Department of Diagnostic Laboratory

The Diagnostic Laboratory of ZD Novo mesto performs the collection of blood, urine, and stool, as well as basic hematological, urinalysis, biochemical analyses, and thyroid hormone analyses for 8 municipalities (Novo mesto, Šentjernej, Žužemberk, Dolenjske Toplice, Škocjan, Šmarješke Toplice, Straža, and Mirna Peč).
 

In the laboratory, only professional staff are employed. Laboratory tests are performed on devices that meet all prescribed standards of laboratory medicine. We use standardized methods in accordance with international standards and requirements.

Quality Control

Employees in the laboratory carry out many activities every day to ensure that the results of analyses are accurate and comparable with other laboratories in Slovenia, and thus help your personal doctor establish a diagnosis.

Priority in blood collection and other biological materials is given to patients with a referral marked “URGENT”, children under 3 years of age, and individuals with disabilities.

Instructions for Patients

Appointments

For a visit to the laboratory (blood collection) an appointment is mandatory.

From your personal doctor, you will receive an order number and an assigned appointment time. Please arrive at the laboratory 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

If the time does not suit you, call between 11:00 and 12:00 at 07 39 16 765 and arrange for an alternative available time.
 

Before collection of biological material, patients should report at the reception desk, where referrals are submitted and the health card is presented. Then wait in the waiting room until the laboratory technician calls you.

Self-paying Patients

Self-paying patients should call between 11:00 and 12:00 at 07 39 16 765 and arrange for an available appointment. Appointment is mandatory.

Please arrive at the laboratory 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Referrals are not needed; for the desired tests, you agree directly at the laboratory reception desk. Collection is possible only in the morning, from 7:00 to 13:00.

Blood Collection

• Blood collection for iron is recommended between 7:00 and 9:00.
• Blood collection for thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) is carried out between 9:00 and 16:00.

Other Patient Instructions

• Before blood collection, rest for at least 15 minutes in the waiting room.
• For blood sugar, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and iron, you must be fasting (12 hours, only water, no smoking).
• Avoid physical and mental strain at least one day before collection.
• Unless instructed otherwise, take medications after blood collection.
• If you tend to feel faint, inform the technician.
• Before capillary blood collection (often in children), warm the hand.
• After collection, press the puncture site firmly for 5 minutes to prevent bruising.

Urine Collection

Submit the referral at the reception desk, where you will receive instructions and a container.
 

For analysis, the best sample is the first morning urine. If this is not possible, collect a midstream sample: discard the first portion, collect the middle portion, discard the rest.
 

The minimum required amount is 15 mL. Place the sample on the window ledge next to the urine laboratory.
 

For urine culture or microbiological examination (URIKULT or SANFORD), a special sterile container will be provided. For infants, the nurse applies the urine collection bag.

Stool Collection

A container for stool collection is available at the laboratory reception or at your personal doctor’s outpatient unit.
 

For stool blood tests, collect suspicious parts (black, bloody, or mucous) — about the size of a hazelnut.

Issuing of Results

Laboratory test results are usually ready the same day, except for urine culture (URIKULT).

• If marked “URGENT”, results are ready within one hour after collection.
• If marked “Priority”, results are ready within two hours or as soon as possible.