Lab Draw Reminders

Drink plenty of water before visiting. If fasting is required, avoid taking anything but water in the 12 hours before your test. If you are not taking a fasting test, have some food before your test to raise your blood sugar. This will keep you alert and help prevent fainting.

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Hours of Service

Monday through Friday : 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon

Sunday: Closed

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Patient Eligibility

  • University of Nebraska students from all campuses
  • UNL, Nebraska Medicine and UNMC employees and their dependents who are 19 years or older (with outside order)
  • Community members (with outside order)
  • Visiting scholars
First aid kit

Services Covered By Student Fees

  • Doctor-ordered chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV screenings (STI testing FAQs)
  • Doctor-ordered wellness profile

Expert In-House Laboratory Services


The University Health Center staffs a medical laboratory in the facility, which allows patients to receive their lab results quickly so that next steps in their treatment plan can be quickly identified and implemented. Most laboratory tests offer results the same day.

We provide laboratory tests ordered by health center providers as well as those outside the health center. A doctor’s order is required for most tests.

Because we are accredited by the College of American Pathologists, patients can rest assured knowing that we follow CAP guidelines to ensure accurate test results and patient diagnosis as well as compliance to industry standards.

Common tests for students:

Appointments

The lab is available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment needed. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to ensure you can be seen the same day. If you are walking in for a wellness profile, remember to fast for 10 to 12 hours before visiting.

If you need a doctor’s order for a test, call 402-472-5000 and follow the prompts to speak with a nurse. In some cases, the nurse may need to schedule an appointment for you to speak with a provider in order to obtain a doctor’s order.

Cost

Doctor-ordered chlamydia/gonorrhea and HIV tests and doctor-ordered wellness profiles are covered by student fees. There are charges for all other lab tests. To determine how much your visit will cost, we recommend contacting your health insurance provider for coverage information. Patients are responsible for any charges not covered by insurance.


Learn more about cost and insurance.

Five Ways to Prepare for Your Lab Test

  1. If a provider has ordered a test for you, he or she should prepare you by explaining what type of test is being done. If you have questions about what is being tested or why it is being done, talk to the provider who ordered the test for you. You can do this during your appointment in person or after your appointment on your One Chart | Patient Portal via the “Message My Provider” tab
  2. Prepare for your test by drinking plenty of water before visiting. This will make the blood draw easier
  3. Know whether your doctor requests fasting for your test. If fasting is required, you’ll need to avoid taking anything but water in the 12 hours before your test
  4. If you are not taking a fasting test, have some food before your test to raise your blood sugar. This will keep you alert and will help prevent fainting
  5. Avoid urinating at least an hour before your STI test

What to Expect at Your Lab Visit

When arriving for a laboratory visit, check in at the medical check-in desk on level two of the health center and inform the medical receptionist that you are here for a lab visit. Bring your NCard and health insurance card with you. The health center can bill most health insurance plans. If you do not want to submit your charge to insurance, please tell the front desk staff member at check-in. For questions about insurance coverage or the costs of the tests, visit the billing and insurance office on level two of the health center, or call 1.888.662.8662 between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

After you’ve checked in and arrived at the laboratory window for testing, a lab staff member will give you instructions for specimen collection. If you feel faint or have had trouble with blood draws in the past, let the staff member taking your blood know before the blood draw begins.

All lab services and clinic medical records are strictly confidential. Minors do not need parental consent for STI testing or treatment. STI testing and treatment information will not be shared with parents of minors without the minor’s permission.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing

Who should get tested?

Anyone who is sexually active should get tested annually for common STIs and HIV.

Why should I get tested?
  1. 10 million young people ages 15 to 24 are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection each year.
  2. Most STIs have no signs or symptoms or mild signs that can easily be overlooked, so the only way to know is to get tested.
  3. Women can have long-term effects of these diseases, including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, tubal scarring, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
How would I know if I had an STI?

