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Laboratory

Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 308-254-5825 x1540

Laboratory

The SRMC Laboratory provides outpatient and inpatient services, emergency services, paternity collections, and employer-requested drug collections and alcohol testing.

  • DOT and non-DOT urine and hair drug collections*
  • DOT and non-DOT alcohol testing*
  • Paternity test collections*
  • Comprehensive lab test regimen for inpatient and outpatient services

*Available from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. by appointment only

Patients should check in through Admissions, located on the main level of SRMC for any labs even if you do not have an appointment. To avoid delays, please bring the following:

  • Your doctor’s order with the diagnosis
  • Your insurance card

If fasting is required, patients should fast for 8-10 hours. We encourage you to drink water to avoid dehydration (no other beverage is permitted). Consult your provider in regard to continuing with your current medicines. Diabetics should consult their medical provider before fasting.

Laboratory pic

Laboratory

Other Resources

It’s important to consider help before experiencing a crisis. At SRMC, we want to provide various resources you can utilize for any season of life you may be going through. Below is a list of panhandle mental health resources, aside from our own, offering assistance close to home.

Centers

Human Service Treatment Center

Substance Abuse Treatment *NO INSURANCE NEEDED*
Alliance, NE
308-762-7177 
Substance abuse assessment is necessary for admission. Hay Hajek can do these and she keeps them affordable for uninsured patients.

Northeast Panhandle Substance Abuse Center

Substance Abuse Detox
305 Foch St.
Gordon, NE
308-282-1101

Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska 24/7 Crisis Line

308-633-5766

Crisis Text Line

741 741

Maternal Mental Health Hotline

1-833-943-5746

Nebraska Family Helpline

888-866-8660

Nebraska Addiction Centers Listing and Hotline information

Rehab Addiction Centers-Nebraska Resources

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255
NOW to your convenience you can text or dial 988 to reach the Lifeline

Veterans Crisis Line

Text 838255

Melody Leisy and Amber Dean, Morrill County Community Hospital

Bridgeport: 308-262-1755
Bayard: 308-586-1717
*Will see children under the age of 5

Regional West, Scottsbluff

308-635-3888

Options in Psychology, Scottsbluff

308-632-8547
*Dr. Ann Talbot does neuropsychological evaluations

Dr. Gage Stremensky, Scottsbluff

308-641-8409

Karuna Counseling

Substance Abuse Counseling and Evaluations
308-249-7853 

Substance Abuse Counseling and Evaluations 308-249-7853

Court Ordered Counseling
308-254-0737

VIEW HERE

TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. *Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable and recovery is possible!*

Tests Requiring Prior Authorization

Before visiting the lab, please check that your insurance does not require a pre-authorization for the test(s) you would like to have completed. The pre-authorization must be completed by the ordering provider, or the lab will not be able to complete the lab draw.

For more information regarding the services provided by the SRMC Laboratory, contact Laboratory Services at 308-254-5825 x1540.

Direct Access Testing (D.A.T.) – Wellness Wednesday

Wednesdays only from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Direct access testing allows you to order certain laboratory tests without consulting a medical provider. Direct access testing is a reflection of America’s focus on health and preventative medicine that allows you the opportunity to take a more active role in your healthcare. Since it is consumer-initiated testing, D.A.T. eliminates many steps of processing that a typical lab goes through to be submitted to insurance and provides us with the opportunity to offer it at a reduced rate.

Available screenings:

The general health panel runs 23 different tests to give you an understanding of your general health, including the glucose test and the lipid panel test (triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and cholesterol ratio). If you haven’t been to the doctor in several years, we strongly recommend this test.

1) Glucose is the primary energy source for all body tissues. High blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) after fasting for 8-10 hours may indicate diabetes. A low glucose level, accompanied with symptoms such as weakness, nausea, sweating, and difficulty thinking clearly, is suggestive of hypoglycemia. Even if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to report any abnormal levels to your provider.

2) High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is one of several types of fats often referred to as “good cholesterol” because it acts as a scavenger, removing excess cholesterol from artery walls. It has been shown that the higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the lower the risk of developing heart disease.

3) Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is part of the total cholesterol that forms deposits on artery walls. The lower the amount of LDL cholesterol, the lower the risk of developing heart disease.

