What BioReference Laboratories does
BioReference Laboratories is a clinical laboratory company that processes blood tests, drug screenings, and other diagnostic samples for hospitals, doctor's offices, employers, and insurance companies. You do not order tests from BioReference directly — your doctor, employer, or a testing program sends your sample there for analysis. BioReference operates hundreds of patient service centers across the United States where you can go to have blood drawn or provide other samples.
The company is owned by OPKO Health and processes millions of tests annually. When your doctor orders a lab test, the sample may be sent to BioReference depending on which lab network your insurance covers or which lab your doctor's office contracts with. You will know BioReference is handling your test if the paperwork or receipt says "BioReference Laboratories" or lists one of their patient service centers as the collection location.
Key Takeaways
- BioReference operates patient service centers where you can have blood drawn or provide samples without an appointment at most locations.
- Your doctor or employer orders the test — you do not contact BioReference to request one, but you do go to their center to provide the sample.
- Results typically post to your doctor's patient portal or are mailed within one to three business days, depending on the test type.
- BioReference accepts most major insurance plans, and uninsured patients can pay out-of-pocket or ask about cash-pay pricing at the time of service.
- Fasting requirements and preparation instructions vary by test, so check your order paperwork before you arrive at the center.
How to find a BioReference patient service center near you
BioReference maintains a location finder on their website where you can search by zip code or city. Enter your location and the tool shows nearby centers, their hours, and whether appointments are required. Most centers operate on a walk-in basis during business hours, though some locations accept online appointment scheduling to reduce wait time.
You can also call your doctor's office to ask which lab they use and whether they have sent your order to BioReference. The office staff can tell you the nearest collection center and any special instructions for your specific test. If your employer ordered a drug screening or health screening through BioReference, your employer's human resources department will provide you with the center location and your test requisition number.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring a photo ID and your insurance card to the patient service center. If your doctor ordered the test, bring the order paperwork or requisition form — the center staff will ask for it. If you do not have the paperwork, give the staff your name and date of birth and they can look up your order in their system using your doctor's information.
Check your test order for fasting instructions before you arrive. Some blood tests require you to fast (eat and drink nothing except water) for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Others have no fasting requirement. If you are unsure, call the patient service center the day before your appointment and ask what preparation your specific test needs. Arriving unprepared may mean rescheduling and coming back another day.
The sample collection process
A phlebotomist will call you from the waiting area and take you to a collection station. They will verify your identity and the test being ordered, then ask you to sit while they draw blood or collect whatever sample your test requires. The process usually takes five to ten minutes. If you are anxious about needles, tell the staff — they can sometimes use smaller needles or let you lie down during the draw.
After collection, the sample is labeled with your name and a barcode, then placed in a find container. BioReference transports samples to their processing laboratory, where technicians run the tests using automated equipment and manual review. The turnaround time depends on the test — routine blood work typically takes one to three business days, while some specialized tests may take longer.
How you receive your results
Results are usually sent to your doctor first, and your doctor's office contacts you with the findings. If your doctor uses an electronic health record system with a patient portal, results may appear there automatically once your doctor has reviewed them. Check your patient portal or wait for a call or email from your doctor's office.
If you ordered the test through an employer screening program or an insurance company wellness initiative, results may be sent directly to you or to your employer's occupational health coordinator. Ask at the time of collection how you will receive your results and how long it typically takes. Some results are available within hours; others take several business days.
Insurance coverage and costs
BioReference accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance. At the time of collection, the center staff can tell you what your insurance will cover and what you owe. If you do not have insurance, ask about cash-pay pricing — BioReference offers discounted rates for uninsured patients who pay at the time of service.
If you are unsure whether your insurance covers a particular test, call your insurance company before you go to the center. Provide them with the test name or CPT code (which your doctor's office can give you) and ask whether the test is covered and what your cost will be. This prevents surprises when you receive a bill later.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you have a problem during collection — such as a difficult draw, an injury, or a lost sample — tell the staff when ready. They can document the issue and may ask you to return for a redraw at no charge. If you believe a test result is wrong, contact your doctor first. Your doctor can order a repeat test or contact BioReference to discuss the result.
If you have a billing question or dispute, call BioReference's customer service number, which is usually on your receipt or bill. Have your test date, location, and order number ready. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, ask for an itemized bill and request a review of the charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at BioReference?
Most BioReference patient service centers accept walk-ins during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Many centers also offer online appointment scheduling to reduce your wait. Call ahead or check the location finder on their website to see whether the center near you requires an appointment.
What if I cannot fast before my blood test?
Tell the phlebotomist when you arrive that you were unable to fast. They will note this on your sample, and your doctor will see the notation when reviewing the results. Some tests are not affected by fasting; others may need to be repeated after you have fasted. Your doctor will decide whether the result is still useful or whether you need to return.
How long does it take to get results back?
Most routine blood tests are processed within one to three business days. Specialized tests may take longer — sometimes up to a week. Results go to your doctor first, and your doctor's office contacts you. Check your patient portal or call your doctor's office if you have not heard back within the timeframe they gave you.
Can I request a copy of my test results?
Yes. Contact your doctor's office and ask for a copy of your lab results. Your doctor's office can print them or send them electronically. You can also request results directly from BioReference by calling their customer service line and providing your test date and order number, though your doctor's office is usually the faster route.
What if my insurance does not cover the test?
Ask BioReference about their cash-pay rates at the time of collection. Uninsured patients typically pay less than the full billed amount. If the cost is too high, talk to your doctor about whether the test is necessary or whether a less expensive alternative exists. Some community health centers also offer low-cost lab testing.