Diagnostic tests help your doctor determine the type and severity of a disease or injury and are used to monitor conditions. Tests may be performed as part of a routine checkup or to make, rule out or confirm a diagnosis. At Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), you will find high quality laboratory and radiology services using state-of-the art technology. Our highly experienced clinicians and technicians offer expert care in a safe and comfortable environment. Patients can walk-in to one of our many laboratories to have blood drawn. Radiology tests at BWH and affiliated locations require an appointment.
Learn more about diagnostic tests and procedures in our health library.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory medicine and pathology clinicians study blood, body fluids, tissues and other body samples to diagnose and treat illnesses and monitor disease. Our team of pathologists and medical laboratory professionals work in these clinical laboratories:
- Chemistry
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Phlebotomy
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Tissue Typing
- Virology
Phlebotomists collect blood to be tested in our clinical laboratories. This may be done while you are an inpatient or on an outpatient basis.
A completed lab requisition must be created for each patient for phlebotomy. Learn more about outpatient phlebotomy requirements.
Laboratory Locations
Laboratory and Pathology Tests - FAQs
Patients often have many questions regarding laboratory tests and results. Read these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Radiology Tests
Our radiologists, technologists and nurses perform and interpret more than 500,000 examinations annually, including:
- Abdominal Imaging and Intervention
- Angiography and Interventional Radiology
- Bone Density
- Breast Imaging
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Cancer Imaging
- Chest (Thoracic) Radiology
- Cross-Sectional Interventional Radiology (CSIR)
- Emergency Radiology
- High-risk OB/GYN and other Ultrasound Imaging
- Lung Cancer Screening Program
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention
- Neuroradiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
Radiology Appointments
Most radiology exams require a doctor’s referral. If your doctor is a Mass General Brigham physician, he or she can make the referral order and appointment in our electronic order-entry system. Physicians who are not part of the Mass General Brigham network need to fax an imaging exam order to us.
Annual mammogram screenings do not require a referral. Women can schedule the appointment themselves by calling Radiology Scheduling at (617) 732-6248.
Learn more about scheduling your appointment and getting copies of images.
You can request an appointment by phone or online for Radiology services.
Radiology Locations
Brigham and Women’s Hospital has many radiology locations in and around Boston.
Accessing Your Test Results
Tests results for lab work and imaging are available through Patient Gateway and will be communicated to you by your physician.