Most STIs have no symptoms, so getting tested regularly is the best way to know. If you experience STI symptoms, they may include:

  • Unexplained abdominal/pelvic or testicular pain
  • Genital discharge
  • Burning urination
  • Genital rash, itching or sores
What are the common STI tests offered at the University Health Center?
  • Chlamydia: This STI is common in the U.S. with nearly 3 million cases reported each year. Most women with chlamydia (and about half of men) do not experience symptoms. Since symptoms may not be present, the only way to know if a person who may be at risk is infected with chlamydia is to be tested. Type of test: Swab of genital area or urine sample. This test is always offered in conjunction with gonorrhea and cannot be separated. View chlamydia FAQs.
  • Genital Herpes: It is estimated that one in five persons in the U.S. has genital herpes; however, as many as 90 percent are unaware that they have the virus. Type of test: Blood test or swab of affected area. View herpes FAQs.
  • Gonorrhea: This STI is a curable infection. It is transmitted during vaginal, anal and oral sex (performing or receiving). Many men infected with gonorrhea have symptoms, while most women do not. Even when women do have symptoms, they can be mistaken for a bladder infection or other vaginal infection. Type of test: Swab of genital area or urine sample. This test is always offered in conjunction with chlamydia and cannot be separated. View gonorrhea FAQs.
  • Hepatitis A, B and C: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a group of viruses. Type of test: Blood test. View hepatitis FAQs.
  • HIV: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS. Over time, infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. Type of test: Blood test. View HIV FAQs.
  • Oral Herpes: More than 50 percent of the adult population in the U.S. has oral herpes. Herpes can also be transmitted when there are no symptoms present. Type of test: Visual diagnosis. View herpes FAQs.
  • Syphilis: This STI is a curable, bacterial infection. The bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes or torn or cut skin. Once inside the body, syphilis enters the blood stream and attaches to cells, damaging organs over time. Type of test: Blood test or sample from sore. View syphilis FAQs.
Which STIs should I get tested for?

STIs are not like allergies; you can’t do a massive test for all STIs. These tests are specific to each infection. Talk to your doctor about which STI tests you need. Certain STIs are more common than others, so your provider may suggest you get tested regularly for them.
Remember to be honest and open with your provider about your sexual history. They are there to help, not judge you. What you share will help your doctor choose the most appropriate tests for your circumstances so that your testing will not cost more than necessary. Your individual risk factors will determine exactly which tests are most important for you.

How do I get tested for STIs and/or HIV at the health center?

Step 1: Call the health center at 402-472-5000 and follow the options to speak to a nurse. Tell the nurse that you’d like to get tested. The nurse line is usually available Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
Step 2: Nursing will ask you a few questions and put in an order for your testing at our laboratory.
Step 3: Walk in at your convenience and check in at the health center front desk Monday through Friday between 8:20 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Tell the registration staff that you’re checking in “for lab only.” Our staff will get you checked in and direct you to the lab, where you will complete your testing.
Step 4: Nursing staff will call you in a few business days with results and schedule follow-up as needed. Results will also be available in your One Chart | Patient Portal in about two to three business days.

Who will know I got tested?

All lab services and clinic medical records are strictly confidential. This information is kept between you and your doctor.
Minors (students 18 and younger) do not need parental consent for STI testing or treatment. STI testing and treatment information will not be shared with parents of minors without the minor’s permission.
If you have charges for an STI test, they will be transferred to your Student Account within 30 days of the visit. These charges do not give details of your visit and will only appear as “Health Center Visit Charges.” No one will know from your charges that you received STI testing at the health center.
If you use health insurance to get tested, you should consider who else has access to that information (like a parent or partner if you share health insurance). If you do not want to submit your charge to insurance, please tell the front desk staff member at check-in.
Positive results for some STIs, like HIV or syphilis, may be shared with state or city health departments for tracking purposes, but there are laws preventing health departments from sharing your test results with your family, friends or employer.
Be sure to ask your health care provider who will know that you got tested and your results, especially if you are using insurance. Ask questions and stay informed.

If I get tested for STIs at the health center, will it go on my academic record?

No, this information is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with the university in any way. Your information will go on your medical record in One Chart | Patient, but only you have access to this information and you choose who you share it with.

What is the cost?

Doctor-ordered chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV tests are offered at no additional cost to students who have paid their UPFF (student fees). For pricing information regarding testing for other STIs, please call the health center billing office at 402-472-7435 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Any charges you incur can be billed to your insurance. Nebraska Medicine participates with many insurance companies. Click here for the full list. Please bring your insurance card with you to your appointment.
Remember, if you use insurance, the primary insurance holder will receive information about what STI tests you received. If you pay for your STI tests by cash, check, Visa or Mastercard, you — and only you — will know what STI tests you received. If you do not want to submit your charge to insurance, please tell the front desk staff member at check-in.

