Affinity Lab is licensed by the Georgia Department of Human Resources to perform testing for both Affinity physicians and physicians outside of the office. The lab is also   licensed by Clinical Laboratory Inspection Agency (CLIA) and is inspected by the State of Georgia or CLIA yearly in a wide range of areas, including quality control and proficiency testing.

Tests that Affinity Lab are unable to analyze in-house are referred to another lab, such as Tift Regional Hospital Lab, Dr. Laboratory, Inc. or LabCorp.

Turn-around time (the time necessary for results to be available for the physician) for in- house testing is usually within 30 minutes to two hours. Referred testing takes longer, and turn-around time is usually within three days of collection.

FAQ                        
Q. What does it mean "to be fasting"?              
A. You will be asked to eat a light supper and not to eat or drink anything after 12 a.m. the night before you are scheduled to have your lab work done.            

Q. Do I need to fast before I have my lab work drawn?      
A. Fasting may or may not be required, depending on the test that your doctor has              ordered. Be sure to check with your physician or nurse in advance.

Q. How much blood is drawn?      
A. The amount of blood drawn will depend on the specific tests that your physician has ordered for you. Frequently, a 5-ml tube and a 10-ml tube will be drawn. This is a total of 15 ml of blood--less than half of a small juice glass in volume.            

Q. When will the lab let me know my test results?      
A. The laboratory cannot give you the results of your lab work or discuss them with              you. You must obtain this information from your physician or his/her nurse.            

Q. Should I be concerned about bruising?
A. Bruising occurs any time red blood cells go outside the normal circulatory channel (damaged capillaries or veins).   Patients who take blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, coumadin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and high-dose vitamin E, generally bruise easier. In the course of collecting a blood sample, it is necessary to penetrate the wall of a blood vessel. A small amount of red blood cells may seep out of the point of invasion of the vessel and settle under the skin. If any bruising concerns you, call Affinity Lab for directions on how to treat the bruise. Normally, a small bruise can be treated with cold compresses for the first 12 hours, followed by warm compresses. Over time, the bruise will change in color from blue to green to yellow and then disappear.