This location makes it tough to give a review over 3stars and even that feels generous. On one hand the wait is way too long, even if you have an appointment. That alone could make you never want to go back and people are known to leave out of frustration for the wait times. If you're a walk-in, be prepared to stand outside for 1-2+hrs on a good day. Regardless of how you arrive, expect to dedicate time to going and count on the folks on line to direct you because they are understaffed and rarely come outside to check on the folks in line except to usher people in at random. Due to covid, there is limited occupancy in the waiting room. As of this review - 4 people may wait inside. You check in using the kiosk and typically there has been no admin to support explaining what to do and when there is, they don't tell you much. The facility is well understaffed and the health care workers are hustling. They are the light in this place and need a bit of patience from patients but I'm not sure that they receive the appreciation that they deserve. I want to specifically acknowledge Tiffany who works at this location who has been kind and generous on all visits explaining necessary info, trying to get folks set up and making you feel comfortable while she does her work and completes your blood work. I would give her all the stars I had because she works hard! There are some rotating admin staff and some are definitely better (ie more communicative than others). Manage your expectations when you decide to go here as it will support your mental well-being and please be kind to the phlebotomists. read more

Apparently whoever owns this place doesn't pay their employees enough to keep adequately staffed. Had an appointment for 11:15, it's now 11:53 and they just let me in the front door. Still haven't had anyone call me into for my blood work. Employees seem to be overworked. According to the video monitor I've still got 13 minutes to wait. read more

Came here around 12pm and as of 1:49pm while i am rtiting this review i am still waiting. Staff takes things very very very slow. They usually chat with eachother. Their prioritization is also unclear. They had taken multiple people after me. I will never ever come back here again and do NOT recommend to anyone. read more

Came in here for a blood test ordered by my doctor. The staff here is friendly and the lady taking my blood was very sweet. The problem I have here is the appointment process - which is horrible. I asked the front desk if they had my lab requisition from my doctor and they told me that I had to bring a physical copy because doctors don't always send them. Fine. Good thing I had it. But, the front desk lady asked for a requisition from every other patient that came in after me, and it didn't seem that she checked her system to see if the paperwork was in. Oh, and apparently long waits are typical here according to the front desk. Some people came into the office, signed their name, and waited (it was a very long wait that day). When their names were called, if they didn't have their doctor's requisition, they were told to come back another day with the requisition. I waited 45 minutes from the time of my appointment (when I signed in) to when they took me in. If I had to wait and wait (for no reason), only to be told that I had to come back another day, I would be pissed. Hey Quest Alameda, here's a suggestion. Why not space out your appointments a little better so that you don't have 10 people sitting in your waiting room at one time.And you may want to check with the people signing in if they have their requisition first instead of making them wait only to turn them away. You may also want to do what some doctors, dentists, and spas do and CALL or EMAIL your appointment clients the day prior to make sure they bring all their stuff in. I don't blame the staff, they're probably taking orders from management. This process needs to change. read more

This is now the third time I have had a stressful experience at the Alameda Quest location. The one star is for the convenience of being close to home. I went this morning for some bloodwork, and again, there was noone at the front desk to assist patients. Maybe a bell to ring would be nice? Just in case patients have a question and do not want to miss their appointment time. When a women needed help with her check-in this morning, a technician from the back happened to walk out to call the next patient...only to tell the lady she must not have an appointment if the tablet wasn't letting her do so...and then closed the door. She was with her elderly mother and was left worried and stressed about missing her appointment (the waiting room is small and I was able to hear their conversation). When I was called, Maria brought me back to begin the blood draw. She had trouble finding my vein, which is not unusual for me to hear. Some technicians find them easily, some have a harder time. I was not bothered by this at all. Then Maria asked me if I had any water to drink. I told her no. She then began to seem frustrated and tell me that I should drink more water. I was silent becuase one, the rude and unhelpful staff here is not new to me, and two, I was tired. She informed me that she would have to repoke me and I said that was fine. She continued to tell me that she didn't know why I didn't drink water and that it was hard to find the veins. I then calmly told her that I was told to fast and that I was unaware that I needed to be drinking a certain amount of water. I explained that it was not unusual for some technicians to have trouble finding my veins from time to time. She responded harshly with a yes, because you need to drink water. My anxiety spiked at that point. I was trying to not let my anxiety get the best of me and told her that maybe there was a disconnect between Quest and Doctors on the importance of needing water before tests. She snapped, "There is no disconnect" at which time she inserted the needle quite forcefully a second time. I was silent. I was tired. I do not write "bad" reviews often, but after leaving I felt should have said more. Explained more? Expressed my frustration more? Stood up for myself. I tried to look for a Quest complaint contact, but was unable to. So, for anyone needing some labs done at Quest: Don't go to the Alameda location if you don't have to. If you do, or have an elderly loved one going, maybe tag along? And if you can go to another location, the staff and experience at 3300 Webster St. #109 in Oakland has always been quick and wonderful. I hope this review helps. read more