4) Cholesterol ratio is obtained by dividing your total cholesterol level to your HDL cholesterol level. For instance, if your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) and your HDL cholesterol level is 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L), your ratio would be 4-to-1. A high ratio is anything above 5-to-1, which could indicate a higher risk of heart disease. This ratio is one of several measurements healthcare providers use to estimate your risk of cardiovascular issues.

5) Triglycerides are a fatty substance in the body that act as a major form of stored energy. This is a blood fat that may be related to a higher risk of heart disease. Elevated levels may be caused by food and alcohol. It is recommended that you not eat for at least 12 hours to obtain an accurate result for this test. Low values are generally not considered significant.

6) Albumin is the most plentiful protein in the blood produced primarily in the liver. It helps keep the fluid portion of the blood within the blood vessels. When your albumin level is too low, water can leak into other parts of your body and cause swelling. This can be caused by malnutrition, too much water in the body, liver or kidney disease, severe injuries or major bone fractures, or slow bleeding over a long period of time.

7) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme located in many body tissues, but the most important sites are bones, liver, bile ducts, and gut. A high level of alkaline phosphatase in your blood may indicate bone, liver, or bile duct disease. Certain drugs may also cause increased levels. The elderly and growing children, because of bone growth, normally have higher levels than adults.

8) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), otherwise known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), is an enzyme that is mainly found in the liver. This test checks for liver damage caused by a disease, drug, or injury, which would be reflected in high values for both AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT). Low values are generally not considered significant.

9) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), otherwise known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), is an enzyme found mainly in the heart, liver, and muscles. It is released into the blood stream when any of these organs are damaged. Increased levels are usually associated with liver disease or heart attacks.

10) Direct bilirubin is a specific form of bilirubin that is formed in the liver and excreted in bile. Normally, very little of this form of bilirubin is found in the blood. However, in liver disease, this form of bilirubin leaks into the blood to create a high level of direct bilirubin, which indicates a problem with liver cells.

11) Total bilirubin comes from the breakdown of old red cells in the blood. A high total bilirubin level in the blood can be caused by too many red blood cells being destroyed (hemolyzed) by liver disease or by a blockage of bile ducts.

12) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product from protein breakdown in the liver and is excreted by the kidneys. If kidney function is impaired or if a person is dehydrated, the BUN level will increase. Internal blood loss, high protein diets, and/or strenuous exercise can also cause a high BUN level. A low BUN level may be the result of liver disease, poor diet, pregnancy, or drinking too much water.

13) Calcium is one of the most important elements in the body, essential for maintenance, repairing bones and teeth, heart function, and blood clotting. Low levels of calcium in the blood are associated with malnutrition. High levels can be caused by bone disease, excessive use of antacids or milk, cancer, overdosing on Vitamin D, and some hormone disorders. Any elevated calcium level should be evaluated by your provider.

14) Chloride is an electrically charged mineral that works with other electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, to help balance acids and bases in your body. It also helps move fluid in and out of your cells. A high chloride level may suggest severe dehydration, certain kidney disorders, or hyperventilation. A low chloride level may result from excessive vomiting, diarrhea, severe burns, excessive sweating, or kidney failure.

15) Creatinine is an easily measured waste product of muscle metabolism. One way to measure kidney function is to determine how well the kidney can filter and expel creatinine. In certain types of kidney disease, the ability of kidneys to clear the blood of creatinine decreases and blood levels of creatinine increase. High values require medical evaluation by your healthcare provider, especially when associated with high BUN results.

16) Iron is essential for your body to make hemoglobin and to help transfer oxygen to your cells. If the body is low in iron, all body cells, particularly muscles in adults and brain cells in children, do not function correctly. On the other hand, too much iron may indicate a life-threatening condition, such as liver disease, heart problems, or diabetes.

17) Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH or LD) is an enzyme found in all tissues in the body; therefore, a high level in the blood can result from a number of different diseases. However, slightly elevated levels in
the blood are common and usually do not indicate disease. The most common sources of LD are the heart, liver, muscles, and red blood cells. Any damage to these sources will raise the LD level in the blood.

18) Phosphorus (Phosphate) plays a significant role in bone development, often predominantly present in bone tissues. Very low levels of phosphate can be associated with starvation or malnutrition, leading to muscle weakness. High levels of phosphate are associated with kidney disease.

