Useful information.

All important questions & answers.

Do I have to make an appointment to give a blood sample?

No, you can come and give a blood sample during our opening times, starting at 7am – you don’t need to make an appointment. There are no long queues. In general, we do not give appointments for routine laboratory tests. Of course, you can make a personal appointment for special tests (e.g. sperm count measurement).

Do I need to make an appointment for a blood sample?

No, an appointment is not necessary, you just need to come during our blood collection hours. However, you need to make an appointment for special tests (eg., sperm analysis, oral glucose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test).

On which days is IHR LABOR not opened?

IHR LABOR is closed on Sundays and public holidays, as well as on the 24th and 31st of December.

What tests do I need to make an appointment for?

Generally, you do not need to make an appointment with us. Of course, you can make a personal appointment for special tests, such as sperm count measurement, glucose stress tests or breath tests. Some special tests require you to comply with a certain diet or avoid eating certain foods for a certain period beforehand. Our team is available to answer any questions which you might have.

What tests do I need to make an appointment for?

Generally, you do not need to make an appointment for a blood test. However, you can make an appointment for special tests, such as sperm analysis, oral glucose tolerance tests or hydrogen breath tests. Some special require you to comply with a certain diet or avoid eating certain foods for a certain period beforehand. Our team is available to answer any questions which you might have.

Do I have to bring anything with me to the blood sample collection?

Please bring the referral slip from your doctor and your e-card along when you have the test done and register to have a blood sample taken at reception.

Do I have to bring anything with me to the blood sample collection?

Please bring the letter of referral  from your doctor and your e-card along when you have the blood test.

Who do I get a referral slip from?

Usually, the doctor who is treating you will issue the necessary referral slip.

Who do I get a letter of referral from?

Usually, the doctor who is treating you will issue the necessary letter of referral.

How long is the laboratory referral valid for?

The referral is valid for 4 weeks, starting with the date it is issued.

How long is the laboratory letter of referral valid for?

The letter of referral is valid for 4 weeks, starting with the date of issue.

Can I come even if I don’t have a referral slip?

Yes, of course. You can also take advantage of our services as a private patient. If you come as a private patient without a referral slip, we will inform you of the costs you will incur before we do the test. With your agreement, we will issue you with an invoice which must be paid immediately. You may be able to submit the invoice to your private insurer. Our staff are happy to provide you with the information you need!

If you want to submit a referral slip after the test, we kindly ask that you pay the costs in advance. You then have 4 weeks to submit a referral slip, after which the costs will be reimbursed to you.

Can I come even if I don’t have a letter of referral?

Yes, of course. If you come as a private patient without a letter of referral, we will inform you of the costs you will incur before we do the test. With your agreement, we will issue you with an invoice which must be paid immediately. You may be able to submit the invoice to your private health insurance provider. Our staff are happy to provide you with the information you need!

If you want to submit a letter of referral after the blood test, we kindly ask that you to pay the costs in advance. You then have 4 weeks to submit the letter of referral, after which the costs will be reimbursed to you.

How long will I have to wait to give my blood sample?

In general, there are no long queues here. Depending on the number of patients who are here at any one time, you can expect to wait 5-30 minutes after registration at reception.

Is there waiting time for the blood test?

In general, there are no waiting times. Depending on the number of patients, waiting can be expected 5-30 min after registration at the reception.

How long do I have to go without food and drink before blood sample collection?

Please come to blood sample collection with an empty stomach. This means that you should take your last meal at least 10 hours before blood is taken. If you are thirsty, you can drink water. You should avoid coffee and alcohol before giving a blood sample and also refrain from smoking.

How long do I have to go without food and drink before blood sample collection?

Please come to the blood sample collection with an empty stomach. This means that you should take your last meal at least 10 hours before the blood is taken. Please also refrain from smoking.

Can I drink water before giving a blood sample?

Yes, you can drink water.

Can I drink coffee or tea before giving a blood sample?

You should avoid drinking coffee and tea before giving your blood sample.

What tests do I need to come with an empty stomach to?

In general, you should have an empty stomach for tests to determine blood sugar and blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides). It is also recommended for tests on your liver (bilirubin, GOT, GPT, GGT) and pancreas (lipase, amylase). However, if you are unsure, coming along with an empty stomach can’t do any harm!