Conveniently located in a building in front of my doctor's office, this office is very welcoming. I walked in and was greeted by staff immediately. Technology has truly stepped its game up lately, and many doctors offices are using Ipads to sign patients in (I understand, it's convenient, right?). Well, Quest Diagnostic is one of those offices that use the Ipad to sign in, and it was REALLY convenient. The waiting room was really quiet and clean. There is a television that provides information on how long the wait is and when your name will be called. The waiting time was not long at all. I was called to the back in as little as 10 minutes. The whole process was quick and easy, the lovely Phlebotomist, Jessica, withdrew blood and sent me on my way! I have to agree, one of the quick and smoothest experience I've ever had at Quest! read more

not sure why this place has low ratings! LOL! i guess if you're not a snobby entitled person it will works out just fine! if you are.. go somewhere else! The man in the front is really nice and quick to check you in and get you inside to do whatever you need to do! Every time I come here it's quick and easy. :) read more

After reading the reviews I was a little hesitant to come. I ended up booking an appointment, I would highly recommend booking one in advance versus coming in as a walk in. I was able to find an appointment a week from the day I made it. (Or maybe I got lucky) I found the place pretty easy. And parking was super easy with lots of spots. I checked in with a link that I was able to access 10 minutes prior to my actual appointment. Once I checked in, I came inside and waited. Surprisingly there was no one there and on a Friday!!!! It was around 2:40, I was shocked. I was literally expecting a line out the door. Once the phlebotomist was ready for me, she took me to the room & got started. I was in and out within 15 mins, I hate needles & she was very nice! She kept me talking to keep my mind off her drawing blood. I will say, this place is understaffed. I didn't run into any issues at all. I would definitely go back. read more

I'd give this place a -5 stars if I could. I walked in to an empty facility and checked in at the kiosk. People were talking in the back. 30 minutes later an employee walked through the office making without acknowledging me. I could hear people in the back laughing and talking. 45 minutes later an employee walked through the waiting room and left. A few other customers walked in and tried to register. Some people were having trouble-another customer helped them because after an hour no employee ever came to the front desk. An hour and fifteen minutes later a technician called me into the lab. She stuck me three times in various places before actually getting blood. Very unprofessional! read more

I am oveer 80 and take the bus, I went to quest and made an appointment, waited an hour and 20 minutes, and found out that they did not have my orders for blood test. Why did they not check when I made the appointment? Poor service. read more

This morning, the place was in stasis because their computers were down. The lone staff member present, a middle-aged female with shaded hair, was brusque, rude and seemed irritated to help customers. "You're just going to have to wait!" About a dozen customers stood around, waiting for something to happen. Those of us who need to sit were out of luck, the two chairs were occupied. This business needs better management. I left and went to Labcorp. read more

Are they serious? I would die of shock if this place could actually get their act together. Every time I go, they lose my Ins info and try to get me to pay money I don't owe them b/c I do have ins. Even though I always have an appointment, they always make me wait to then say they're ready for me to make me wait again lol really? Why did I make an appointment? Now they give me someone who is brand new and doesn't know what they're doing. Just no. And the huddled up groups of walk ins outside during a pandemic is really gross, manage your clients. Can't even get out the door b/c walk ins are huddled in front of it, against the door. I'm going to Labcorp and I don't even like Labcorp but it's slightly better than this. read more

I typically don't review medical centers, but I had such a great experience here this morning! I originally made an appt at 9:30, but decided to try walk in at 8 am. I went in, logged into the ipad, and sat down. There were probably only 5 people there and I only had to wait 5 min to get my blood drawn! Let's talk about service. Typically I experience some cranky, unfriendly staff at these places. Much to my surprise the lady working the front was so friendly! The man who drew my blood [name started with a M] was so efficient when drawing my blood and was friendly as well. Overall my appt took no more than 15 minutes AND they were able to seamlessly draw my blood. The last time I got my blood drawn at the Quest Diagnostics in Oakland Chinatown, the dude hit a nerve. Let's just say I wont be going there anymore, and will be coming here! :D read more

If you're coming to this location with no appointment be prepared for over an hour waiting time. Even on a Saturday. Understaffed! This is what means. read more

I think understaffing is to blame for the bulk of these bad reviews; a problem that's plagued most industries. I was in and out in a matter of minutes. Service was courteous and professional. read more

