Lab Testing
Columbia Health offers laboratory testing for tests ordered by Medical Services. Once you have a lab order from Medical Services, you may call 212-854-7426 to schedule a lab appointment.
Lab testing at Columbia Health
Columbia Health’s lab can collect specimens (blood, urine, saliva) for many health conditions. Some tests can be analyzed on site, such as urinalysis, rapid strep, pregnancy, and flu. For other tests, the specimen will be collected and then sent to an external lab.
Only tests that are ordered by Medical Services can be performed at the on-site lab. If you receive an order from an outside provider, please have them conduct the test at that medical visit or schedule an appointment with an in-network facility covered by your insurance. LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics labs have many local locations and are in network for many health insurance companies. You should always check with your health insurance or the lab you plan to use to make sure that the lab is in-network.
Who is eligible?
To use the Medical Services lab, you must have:
- Paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services fee
- Received a lab order from a Medical Services provider
How do I access lab testing?
To access lab testing, you must schedule an appointment with a provider at Medical Services and then receive a lab order from the Medical Services provider. Once you have an order, you can make an appointment with the lab by calling 212-854-7426. There are no drop-in lab services.
The lab is located on the 3rd floor of John Jay Hall.
How much will it cost?
The costs will vary depending on your insurance plan. If you’re enrolled in the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan, you will not pay for any tests conducted at the Medical Services lab. Labs sent outside for processing may incur additional costs.
If you have outside insurance, the primary insurance holder will receive a bill, which can then be submitted to the insurance provider.
What else do I need to know?
Please pay attention to any instructions your health care provider gives you to follow before the test (for example, fasting). If you have not followed the instructions, this may delay your ability to have the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
When off-campus specialists request additional lab tests, please have the specialist draw the labs during your off-campus medical visit or schedule a visit with an in-network facility that is covered by your insurance.
No. Only lab orders from Medical Services can be completed at the Medical Services lab.
Yes, HIV testing is free for students who have the labs ordered by a physician in Columbia Health. The tests are confidential, and they are not billed to your insurance. Please note that this is different from the non-HIV STI testing.
You can access HIV tests by attending an appointment with a medical provider in Medical Services or by attending Sexual and Reproductive Health Visits with Alice! Health Promotion.