Chilton Lab in Hewitt serving the community

HEWITT — When Lynn Brew, the manager of Chilton Hospital’s Outreach Program, reads the very positive customer service surveys from the Hewitt Patient Service Center she knows they are on the right track.

The facility, known as a draw site, is located in Hewitt Plaza, 1900 Union Valley Road, West Milford.It is equipped to handle a wide range of adult and juvenile lab tests including blood work, body fluid analysis, therapeutic drug monitoring and blood glucose testing.

In operation for a year now, the lab is staffed by two qualified phlebotomists. The convenience of having a local site and the courteous, professional service offered at the hospital’s satellite lab seems to be resonating with West Milford residents.

“The staff is wonderful.They are helpful and pleasant, they take their time with the patient and are protective of their privacy,” Brew said.

The center offers walk-in convenience, with the exception of certain blood tests, such as glucose tolerance testing.A telephone call can inform the patient of any further requirements.The staff is qualified to work with children and most tests are completed within 24 hours.

The lab accepts most insurance plans.Should your insurer require a specific lab, for a nominal fee you can still have your blood drawn locally and they will forward it to another lab.

Being under the auspices of Chilton Hospital, besides being backed by years of experience, allows for all test results to be computerized and readily available if a future hospitalization occurs.They are also in a partnership with the Mayo Clinic, should your test require additional resources.

Looking ahead, Brew said they are planning on furthering local patient service by adding an imaging center.Expanded hours at the site will be considered, depending on the community’s needs.

“If someone has special circumstances we will try to accommodate you,” she said, acknowledging that many people are not readily available during the day for testing and getting home to West Milford in the evening takes some time.

“We are a community hospital striving to serve the community,” Brew said.

Under most circumstances all you need to do is walk in with your doctor’s prescription. The lab is open Monday through Fridayfrom 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and every other Saturday.For Saturday hours or for further information, call the lab at 973-831-5436.