The phlebotomists are okay. They are not those joyful people you usually encounter taking blood. I came in for a H.Pylori Breath Test and a few other blood tests. Even though they have a "new appointment system" it tells you when you will be seen. Do not rely on that. My time said i will be seen in 2 minutes and that turned into 40 minutes. I had an appointment, two people came after me with appointments and those who did not have appointments went ahead of me. Thus, i guess come in on time? Don't come early nor late. Lastly, the phlebotomist who drew my blood game me a huge hematoma ( blood clot). I myself is a phlebotomist, wishing i can draw my own blood lol. Anyways, he did not check if i were bleeding still and bandaged me. That's not okay. Make sure you are not bleeding. read more

This place was great. Super helpful and kind staff. I went here 2 times without an appt and waited only about 5 min. I give the staff 5 stars, but do think the building needs an upgrade. read more

Horrible service seams that they don't like there job helping patients with there blood work specially this old lady came to bring my daughter for blood work and she refused to help us with an appointment we had read more

I came here for a walk-in urine test. I walked in and was instantly told to wait outside. I didn't get a chance to check in and was standing outside for over an hour bad half. Some folks came in after me (without appointments) and got test and it was then that I realized I had to check in to get on the waiting list. I finally got my name down and had to wait an additional 45 minutes. But that turned into another hour, and still people who came after me (with and without appointments) continued to get helped before me. I asked a staff and she said something then just ignored me. I guess they work on a wing-it system if you don't have an appointment. It doesn't matter if you showed up before someone, If they get called they'd get to go before you. In total, I've waited over 2 and a half hours. They have to fix their system read more

So my mom came for a testing last week was told she needed a appointment no walk-ins accepted due to the COVID #s going up. We made an appointment and came 5 minutes before the appointment and there was a line. According to last week statement of no walk-ins I figure they all had appointments and just waited. 20 minutes passed and no one came out to acknowledge patients seeing there was a lines I decide to go in but since it was 20min after the appointment we was told we couldn't be seen. Explain to the staff we had been outside waiting on line and explain that as my mother was told no walk ins we assumed the line was appointment only . All the staff offer was stand by which I still had to check In and it didn't offer stand by so by then she said I had to reschedule. Horrible service. There was Atleast 5 people waiting and since they don't want you in the building until someone lets you in how all 5 people was suppose to know they could come in if they had appointments or they had to leave if they didn't have one. They should have a greater letting people know. read more

This was a very surreal ordeal. Okay, so I'm not used to "background checks" and "drug tests" for potential jobs. As I was not given a choice of which "brand" of drug testing facility for a potential job I was offered and the clock was ticking on my start date, I tried to make an appointment with the Alameda facility. It would have been over three days past the HR "deadline" for my job to get an appointment there, so I tried contacting other close facilities. Still no luck on meeting my deadline on getting that test in time for my potential job. I had no choice but to step in and tough it out waiting without an appointment and I chose the one closest to home. When I got there on a Thursday morning, the place was PACKED and the line just to check in was almost out the door. At least I arrived early enough to get a seat although I kept shuffling around giving up my seat for the pregnant women coming in with their small children so that the kids could at least sit next to their mothers before their mom's respective pregnancy diabetes test. Why, oh WHY didn't I do what the sage sweet old lady did in front of me in the check-in line when she asked what the wait time was and they told her probably an hour and a half? I should have headed over to South Shore Center and say, browse the Fiestaware collection over at Kohl's with her!. Did I mention the place was also jam-packed with other sweet elderly people I gave up my chair to? I waited for two hours reading from a selection from about five yucky magazines. During that time, I heard the two completely overtaxed lab workers dicker over who got to perform my test because it had to be expedited. When I FINALLY got to get my test, I jokingly remarked that coming from the music industry, I was in the rare minority who would probably actually pass both the drug test and background check. That did make the very tired lab technician laugh so I know it must have been a pretty good wisecrack during an obviously overwhelming day. Is this place always this miserable? Well, since I was interviewing for a job at a place that was ultimately in the midst of being acquired by Quest Diagnostics, I guess should not have been surprised. FYI: passed the test with flying colors and "flying colors" can be a completely different expression when one is used to working around musicians! Giving it two stars because the workers there were trying hard but so overwhelmed and my "tester" actually laughed at my joke! read more

