Pathology Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions concerning Cook Children's Outpatient Laboratory.

Do I need an appointment?

All testing with the exception of Glucose Tolerance Tests and Sweat Tests are performed on a walk in/first come, first serve basis or through the selected times from our Online Check-In. You may reserve a place in line by going to cookchildrenslab.org and clicking on "Online Check-in"

NOTE: Glucose tolerance tests and sweat tests are the only testing that require an appointment at the Cook Children's Outpatient Lab. Sweat Tests and Glucose Tolerance Tests are ONLY performed at our Dodson Outpatient Lab. To schedule one of these tests you will need to call 682-885-1095 in advance. See the schedule below for details.

Location	Glucose Tolerance Tests	Sweat Tests
Dodson Outpatient Lab	Scheduled for 7 a.m., 8 a.m., or 9 a.m., Mon-Fri	Scheduled for 9 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Mansfield Outpatient Lab	Not offered	Not offered
Alliance Outpatient Lab	Not offered	Not offered
Hurst Outpatient Lab	Not offered	Not offered
Prosper Outpatient Lab	Not offered	Not offered

Do I need orders from my child's physician?

Yes, Cook Children's requires an order from you healthcare provider for all lab work. The orders can be brought in by the patient, faxed to the laboratory by the physician or entered electronically by the physician.

Do you take my insurance?

We accept most insurance plans, and try to help ensure your blood work gets sent to your insurance's preferred lab. It is best if you contact your insurance if you have questions regarding your preferred lab.

Is there a co-pay or anything up front?

You will not have to pay anything up front. Lab work will be billed through your insurance (if you have it), and the bill balance will be sent to you by Cook Children's, Quest, or LabCorp depending on which lab performed your testing .

How can I prepare my child for their lab draw?

A child life specialist can help prepare your child for their lab draw. You can also use this presentation created by child life to learn more about the steps of your child's lab draw.

Download presentation (PDF)

What do I need to bring with me?

You should bring your insurance cards, photo identification and the physician order, if not provided by fax or electronic transmission.

Does my child need to be fasting?

Some tests require your child to be fasting or to not eat for a specified time before the lab test. This is something you should ask your physician. They will look at your order/chart and determine if your child should not eat or drink, and for how long.

Where are you located?

Where do I go in the Dodson building?

You do not need to stop at Main Registration, but can come directly to the lab. Check in at the kiosk to be registered. You will be entered into the tracker system and called back based on the order of your arrival or if checking in online you will be called as close to your pre-selected time as possible.

How long will the lab draw take?

We are a walk in draw station and therefore it is impossible to predict wait times. It is difficult to predict how long a blood draw will take because every patient is unique and each experience can be different. Usually, those that utilize our Online Check-In will experience shorter wait times.

Do you have anything to help pain/anxiety?

We have several options to help depending on the patient's age. We offer sucrose, cold spray, buzzy, distractions, and Child Life Specialists for assistance. Please see our section on pain management.

Can you sedate or restrain my child?

No, we do not offer sedation or restraints. Staff members in the outpatient lab are trained to safely secure the patient and distract, but if safety becomes an issue (either for the patient, parent, or staff) the blood draw will be discontinued.

How do I get results? How long does it take?

When your child's test results become available, the ordering physician will be notified and he or she should contact you. Results do not come to the lab. Some lab tests may take longer to perform than others. Please consult with your physician on how quickly you should expect to receive your results.

Can you draw my special needs child?

Yes we can draw your child. Please let us know at the window if your child has any special needs so that we can try to accommodate as much as possible.

My child needs to have a research study drawn

We can collect these specimens when the study is ordered by a Cook Children's physician, and if all supplies are included in the kit (including shipping supplies). Under no circumstances will blood be given back to the family.

How much will the testing cost?

You will need to speak with your insurance company and the lab where testing will be performed to obtain pricing. For tests performed at Quest or LabCorp, you will need to contact their lab directly since Cook Children's is not involved with billing for their testing.

May I go to a Quest/LabCorp facility instead?

You can go to another Quest or LabCorp location closer to home, but keep in mind they will not have pain management options to offer at their locations. You can also drop off urine and stool specimens at other locations.

Find a drop off location near you:

Cook Children's (first floor of the Dodson Specialty Clinic Building)
Quest Diagnostics
Lab Corp

We're here to help.

If you have additional questions, please call Cook Children's Outpatient Laboratory at 682-885-1095.