My insurance company recently changed preferred labs from Lab Corps to Quest Diagnostics, and boy am I lucky that Quest just opened up a location near me in Malta.
Literally...the place was so new, I apparently walked in on them on their fifth day of business. I should mention that Google Maps hasn't yet gotten the hang of the Ellsworth Commons, because every time I go there, it gets very confused. Because of this, and because of Quest's new location, I kind of had a hard time finding the location, and ended up parking in an inconvenient side lot, and going in through their back entrance accidentally. If you go to this location, know that you should go through the roundabout, into the actual plaza, and I believe parking will be in front of Quest's storefront. Just FYI.
So far, the place is very sterile and modern-looking. Everything is in white and lime green and spotless. Which is nice, but totally doesn't look like your standard lab.
Another plus for this place, they accept appointments, which is sooooo AWESOME, after having sat what feels like hours waiting for a blood draw in a walk-in-only lab. You can make appointments online or by phone. However, a word of warning--I did make an appointment online, but did not print out my confirmation page. When I arrived for my appointment, the phlebotomist couldn't find any records, and had to then take me as a walk-in. I was initially annoyed and cranky about this (c'mon, I was fasting), but it was early in the morning, and there was only one person ahead of me, so it really wasn't too big of a deal. The phlebotomist was actually quite concerned as to why my appointment didn't register, so it was nice to hear that she actually cared that it didn't go through. But those are technical details they can sort out later, and I have no problem calling to confirm an appointment next time...because I actually GET to make an appointment.
I should also mention that my veins flat-out suck. Like, drawing blood is sometimes like squeezing water out of stone. I have a nice rolling vein that likes to move when you try to penetrate it. I've got a bunch of superficial veins that won't give much blood. I've been poked so many times in both arms, my leg, and my hands, that I just am not surprised anymore, even when I'm superhydrated, when a phlebotomist or nurse just waves their hands in the air and has someone else come feel my arms.
I don't know where this lady came from, but she was able to find a GOOD vein within a few minutes and some patience, and had no trouble getting the sample she needed pretty painlessly, and without the need for a butterfly needle. It was a miracle. For serious.
I can't say that I'm ~looking forward to~ returning and having more needles stuck in me, but I WILL say that I am grateful my preferred lab is now one that (1) takes appointments, and (2) has experienced professionals who will TAP MAH VEINS...successfully. read more