Laboratory Services

Expert testing to help you get an accurate diagnosis

Novant Health's laboratory services offer a comprehensive range of routine tests, providing important insights into your health. We also specialize in more intricate testing, including anatomic pathology and tumor marker panels, and more. These advanced diagnostics contribute to a thorough understanding of your health status, guiding your healthcare team in creating the most effective care plan for you.

Comprehensive range of services

woman viewing a cell image on a computer screen

Anatomic Pathology

A pathologist examines tissues and organs and removes a small section, or biopsy. The analysis of this biopsy is performed to determine what disease is present or extent of the disease.

team member in a lab coat and gloves working at a computer

Chemistry and Toxicology

The analysis of blood and body fluids using chemical reactions to diagnose disease and monitor treatment. Test examples include Glucose or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Toxicology is a subsection of Chemistry that involves the evaluation of the adverse impacts of drugs and chemicals.

hand of clinical research team member working with cells

Cytology

Our team of expert technicians examine cells from bodily tissues or fluids to reveal any abnormalities and determine a diagnosis.

laboratory team member at a computer doing clinical research

Flow Cytometry

The analysis of single cells or particles using lasers to evaluate specimens for infectious disease or autoimmune disorders.

Laboratory team member doing clinical research

Hematology and Coagulation

You may have your blood drawn to study its components for the diagnosis, treatment, and the prevention of diseases. Our team members perform complete blood count tests, coagulation testing to determine your body’s ability to for blood clots, and other tests.

man using a microscope for clinical research

Histology

Histology is the examination of cells, tissues and organs using a microscope to check for disease or help determine diagnosis and treatment.

team member in the laboratory working with specimens in tubes

Immunology

Immunology testing determines how well the body functions to prevent disease and how disorders of the immune system may cause disease.

Laboratory team member's hands holding a dropper and specimen container

Microbiology, Mycology, Virology

Our team of expert providers identify bacteria, fungus, and viruses through culture and biochemical testing to understand the cause of, and treatment for, infections.

Transfusion Medicine

This is the transfusion, or administration of, blood or blood components in conjunction with pretransfusion testing to ensure compatibility of the products to be transfused. Additionally, transfusion medicine now includes cellular therapy treatments using stem cells, bone marrow, or CAR-T cells.

Female laboratory technician holding a dropper and vile during clinical research

Urine and Body Fluid Analysis

Medical conditions can be identified through the analysis of physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine or body fluid specimens. Urinalysis or cell count testing can give your healthcare providers essential information to help determine your treatment plan.

Nationally accredited laboratory services

Novant Health laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB).

hands of a lab technician working with a test sample

A remarkable care team

At Novant Health laboratories, our pathologists, phlebotomists, cytologists, and other expert technicians are here to help your providers diagnose and treat you. They provide essential testing and insight as an integral part of your care team. Many of these professionals work primarily in the lab, studying blood, fluid and tissue samples at the macroscopic and microscopic level, giving your care team the vital information they need to help you.

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MyNovant app

With the MyNovant app, it's never been easier to manage your health. You can schedule appointments, view test results, refill prescriptions and even have virtual visits right from your computer or smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of labs are in Novant Health network?

Do I need an order to have lab testing done?

How long will testing take?

Who will see my results?

When can I see my results?

Do all laboratory locations administer the same tests?

No, each facility has a different test menu depending on the type and level of testing that best fits the patients who receive care in that facility. Any testing not performed on-site will be sent to a Novant Health facility that performs the testing or to an outside reference laboratory for completion.

Wilmington & surrounding areas

The rest of the information on this page only applies to you if you are having labs done at a New Hanover Regional Medical Center location.

24-hour urine sample

Supplies

24-hour urine specimen container
Collection hat

Instructions

Urinate into toilet. Empty bladder completely. Write down time (this is the start time). Do not collect the first urine.
Collect all urine in the specimen container for the next 24 hours.
Label the container with the following information:
1. Patient:
  1. First and last name
  2. Date of birth
2. Start date and time
3. End date and time
Deliver the container to one of our patient service centers (listed in the following section) as soon as possible.

Urine must be kept cold. Keep your specimen container on ice or refrigerated during the 24-hour collection period. Keep the container out of reach of children.

Stool sample

Tell your doctor if you have had castor oil, mineral oil, or barium dye (from X-rays). If you have, you may need to wait at least 48 hours after ingesting these materials to provide your sample.

Supplies

Sterile specimen cup, provided by the lab
Plastic bag with zip top closure
Brown paper bag

Instructions

Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Remove the lid from the specimen cup. Do not touch the inside of the lid or cup.
Hold the cup firmly and collect your bowel movement. Do not allow any paper or urine into the cup. Do not collect stool directly from the toilet.
Screw the lid on tightly. Make sure the outside of the cup is not soiled. If soiled, wipe the cup clean with tissue.
On the specimen cup, write the:
1. Patient’s full name and date of birth
2. Date and time of stool collection
Place the specimen cup into the plastic bag.
Place the plastic bag into the brown paper bag.
Deliver the container to one of our patient service center locations (listed in the following section) as soon as possible.

Keep the specimen on ice or refrigerated until you are able to deliver it. Keep the container out of reach of children.

Patient drop-off checklist

Before dropping off your sample, make sure you have everything you need:

Signed lab order from your provider. You can bring a paper copy with you, or the order could be:
- In MyChart
- Faxed to our location by your provider’s office
Properly labeled collection container. The following should be written on the container, not on the lid.
- Your full name and date of birth written on the collection container
- Collection date and time written on the collection container

Patient service center locations

Wilmington & surrounding areas

Submit completed samples to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Lab Services patient service center location nearest you. Our skilled team will take care of the rest.