Diagnostics and laboratory
Diagnostic and laboratory testing helps us identify health issues and further understand your condition. We may collect information from minor procedures, such as biopsies, or by performing blood tests and taking urine samples.
Diagnostics and laboratory testing in Dallas, Texas
Medical City Heart Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and laboratory services for patients in North Texas.
In addition to collecting test samples — such as drawing blood — we offer complex procedures for diagnosing, treating and monitoring a wide range of symptoms, injuries and illnesses.
Diagnostic labs close to home
Medical City Heart Hospital specialists use various diagnostic and laboratory services to create the most accurate treatment plan for our patients. These services focus on collecting specimens and analyzing or testing them for diagnosis, treatment or monitoring of a condition or symptom. Results from these tests are shared with your referring physician to help diagnose, treat or monitor a condition or symptom. A doctor's order is required for most lab tests, which means your referring doctor must provide authorization for you to be scheduled for a test.
Diagnostic labs we offer
Lab tests are conducted based on a patient's symptoms or condition and may need to be performed regularly to monitor certain disorders or illnesses.
Lab tests we provide include:
- Complete blood count (CBC) — used as a measure of health and to screen for potential disorders or deficiencies
- Lipid panels — measuring cholesterol and triglyceride levels for cardiac care
- Cultures — for illness caused by potential infection, microorganisms are tested to determine what foreign body is present for antibiotic treatment
- Genetic testing
- Biopsies
For patients who need regular access to veins for the administration of medication and/or nutritional supplements, our physicians provide the following procedures:
- Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line — placement is guided under fluoroscopic imaging through the veins to the superior vena cava (the largest vein near the heart)
- Tunnel catheter — this type of catheter is inserted into tunnel created in a vein that connects to the heart and allows long-term access to the vein
How to schedule diagnostic testing
For more information on scheduling an outpatient laboratory service, please call Medical City Heart Hospital's main line (972) 940-8000. Primary care physicians or specialists typically order lab testing and may provide patients with paperwork to bring to their appointments.
In addition to providing services for hospital inpatients, specimens can be collected and/or dropped off at several locations and courier service is available to many physician offices.