What tests do I need to come with an empty stomach for?

In general, you should have an empty stomach for tests to determine blood sugar and blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides). It is also recommended for tests on your liver (bilirubin, GOT, GPT, GGT) and pancreas (lipase, amylase). However, if you are unsure, coming along with an empty stomach can’t do any harm!

When should I take my medications?

Generally, it is better to wait until after giving your blood sample to take your medications. If medications must be taken urgently and this cannot be delayed, of course you may take them with a sip of water.

PLEASE NOTE: If the test is to determine your body’s own hormone production, please stop taking any tablets containing that hormone 10 days before the test (e.g. thyroid hormone replacement therapy, the pill etc.) This also applies to hormone plasters!

When should I take my medications?

Generally, it is better to wait until after giving your blood sample to take your medications. If medications must be taken urgently, of course you may take them with a sip of water.

If the body’s own hormone production is to be assessed, medication containing these hormones should be discontinued 10 days in advance after consulting your physician (e.g., thyroid hormone replacement therapy, contraceptive pill etc.). This also applies to hormone patches.

Can medications influence the results of a test?

Yes. Therefore, it is usually better to wait until after the test to take your medication. If medications must be taken urgently and this cannot be delayed, of course you may take them with a sip of water.

If you are having a so-called “trough level” measured, you should wait until after the test to take your thyroid medications.

PLEASE NOTE: If the test is to determine your body’s own hormone production, please stop taking any tablets containing that hormone 10 days before the test (e.g. thyroid hormone replacement therapy, the pill etc.) This also applies to hormone plasters!

Can medications influence the results of a test?

Yes. Therefore, it is usually better to wait until after the test to take your medication. If medications must be taken urgently of course you may take them with a sip of water.

If you are having a so-called “trough level” measured, you should wait until after the test to take your medications.

Do I have to cover any costs myself?

If you have a referral slip from the doctor treating you, most analyses will be paid for by the Austrian sickness insurance funds. We settle the costs directly with the relevant sickness insurance fund. You do not incur any further costs. Some special analyses or services which are not included in the laboratory catalogue are not paid for by the sickness insurance fund; you must pay for these yourself. If costs accrue, our staff will inform you of these before the test is done.

Do I have to cover any costs myself?

If you have a letter of referral from the doctor treating you, most analyses will be paid for by the Austrian health insurance providers. We settle the costs directly with the relevant helath insurance provider. You do not incur any further costs. Some special analyses or services which are not included in the laboratory catalogue are not paid for by the health insurance provider; you must pay for these yourself. If costs incur, our staff will inform you of these before the test is done.

Which sickness insurance funds do you have contracts with?

We can settle costs with all sickness insurance funds. Most analyses are paid for by the Austrian sickness insurance funds and we settle the costs directly with the relevant fund. However, some of the special analyses and services are not paid for. These are specified in the laboratory catalogue. If costs accrue, our staff will inform you of these before the test is done.

How can I pay for services rendered to me as a private patient?

You can pay in cash, or – if costs amount to at least EUR 5 – by debit or credit card (note: Diners Club International cards are not accepted). Payment is made when blood samples are taken; ask the staff at reception!

How can I pay for services rendered to me as a private patient?

You can pay in cash, or – if costs amount to at least EUR 5,- by debit or credit card (note: Diners Club International cards are not accepted). Payment is made when blood samples are taken; please ask the staff at reception!

I have been referred for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). What do I need to do?

Generally, you do not need an appointment for an OGTT. However, you should arrive at the laboratory by 9.30am latest, with an empty stomach. You will need to allow approx. 2-2.5 hours for this test and will need to provide a urine sample before starting the test.

I have been referred for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). What do I need to do?

Generally, you need an appointment for an OGTT. You you should arrive at the laboratory by 9 am latest, with an empty stomach. You will need to allow approx. 2 hours for this test.

I have been referred for a sperm count measurement. What do I need to know?

You need to make an appointment for this test.

For an accurate analysis, it is important that you are abstinent (no ejaculation) for 4 to 6 days (max.) beforehand.

My doctor has ordered me to have a drugs test done. Can I have this done in your laboratory? Do I have to bring anything with me?

