WHAT IT IS: The Cabarrus Health Alliance Laboratory provides services which include clinical tests to aid in screenings, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and conditions through the various public health programs which affect the health of Cabarrus citizens.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The major purpose of the Health Alliance Laboratory is to provide quality assured-lab support services to all the standard public health programs offered by the Alliance. The Laboratory is a component of every clinical screening service offered by the Alliance. The Laboratory also plays a vital role as a resource for the medical community concerning testing and need supplies for communicable disease outbreaks (ex. Pertussis, Hepatitis, Viral food-borne Illness).

WHO MAY RECEIVE THIS SERVICE: Laboratory services support the Health Alliance programs and populations served.

HOW THIS PROGRAM IS CARRIED OUT: Clinical lab service provided are mandated activities of the Health Alliance for individuals served through Health Alliance programs. Most of our tests are done on-site to facilitate the evaluation of the patient during appointment visit. Lab services are reimbursed by Medicaid or other third party sources. The primary cost of laboratory services are funded by State Grants and County tax dollars. A very small percentage are paid for by patient fees, which cover only the actual cost of providing the test. The lab also assists with all the various screening, sponsored by the Health Alliance (ex. Health Fairs, Prostate Screening Clinics, Employee Wellness programs and School Sports Physicals).

HOW THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS: Conditions such as communicable diseases, (ex. sexually transmitted disease) would not be diagnosed and followed as promptly as needed, resulting in an increased level of infectious diseases in the community. Also, this may result in more visits to the ER which are more expensive vs. being diagnosed and treated at the Health Alliance.