The Medical Laboratory is an essential department of Vernon Health, providing service throughout the hospital and clinics 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The lab supports every area of the hospital with quiet efficiency, including nursing units, patient rooms, departments, and clinics.
Many patient diagnoses—from strep throat to leukemia—are based on lab results, making our commitment to quality critical.
Vernon Health has a highly skilled laboratory team of technologists, technicians, and lab assistants who ensure specimens are identified correctly and results are reported accurately. They work together to determine the presence, extent, or absence of disease and to provide valuable information that helps evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Each year, the Vernon Health laboratory performs more than 210,000 tests for over 22,400 patients, offering a wide range of specialized procedures. Learn more about some of our available lab tests below.
The Chemistry section performs highly automated testing to evaluate conditions such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, thyroid disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and heart disease. Blood samples are processed to separate serum or plasma, allowing tests such as glucose, cholesterol, electrolytes, and enzymes to be measured quickly and accurately.
Microbiology studies bacteria and viruses using both rapid and traditional methods. Some tests, like rapid strep or influenza, provide results within minutes, while cultures may take longer depending on how organisms grow. An automated blood culture system checks samples every 10 minutes, and sensitivity testing helps determine which medications are most effective.
The Blood Bank determines blood type, screens for antibodies, and performs compatibility testing for patients who may need transfusions. Using Gel technology, specialists ensure safe and accurate crossmatching for every patient.
Hematology evaluates whole blood and body fluids to measure hemoglobin, white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, and white cell differentials. These tests help diagnose conditions such as leukemia, infections, anemia, and sickle cell disease, supporting timely and effective care.
Urinalysis can identify conditions that may not show early symptoms, including diabetes and chronic urinary tract infections. Automated systems provide rapid chemical analysis, and microscopic review reveals important elements such as bacteria and white blood cells.
Immunology testing identifies how the body responds to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Vernon Health provides testing for Lyme disease, HIV, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium, along with in-house molecular testing for Influenza A and B, RSV, and Strep A and B.
Coagulation testing evaluates the blood’s ability to clot, which is essential for diagnosing clotting disorders and monitoring blood thinners. Tests such as D-Dimer help detect possible clots, while Protime (INR) and PTT are used to monitor medications following heart attacks, surgeries, or clot-related conditions.
Have questions about care at Vernon Health? Our team is here to help. For more information or to speak with someone about your care, please call (608) 637-2101.
At Vernon Health, we’re committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care wherever you are in your health journey. Explore our trusted providers and convenient locations to find the right support for you.