I recently had a perfect phlebotomy. The new needles are super-sharp and I can barely feel it going in. The phlebotomist collected I think 4 tubes, did not budge the needle a micron as far as I can tell while switching tubes.
She put the ID labels on the tubes—I don’t know, it was like watching Jerry Miculek.
I’ve done hundreds, seen thousands, had it done scores of times, but she was the best.

And I didn’t even get her name.

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Our insurance requires we use Labcorp.

I have not used Labcorp since the time that they lost all my paperwork and claimed that I had never been there (despite the bandage on the site where they stuck me).

My experience with Quest has been just as bad; after sitting on my ass in the waiting room for more than an hour after my appointment time, I walked up to the desk and asked to see lab order that I had brought with me. They handed it to me, I headed for the door, they said "You can't do that!"

I said, "Call a cop," and left.

There is no excuse for administrative incompetence (Labcorp), nor for keeping a patient waiting for that long (Quest).

Since I can choose who gets my insurance money, I now go to the outpatient lab at Florida Hospital. In and out on a timely basis, the gals have never messed up a blood draw, they are pleasant and efficient, and I can log on the the Patient Portal the next day and see my lab results.

At one time we used to be able to go to Quest. They were okay, a little better than Labcorp, but not by much.
A funny story (now, but not then) at Quest. Must be around 15-18 years ago after my last child was born. My wife suggested that with a vasectomy I would be getting more. Yea, I believed her, mistake. Anyway, after 6 weeks I had to bring a sample to Quest to insure the job was done right. I put the sample jar in a brown bag not wanting to walk in and have everyone in the waiting room see it. At the desk I was asked what the sample was. With a low voice I told the receptionist what was in the bag. She took it out and placed it on the counter. I left rather quickly.

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Originally posted by rtquig:
I'm getting a CT scan next week for pain from a mesh in a while back. Today I had to get bloodwork before the scan. The tech put the needle through the vein. Swollen, stings and is black and blue within the hour. I put ice on it and the swelling went down. She acted like this happens all the time. Our insurance makes us use this lab so I'm stuck going there.

I would have slapped her. well, after the whole thing is over.

I make no bones about having a dislike for needles. It helps them to be more careful.

Getting bruised on a draw is bad, but blood work can be SO much worse. Sometimes the results are quite unpleasant.

The lab I go to draws my blood and I can barely feel it. They do a great job.