Photo of a microscope being used to analyze a slide

Laboratory

Our laboratory staff perform thousands of tests annually — each one carefully conducted using the highest standards of quality to ensure accurate results 24 hour a day, seven days a week. We understand your test results are the basis by which your physician makes a diagnosis and recommends a treatment.

Services

Ridgeview offers full-service laboratories, and uses the most advanced equipment to provide rapid and accurate laboratory testing including:

  • Laboratory testing
  • Blood bank (immunohematology)
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry
  • Hematology
  • Coagulation
  • Urinalysis
  • Serology
  • Histology
  • Pathology
  • Electrocardiographs (ECG)
  • Phlebotomy
  • Reference laboratory
  • Outpatient Services
  • Sperm preparation for insemination
  • Health screenings

Ridgeview's laboratories serve our campuses in Arlington, Le Sueur and Waconia, as well as all Ridgeview Clinics and Two Twelve Medical Center in Chaska. Our lab professionals also provide outreach services to our community, area nursing homes, health fairs, schools and the Memorial Blood Centers. Visit Ridgeview's Laboratory Catalog for more information.

Quality

Providing the highest-quality laboratory services is our top priority. Accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), our laboratory operates under the medical direction of a pathologist and is staffed by highly trained laboratory staff who adhere to strict standards of practice provided by:

  • The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), an international, nonprofit association of approximately 8,000 individuals and 2,000 institutions. The association and its members promote the voluntary donation of blood. Its member facilities are responsible for collecting virtually all of the nation’s blood supply and transfusing more than 80%.
  • Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
  • Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)
  • College of American Pathologists (CAP)
  • Certified as a highly complex laboratory under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) ID# 24D0400865

Testing not performed by Ridgeview Laboratories is sent to one of the following reference laboratories:

  • Mayo Medical Laboratories (this is our primary reference laboratory)
  • Methodist Pathway Laboratories for histology special staining, mycology, parasitology and cytology testing.

Laboratory Professionals

What is a pathologist?
Pathologists are physicians who interpret and diagnose the changes caused by disease in tissues. Ridgeview’s laboratory medical director is a pathologist (MD) who is certified in anatomic and clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology.

What is a histologist?
Histologists are the people who prepare tissue samples used to diagnose disease. Ridgeview’s pathology assistant is a certified histotechnician or equivalent. They are accountable for the day-to-day operation of the histology laboratory.

What is a phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists are the people who draw blood samples from hospital inpatients and outpatients. At Ridgeview, they are responsible for performing phlebotomy assignments on hospital inpatients, outpatients and nursing home residents.

What is an Electrocardiograph (ECG) tech?
Ridgeview’s ECG techs have completed ECG training. They are the people who perform electrocardiograms and assist with cardiac stress tests. In our laboratory they also provide customer service.

What is a laboratory technician and technologist?
They perform laboratory tests on blood, body fluid and other specimens, providing crucial information to help providers and their patients make health care decisions.

Other Resources

Customer Service and Hours

Our laboratory is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. STAT Services are also available 24/7, including holidays.

Our team members can answer your questions regarding test procedures and when test results will be available.

Lab Only Appointments

When possible, call ahead to your clinic to schedule a lab only appointment. Not all tests are available at all locations.