Laboratory
Early and correct diagnosis is a prerequisite for effective medical
treatment. One of the first steps after medical examinations is often to
take a blood sample and request the laboratory to carry out a number of
tests. While many lab tests are used to diagnose, doctors in office and
hospital practice often use lab test results as objective information to
monitor and manage patient treatments. Lab tests are also widely used in
disease prevention, for example, to screen populations or groups for hidden
disease or risk factors. Lab test results provide the information for better
decisions in health care.
The responsibility of the Lab is to perform tests that a physician feels
are necessary for the treatment of inpatients, but the lab also provides
services to Story Medical's surrounding
clinics. Lab personnel provide phlebotomy services and Lab testing for
several area care centers to help maintain the health of our seniors. As an
Occupational Health Service provided to many Story County employers, the
lab also performs drug screens for pre-employment and post-accident
analysis.
Laboratory personnel perform tests in areas:
- chemistry
- hematology
- coagulation
- microbiology
- urinalysis
- blood bank
Six employees staff the Story County Medical Center Laboratory. Each
employee has earned accreditation by passing an examination by a national
accrediting agency. COLA, an international healthcare accreditation body,
inspects every detail of the lab facility and testing to ensure competency
and safety. Our equipment is modern, well-maintained and meets standards
through proficiency testing and quality control.
The Lab is open from 7:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Lab
techs are available for emergencies after normal business hours and on
weekends/holidays.
Please call the Laboratory at (515) 382-7778 for more information.
Streamline Wellness Laboratory Services
Streamline Wellness is a health monitoring service provided to the community through Story Medical's laboratory.
The service provides low-cost laboratory screenings without a healthcare
provider's order. All results are completely confidential and sent directly
to you.
Labs are done Monday through Friday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm. No appointment is
needed for the services.
Meet the Laboratory Director
Barb Cohen
Barb Cohen, MT (ASCP) has over 20 years lab experience and four years
experience in lab administration. She oversees all laboratory testing
performed at the Medical Center and is an integral part of Story Medical's
Occupational Health Services program. Barb is also an active member of the
Story County Medical Center Endowment Foundation. She is a graduate of Iowa
State University and University of Iowa's Medical Technology Program. She
has worked at Story County Medical Center since 2005.