TriCore is committed to safe, convenient, high-quality patient care while protecting your privacy.
Note: Our Core Laboratory, located at 1001 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM, is not a patient care center and we are not able to collect patient samples there. Please visit one of the locations below.No appointment is required.
Find a Location & Schedule an Appointment
View patient Care Centers
Covid-19 positive patients
Greater Albuquerque Area
(Belen, Los Lunas, and Rio Rancho)
If you are currently COVID-19 positive or have symptoms, please go to TriCore’s Encino Patient Care Center for blood/urine collection.
Outside Greater Albuquerque Area
If you are currently COVID-19 positive or have symptoms, please contact your primary care provider, TriCore’s Client Engagement Center (1.800.245.3296), or local collection site for blood/urine collection.
In accordance with CDC and NMDOH guidance, face masks are now optional in all TriCore settings, with some exceptions:
- If an individual has respiratory symptoms, that individual will be asked to use a face mask.
- Face masks requirements may be re-instituted if community transmission rates for any viral respiratory illnesses significantly increase.
TriCore supports those who still want additional protection and choose to continue masking.
What to Expect
We look forward to serving you. Please refer to the information below to ensure a smooth visit.
What to bring
- Insurance card – We accept most major insurance plans. Here is a current list of accepted insurance plans: Download List of Accepted Insurances.
- Driver’s license or other valid form of photo identification.
- Credit card – We accept Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.
- Your completed test order form, also referred to as a requisition.
Fasting Instructions (If required by your laboratory test)
- Arrive hydrated but please drink water only.
- Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 12 hours before your lab test.
- Medications are allowed but please take them only with water.
After Your Blood Draw
- Wait at least 15 minutes before removing the bandage.
- If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, lie down immediately and elevate your legs until the feeling passes.
- In rare cases where bleeding occurs after removing the bandage, apply pressure to the site of the bleeding and raise your arm for 3 to 5 minutes.
- If bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically for the first 24 hours.
- For 12 hours after your blood draw:
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous exercise.
- Eat a healthy meal.
- Contact your doctor if you:
- Continue to feel nauseated, lightheaded or dizzy after resting, eating or drinking.
- Feel pain or tingling down your arm into your fingers.
- For general questions including test results, specimen requirements, or concerns, please call our Client Engagement Center (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week): 505.938.8922 or 800.245.3296
Patient Resources for Specimen Collection
24, 48, and 72-Hour Stool Specimen Collection - Patient Instructions ENGLISH + SPANISH
24-Hour Urine Collection - Patient Instructions
Calcium to Creatinine Ratio 24 hrs
Clean Catch Urine Collection - Patient Instructions English + Spanish
First Catch Urine Collection for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (STDAMP) Testing - Patient Instructions
H2 Breath Test - Patient Instructions
Post-Vasectomy Check - Patient Instructions
Platelet Aggregation Testing - Patient Instructions
Stool Specimen Collection - Patient Instructions English
Stool Specimen Collection - Patient Instructions SPANISH
Stool Specimen Collection Microbiology - Patient Instructions English
Patient Responsibility
Did you know that insurance does not always cover laboratory tests?Collapse
Your test and/or the diagnosis supplied by your provider may not be covered in your plan benefits. Services that are not considered to be medically reasonable for your condition and reported diagnosis will not be covered and may lead to a financial liability for you. You may have a deductible, co-insurance, or co-payment responsibility. Contact your insurance company to learn about your benefits coverage and responsibility.
Did you know that Medicare does not pay for everything? Expand
Medicare does not cover or has very limited coverage for many routine laboratory tests. In addition, Medicare has strict requirements regarding the medical necessity of the tests ordered. If your physician has ordered a test which is not covered or has medical necessity requirements, TriCore or your physician will give you an Advanced Beneficiary Notice advising that Medicare may not pay for the ordered tests. If you wish to proceed with testing, your signature is required to acknowledge liability for any denied services.
Did you know claims are paid by medical necessity? Expand
Your provider must submit diagnosis codes which meet the medical necessity for the laboratory tests ordered. Tests not considered medically necessary to your medical condition and/or if the diagnosis supplied by your provider is not covered by your health plan may lead to patient financial liability. This includes procedures which are deemed experimental. Consult with your provider regarding the medical necessity of the tests ordered for you.
Did you know that some laboratory tests require prior authorization from your insurance company?Expand
You or your provider are responsible for contacting your insurance company before a laboratory test is performed. If prior authorization is not obtained or the test is not approved, you may be held financially responsible for the cost of the performed test. Consult with your provider and insurance company to know your financial responsibility.