Yes, we can do this test. Please bring the official doctor’s letter and your official photo ID with you. Your urine will be tested for the presence of drugs. You will have to provide a sample under supervision in our premises.

Of course, you can also come to give a blood sample if you don’t have a referral slip. You will be informed of the costs before the test. With your agreement, we will issue you with an invoice which must be paid immediately.

My doctor has ordered me to have a drugs test done. Can I have this done at your laboratory? Do I have to bring anything with me?

Yes, we can do this test. Please bring the official doctor’s letter of referral and your official photo ID with you. Your urine will be tested for the presence of drugs. You will have to provide a sample under supervision in our premises.

Of course, you can also come to give a blood sample if you don’t have a letter of referral. You will be informed of the costs before the test. With your agreement, we will issue you with an invoice which must be paid immediately.

Do you offer ECG analyses?

Yes, although you could incur some costs for this. Our staff are happy to provide you with the information you need!

Do you perform electrocardiograms (ECG)?

Yes, although you could incur some costs for this. Our staff are happy to provide you with the information you need!

Do you take capillary blood samples?

No, we do not collect capillary blood samples in our laboratory.

Can I have my blood tested for metabolic balance in your laboratory?

Yes, you can have this done at any time. You will be informed of the costs before the test is done. You must cover the costs of this test yourself.

My child needs a blood sample taken. At what age is this possible?

We take blood from individuals of all ages, even newborns. We have special tubes for this purpose at our laboratory.

Do you have a cream that you can use so that my child will not feel the needle going in?

No, we don’t have any creams like this in the laboratory. If you like, you can apply Emla cream (available from the chemist) at home to any places where the needle could be inserted.

Do you have a cream that you can use so that my child will not feel the venipuncture?

No, we don’t have any creams like this in the laboratory. If you like, you can apply Emla cream (available from the pharmacy) at home inside the elbow area.

Do I always have to provide a sample of the first urine I pass in the morning?

No, this is not necessary. You can give your urine sample in the toilets provided at the laboratory.

Why do results of a urine culture test take longer?

Bacteria need time to grow in the culture medium. After they have grown sufficiently, an antibiogram is conducted to find which antibiotics would be suitable.

Can I bring a stool sample from the previous day?

No. To get an accurate analysis, stool should not be more than 2 hours old.

How do I get a cup/tube/smear paper for my urine/stool?

Our staff at reception will provide you with these items.

How long do I have to wait for my results?

Results of standard tests are generally available within 24 hours of your visit. You can either collect them from us or we can send them to you by post (postage fees apply). If you have selected the digital download option, you will receive email notification that your results are available for download. Special analyses can also take longer; reception staff will provide you with further information.

I need my results quickly (e.g. to be admitted for an operation). How do I proceed?

Please give us a call – we can provide you with personal advice.

How can I get my results?

You can choose between personal collection, delivery by post (postage fees apply) or online download using a password (BefundPost).

Please let us know which option you prefer when you register at reception.

How can I download my results online?

IHR LABOR uses BefundPost, a trusted electronic system for requesting results online, as a service for our patients and doctors. The system is subject to strict security rules and is protected from access by unauthorised third parties.

ihrlabor.befundpost.at

How long will my results be kept ready for collection?

After they have been compiled, we keep your results in storage. From this point onwards, you can have them printed out at any time during our opening hours.

Can a member of my family collect my results for me?

Yes; this family member must present your e-card at the counter.

Can a member of my family collect my results for me?

Yes, family members must present your e-card/ID card at the counter.

Do you provide information on results over the telephone?

No, we cannot provide any information on results over the telephone for reasons of data protection. We can only tell you over the telephone whether your results are ready for collection.

Do you provide results over the telephone?

No, we cannot provide any results over the telephone for reasons of data protection. We can only tell you over the telephone whether your results are ready for collection.

How can I get to you?

All our offices can be easily reached with public transport as well as by car. For details see Homepage

Is the laboratory accessible for the handicapped?

All our offices are generally accessible to handicapped people. However, if you should encounter a problem, please give us a call. Our team is pleased to assist!

Do you make home visits?

Yes, we also make home visits. However, this could result in some costs for you. Our staff are happy to provide you with the information you need!

Do you provide house visits?

Yes, we also provide home visits. However, this could result in some costs for you. Our staff are happy to provide you with the information you need!