I was forced to go to this office to complete a pre-employment drug test for my new job. I tried calling their office 10 times to make an appointment but their phone system automatically disconnects if you ask to speak to some one. I showed up Saturday morning. There are already 20 people waiting 10 minutes after they open. I stood at the reception hoping to ask a person if they had time to do a drug test. No one even stopped by the front desk, but someone did yell to sign in and sit down, so I did. I waited there for just about an hour. When I handed them my paper work they said, "No, we don't do drug tests on Saturdays. Only Monday-Friday." Well wouldn't it have been nice if this information was listed anywhere on their website or maybe if they had a working phone system, I could have called an gotten this information in 2 seconds. I come back on Monday at 7:00 to make sure I am first in line when they open at 7:30 so I won't be too late for work. When I sign in again another girl (with a very unpleasant and unkind attitude) says, "No. Drug test are only from 9:00-4:00." I about lost a gasket. Again this is information that should have been available to me in some other way than showing up for your office and waiting. And what is the reasoning for this idiotic policy? Overall, it's a terrible place with terrible employees and I would rather hang out at the DMV than spend a second here. To help others who need information on pre-employment drug tests and are unable to get anyone on the phone: DRUG TESTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9:00-4:00 read more

Before bringing my young teen in for a routine blood panel I checked Yelp and was none too happy at the low reviews. But, my own experience was stellar so I wanted to get that on record. The waiting room had several smiling patients, the paperwork was done in a snap (really short, perhaps just a signature and scanning the insurance card) and within 3 minutes we were out of the waiting room and into the phlebotomist's office. Backstory: My son has a history of freaking out with needles. The day before I'd coached him to look away. Still, I was worried that getting his blood drawn was going to be especially stressful compared to the "drama" of a flu shot. The phlebotomist was this really nice low-key man. He casually talked to my son about video games and in the blink of an eye everything was done! Might have taken a minute. My son didn't have any drama and didn't experience any pain. In fact he told me "Next time I'm going to look!" at the blood draw. I waited to write this review until I got the bill and went over the results with the doctor. The bill came in a timely fashion and my insurance paid most of it. I think my final charge was maybe $60 or $70 dollars. The results also got to the doctor in a timely manner and showed that everything was dandy. And, to top it off, this Quest lab was so convenient to get to via public transportation. The #20 bus stops mere steps away from the door of the lab. Very happy with the experience at Quest! read more

This place needs a greeter/intern. Not everyone speaks English. I feel bad when people have to wait to get help when almost all these "nurses" or whatever they are. People dont all know how to work a computer. Figure it out!!! Your phone # is going through technical difficulties? No wonder the crappy reviews. read more

The front desk clerk is disrespectful. The facility is unsanitary. I've already reported this place. If you value your health and time I would strongly advise against going to this particular quest. read more

Been coming here for years. Opens at 7:30a and you'll always find people who are fasting and want to get their blood test over with before going to work, waiting in line to be first. The line often begins forming before 7:15a. One good way to avoid the line is making an appointment on-line. Unfortunately, the first appointment is 8:30a. The employees have always been good. However, once a phlebotomist put on her latex gloves and then adjusted the armrest for your chair. Who says that the adjustment levers were sterile? The phlebotomist claimed that she didn't use the hand that adjusted the armrest on my arm, but if that's true, why bother to even put on a glove on that hand? Stay alert. Easy parking in their own lot. read more

I came to this location for a drug test for work. I made my appointment online and quickly got my emailed appointment. I usually screenshot my confirmation codes. Which was good because there was a code that wasn't included in the email. I waited about ten minutes in line, checked in, waited another ten minutes to be called, and everything went by smoothly. Both ladies were very kind. If anyone wants to come to Whitehall, I would recommend Gabrielle Sarmiento. read more

Made me ware 30 mins plus for an appointment already planned I had a meeting after I'm late for it they got me messed up talking about I'm working on it you should've been ready walk ins going before me like wth I'm pissed so unprofessional read more

John Muir Medical center sent me here after looking up quest in their system for my health insurance. After fasting, i get to Quest, and was told nope, not anymore. The lady at the front desk was rude, and impatient, wouldn't let me speak to a manager stating nobody was on duty, yet she did give me a number to call which i am awaiting a reply. Shelly who was drawing blood, was walking by , and was just as rude. I'll make an effort not to visit this location again even though its close by. read more

This office is very conveniently located at South Shore mall in Alameda. They were friendly, efficient (and fun!) Easy to make an appointment, not a long wait at all, nice waiting room and lab rooms. Good experience for lab work. read more

No one is outside to assist patients, whether they have an appointment or not. No seating is provided to people who may be disabled and there are long wait times. The woman at the front desk is not willing to answer questions or check you in if you have an appointment. terrible. read more

