at our facility. Call (319) 247-3900 to make an appointment.

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Commission on Laboratory Accreditation (COLA)

Physicians' Clinic of Iowa has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation (COLA)

Completing COLA’s accreditation program means our clinical laboratory is in compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and is recognized by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Fasting Before Your Test

• Certain lab tests require a 12 hour fasting period.
• In order to fast, you must not eat anything for 12 hours. The only beverage allowed during the 12-hour fast is water. Coffee, tea, and pop are not allowed.
• If you have a medical condition that prevents you from completing the 12 hour fast, please inform lab personnel.

Collection of the Clean Catch Midstream Urine Sample

Males:

• If you are uncircumcised, withdraw the foreskin.
• Pass the first portion of urine into the toilet, and catch the midstream portion in the sterile urine container.
• Pass the rest of the urine into the toilet.

Females:

• Sit on the toilet and manually separate the labia.
• With an antiseptic towelette, cleanse the urethral opening.
• Begin urinating and pass the first portion into the toilet. Catch the midstream portion in the sterile urine container.
• Pass the rest of the urine into the toilet.
• If menstruating, tell the nurse or the lab technician.

24 Hour Urine Collection

The following instructions are printed on the label attached to the urine container given to you. The label should also include your name, doctor, and test(s) ordered.

• Start your 24 hour collection period after you wake up and have emptied your bladder for the first time. Discard the urine from this urination and note the time. 
• All urine samples passed after your first urination of the day should be collected in the labeled container provided to you.
• After 24 hours from the time you noted the bladder must be emptied and this urine specimen added to those already collected.
• Keep your urine specimen refrigerated during the collection period.
• It is important to save ALL voided specimens during the 24 hour period. If some specimens are discarded, the collection must be started again.