Our Medical Assistants can draw blood for most routine lab tests. Except for a limited number of CLIA-waived tests which we perform in-house, we send all of our blood work to an independent lab for testing. After we receive the results and Dr. Sharp reviews them, a Medical Assistant will call and explain the results or schedule an appointment with Dr. Sharp.

If you need a physical exam or follow-up care for a chronic problem (such as high blood pressure or diabetes), please plan to have blood tests performed three to four days prior to your scheduled appointment. Your results should then be available for review with Dr. Sharp during your scheduled visit.

Have you had your cholesterol checked recently?

A high cholesterol level is associated with increased rates of heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, impotence, and Alzheimers-type dementia. In general, your total cholesterol should be no higher than 200 and your triglycerides should be less than 150. We offer in-office testing of cholesterol.

It's too high! Now what do I do?

Not surprisingly, you can lower your cholesterol by increasing your physical activity and losing weight. (Isn't that always the answer?) Try replacing a few foods which contain cholesterol, such as meat and dairy products, with more oatmeal, beans, and vegetables.