Call now for health screening

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Weston County Health Services will be using an appointment method on March 26 and 27 for Wellness Blood Screening, through Wyoming Health Fairs, according to Denice Pisciotti, executive assistant at the facility. Appointments will be scheduled between 6:30 and 10:30 a.m. both days. 
Last year, the hospital canceled the annual event in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
“Usually in the spring, Wyoming Health Fairs comes to Weston County for three days, with the first one in Upton; however, they were not able to do three days in a row this March,” Pisciotti said. 
She added that the vendor fair will also not take place this year. 
“This year will be different because appointments need to be made in order to get the wellness blood screenings done,” Pisciotti said in an email, noting that appointments will be made in 10-minute intervals. 
The tests will run in a similar process as previous years, in addition to social distancing and mask requirements. 
During the event, an array of tests will be offered, including a blood chemistry panel, hemogram, PSA screening for men, vitamin D/25 hydroxy, vitamin B-12 with folate, two different thyroid panels, blood type and several other options. Each test is performed for various prices ranging from $30 to $82 (see ad on Page 10).
According to Pisciotti, a 12-hour fasting period is recommended before any blood draw, unless the individual is diabetic. The only exception to that rule is water or black coffee. 
During registration, each person will receive a piece of paper, half of it for the person performing the blood draw and the other for the patient’s record. 
“On the portion they keep, there is a number and instructions on how to check their blood results online,” Pisciotti explained. “Results are typically available within three to five business days and will be mailed within seven to 10 businesses days.”
She noted that authorization release forms will also be available. 
Appointments for a screening can be made by visiting wyominghealthfairs.com/appointments or by calling 800-979-3711. Newcastle can be found on the website’s appointment page under Additional WHF Blood Screenings at the bottom of the page.