Second time I took my infant son to have blood drawn. Second time Quest failed. They just can't do young children. I will not be returning and recommend parents take their children elsewhere. And yes, I was told the second time after explicitly asking, if the person drawing the blood had experience with and was good with children. Clearly they were not. read more

i took my 87 year old mother to get her blood drawn around 7:15 this morning. i stood out side 20 minutes before they opened. my mom was the first patient. she did her urine test and then asked the worker (the first one who arrived,) where she should go next. she was told not to rush her. then she said, if you don't want to wait, go somewhere else to get her blood drawn. it had already been 30 minutes. mom was getting shakey because she needed to eat something. the lady was very rude to my mom. we left and went to lab core. they were great but it was almost another hour before my mom could eat. the lady at quest should be fired!!! we will never go back. we give them a big fat zero. read more

I will never use this lab again and I extremely advise against it if you have a child who needs their blood drawn. The older woman working there is extremely rude, unprofessional and rough. She barks at the desk staff, the patients, etc. My daughter and I needed some tests, and we had an appt and we're on time. Even though she is a minor, I was asked not to go back because at 14, she could be alone (due to Covid). I explained to the front desk that she was scared of needles and to please give her someone who would be gentle and patient. Unfortunately, they gave her to the woman who had been yelling since we walked through the door. Against my own judgement I allowed her to go with her- I thought maybe she would be nicer in the room. She rudely chastised my daughter for having "difficult" veins, poked her more than once trying to get a vein, telling her it was her fault because she didn't drink enough water. She did nothing to make the experience even slightly comforting for a scared kid. When my daughter walked out, she headed straight outside while I signed a paper. When I got out to the car, she was sobbing and shaking from the experience. I went as far as to tell her pediatrician that the treatment received was awful and she should not send her patients there. I will never use that lab again. If you do not have patience for children, you should allow someone else to draw them. read more

I will never drug test through quest again. Horrible experience. Made appointment last week for today and today when I get in there the representative told me that they just changed their appointment policy on Monday and that there was nothing they can do but have me wait 2 hours and I might can get seen. This they're very unprofessional, the guy at the front desk was just playing around. All quest should be closed down because everyone I've been too have workers that seems like they don't want to work read more

I made a 9:15 am appt and got there a few minutes after 9:00. No one was able to help me; I saw two "technicians" in an open exam room with someone. One technician was holding the person's hand and fanning either herself or the patient with a folder while the other technician -- who I could not see -- was apparently drawing blood. The technicians were chatting with each other. The waiting room was full. The ceiling is low and it's a small storefront facility. This is not where I want to be to have any procedure done. Everyone in the waiting room looked depressed; maybe it was the lighting? I just wanted to run away...so I did. read more

Man I had to do drug test for my work and one of the lady working there was so rude. She is the meanest person I have ever met. She yelled at my coworker because she didn't know that drug test from 9 to 3. It is not posted anywhere on yelp or their website so how are we suppose to know. We tried calling too but they just have animated service. Anyhow apparently they give u only 4 mins to pee in the cup and she was next to my door yelling 3 mins left, 1 mins left. wtf. I understand that you want to just give 4 mins to make sure people dont cheat or sth but she can just wait till 4 mins is up and say time is up like the other worker did. The worker was so much nicer. I am never going back to that place again or to any quest Diagnostics. I am going back to Lab Corp when I am do the drug test in future. Honestly she treats people like a prisoner. read more

Easy and fast. My appointment was 2:15pm on a Monday. I don't have to worry about parking since there is PLENTY at the southshore center. I walked in and self-checked in on the ipad which took 5mins. Then I sat down and waited and they helped me within 10mins. You can also see your name and how many minutes you have left until they call you on the tv screen. Scott the phlebotomist was super friendly and very quick at drawing my blood. I usually have small veins and even NURSES have to search around for it for awhile. At the other Quest Diagnostic branch, one lady had pricked me three times to get my blood. However, Scott was very knowledgeable and he told me he worked at the hospital before and had even more difficult patients than me. It was very quick and fast. The bathroom was very clean as well. I will come to this branch more often now. read more

Maria who introduced herself as the manager is terrible. She doesn't have any managerial skills obviously.

In addition to the extremely long wait times documented by other reviews, some of the staff members at this location are atrociously inhumane. A staff member named Maria came into the doorway of my private appointment room and yelled at me during my appointment. She was angry because the lab orders faxed by my doctor did not have any of their contact info on it. This is something that is obviously beyond the patients' control. She violated my HIPAA rights and traumatized me in the process. I am guessing I am not the first person to be treated inhumanely by Maria. One of the worst medical experiences of my life. I hope she is held accountable for her actions. I just filed a formal grievance as well. read more