19) Potassium is one of the body’s principal minerals found primarily inside cells. It helps maintain water balance as well as proper function of nerves and muscles. Low or high levels in the blood are of critical significance and should be evaluated by your provider. This is especially important if you are taking a diuretic or heart medication. A high level may indicate kidney or liver disease, too much medication, or bodily injury, such as burns. A lower level of potassium can develop rapidly, most frequently produced as a side effect of drugs that cause increased urination.

20) Total protein is a measure of the total amount of protein in your blood. A low or high total protein does not indicate a specific disease, but it does mean that some additional tests may be required to determine if there is an underlying problem.

21) Sodium is one of the body’s principal minerals regulated by kidneys. It plays an important role in water balance in your body. A high level can be caused by dehydration, excessive salt intake in your diet, or certain diseases. A low level of sodium may be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. Numerous drugs, including diuretics, certain blood pressure medications, and steroids, may alter the sodium level.

22) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the pituitary hormone that controls thyroid gland function. When the thyroid gland fails, due to primary disease of the thyroid, pituitary TSH increases. This condition is called primary hypothyroidism. In contrast, when the thyroid gland is overactive and producing too much thyroid hormone, the serum TSH decreases. This is called primary hyperthyroidism. In addition, the TSH test can tell if your dose of thyroid hormone is correct, should you be taking that medication.

23) Uric acid is a byproduct from the breakdown of the body’s own cells and certain proteins. A high level of uric acid in your blood may cause gout, arthritis, or kidney stones. Kidney disease, stress, alcohol, and certain diuretics may also raise the level. High levels should be evaluated by your provider; whereas, low levels are generally not considered significant.

Glucose is the primary energy source for all body tissues. High blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) after fasting for 8-10 hours may indicate diabetes. A low glucose level, accompanied with symptoms such as weakness, nausea, sweating, and difficulty thinking clearly, is suggestive of hypoglycemia. Even if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to report any abnormal levels to your provider. This test is included in the General Health Panel.

A lipid panel is a common blood test that healthcare providers use to monitor and screen for your risk of cardiovascular disease. The panel includes three measurements of your cholesterol levels and a measurement of your triglycerides. This panel is included in the General Health Panel.

1) High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is one of several types of fats often referred to as “good cholesterol” because it acts as a scavenger, removing excess cholesterol from artery walls. It has been shown that the higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the lower the risk of developing heart disease.

2) Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is part of the total cholesterol that forms deposits on artery walls. The lower the amount of LDL cholesterol, the lower the risk of developing heart disease.

3) Cholesterol ratio is obtained by dividing your total cholesterol level to your HDL cholesterol level. For instance, if your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) and your HDL cholesterol level is 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L), your ratio would be 4-to-1. A high ratio is anything above 5-to-1, which could indicate a higher risk of heart disease. This ratio is one of several measurements healthcare providers use to estimate your risk of cardiovascular issues.

4) Triglycerides are a fatty substance in the body that act as a major form of stored energy. This is a blood fat that may be related to a higher risk of heart disease. Elevated levels may be caused by food and alcohol. It is recommended that you not eat for at least 12 hours to obtain an accurate result for this test. Low values are generally not considered significant.

Blood types are used to determine your ABO blood group and Rh type. The results will determine if a person is Type A, B, AB, or O and if he/she is Rh negative or positive.

Hemoglobin A1C reflects your average blood glucose level over an approximate period of three months (120 days). This test may be useful in identifying an increased risk of developing diabetes, in diagnosing diabetes, and in monitoring a person’s already diagnosed diabetes.

Microalbumin is used to detect early kidney disease for people with diabetes or other risk factors, such as hypertension.

PSAs can be used to determine the need for further testing of the prostate, to monitor the effectiveness of treatment of prostate cancer, and/or to detect the recurrence of prostate cancer.

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. It can be used to diagnose infertility, pituitary gland disorder, adrenal gland disorder, rare tumors, and more.

Vitamin D is a total measurement of Vitamin D2 and D3. There is some evidence that a deficiency of Vitamin D may increase the risk of some cancers, immune diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Individuals who are at higher risk of deficiency include the elderly, people with obesity, people who don’t get enough sun exposure, people with darker skin, and people who take certain medications for extended periods of time.

*8-10 hour fast recommended for most accurate results

Blood Donations

  • Donating blood is a simple, safe, and easy way to save lives.
  • The blood that is donated and utilized by SRMC is supplied through the West Nebraska Blood Center.
  • Community blood drives are conducted on a regular basis, or you can call SRMC Community Health about any upcoming blood drives at 308-254-5825 x1812.

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