What happens if I test positive for an STI?

First, remember to breathe. The side effects and health outcomes of many STIs can be treated, and many STIs are curable. Different treatment methods are used for different STIs. For some STIs, there are several treatment options. Here are two examples:

  • Tested positive for chlamydia: You will be given a prescription for an antibiotic that will cure this case of chlamydia. It is important that you follow the treatment recommended by your health care provider completely. Always continue your medication until it is finished, even if your symptoms have gone away. You could still get chlamydia again if you have sex with someone who has chlamydia. So it’s important that your partner(s) also get tested and treated for chlamydia before resuming sexual activity.
  • Tested positive for herpes: You can take medications to treat the symptoms. Although herpes is not a curable STI, it is easily treatable with medication. Medications are also available to help prevent future outbreaks and minimize their severity, as well as lower the chances of passing the virus on to partners. About one in six adults have herpes in the U.S., and they live normal, healthy lives. You’re not alone! You can also join support groups for people with herpes to help you cope and prevent transmission to others.
How do I tell my partner(s) I have an STI?

Some conversations seem really hard to have. Telling someone you have an STI may be one of them. But it’s not just about you; your partner needs to know so he or she can get tested and treated if necessary.
Everyone gets an STI from a person. Part of stopping the spread of STIs is open communication, so talk to your partner. This is never an easy conversation, but it’s an important one to have. Many couples report this conversation actually brings them closer together.
Make a plan. As soon as you’re ready, bring it up with your partner. You could talk to someone else about it first and practice what you’re going to say. You could also journal about it or practice talking in a mirror. You could even write your partner a letter. The main point is just to communicate. Be there for your partner the way you hope they would be there for you.

Wellness Profiles

Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wellness profiles give you a snapshot of your health and detect possible problems. Profiles include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin and glucose. We recommend fasting for 10 to 12 hours before a wellness profile.

Doctor-ordered student wellness profiles are no charge for those who pay student fees. Self-ordered wellness profiles for faculty and staff are available for $30. The charge must be paid at the time of service and cannot be submitted to insurance. Doctor-ordered wellness profiles for faculty and staff may be submitted to insurance.

For more information, call the lab at 402-472-7583.

International Students: How to View Your Tuberculosis Lab Test Results

If your tuberculosis test results are negative, you will find the results in your MyRed account about two weeks after completing the tuberculosis blood test.

To view your results in MyRed:

  • Click on Applicant tab
  • Click on Additional Services
  • Click on Health Requirement
  • Click on View and Add Attachment

If you have a positive test: A letter will be sent to you. After you receive the letter, you must make an appointment to see the immunization nurse for a chest X-ray and additional lab work. Bring your results letter to the health center and check in at the front desk to see the nurse. After the appointment, you’ll need to make another appointment to see a health center doctor to review your X-ray and lab results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need this test?

Providers will only order lab tests they need to make a diagnosis or decisions about your care. Patients have the right to refuse any test, but this may impact your provider’s ability to provide you with care.

When will I get my test results?

Most tests results are available within one to two business days. Certain bacterial cultures, viral cultures, pap tests, tissue biopsies and other tests may take longer. At the time of your visit, ask the lab staff member when you will receive your results.

How can I get my test results?

Once your result is in, your provider or nurse will call you. The results will be added to your medical record as soon as they are available, but this may take up to 30 days. Lab staff cannot release results directly to you. For questions about your lab result, please call 402-472-5000 and follow the prompts to speak to the nurse.

I have an outside order. Can I use the University Health Center lab?

Yes, the lab performs tests ordered from health center providers as well as those in the community and out of state. Your provider must fax the test order to the health center lab or you will be required to submit your written test order at the time you make an appointment.

Are laboratory services covered by student fees?

Students who pay student fees can receive doctor-ordered wellness profiles, chlamydia/gonorrhea testing and HIV testing for no additional cost. A doctor’s order is required for these services to be no charge; self-ordered tests will incur a charge.

All other laboratory services will be billed at the community rate and can be submitted to insurance or paid for at the time of the visit with cash, check, NCard, Visa or Mastercard. Lab visits are not included in the five covered visits to the medical clinic.

Will my insurance cover my lab services?

This is determined by your insurance provider. Please contact them for more information.