Lab Tests & Radiology

Laboratory (Tests)

NHC Patuxent River Laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). All eligible beneficiaries are welcome to use our services on a "walk-in" basis. 

No appointment is necessary; however, some tests require special preparation and/or special collection tubes. Patients are encouraged to contact the laboratory if they have questions regarding the requirements for their laboratory tests.  Please ask your provider if you are required to fast or if they may have other special instructions prior to your arrival at the laboratory.

The Laboratory staff cannot provide test results directly to a patient. 

Patients may obtain their laboratory results by logging on to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.  A hard copy of your laboratory results may be obtained at NHC Patuxent River Outpatient Records. 

NHC Patuxent River Laboratory does not accept any laboratory requests from civilian providers. 

Please ask your network civilian provider with which laboratory they affiliate. 

Radiology (X-Ray)

NHC Patuxent River Radiology offers routine diagnostic services.

Electronic requests are made by the health care providers within our clinic following your appointment or via written requests from your civilian network providers. These services are provided to active-duty service members and their family, retirees, and all other eligible beneficiaries.

Note:  Radiology procedures not available at NHC Patuxent River will be referred to another Military Treatment Facility (MTF) in the area or to a facility in the TRICARE civilian network.

Studies not provided at NHC Patuxent River:

·MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

·CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) scan

·Mammography

·Ultrasound

·Nuclear Medicine

·Bone Density Studies

Results may be obtained from your healthcare provider or through NHC Patuxent River Outpatient Records.

Note:  Results of your Radiographic Examinations are routinely available within 3-4 days from the date the exam is transmitted to WRNMMC in Bethesda for interpretation by a Radiologist.

Mammograms

Please contact the National Capitol Region (NCR) IRMAC at (855) 227-6331, option 3 to request a referral or information on self-referral for your screening mammogram.  You may also speak with your Primary Care Manager (PCM) to schedule a mammogram during your next visit.

Visit TRICARE to learn more about covered services: https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/Mammograms.