A conversation with Mariela León Alfaro, microbiologist in charge of Laboratorio Clínico Dra. Mercedes Alfaro.
A laboratory visit can be easier to organize when you know which tests are requested, how to prepare and how the results will reach your treating clinician. Mariela León Alfaro explains the arrangements at her family's laboratory in Atenas and the questions visitors should ask before setting out.
Interview by Ken Gardner. Answers translated from Spanish and edited for clarity. The information below describes this laboratory's practices, rather than requirements at every Costa Rican laboratory. Confirm current availability, hours and instructions directly. Your treating clinician should advise which tests you need and interpret them in the context of your care.
1. Where is the laboratory, and do visitors need an appointment?
We have one location, 25 metres south of the Atenas courts. You can find us on Waze or Google Maps as Laboratorio Clínico Dra. Mercedes Alfaro.
Our usual hours are Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please check holiday hours in advance.
Routine tests do not require an appointment. For a special test, contact us first to confirm availability and any particular preparation. We speak English. Visitors can reach us through WhatsApp at +506 8984-8668, by telephone at +506 2446-5910 or +506 2446-5410, or by email at labmercedesaq@gmail.com.
2. What should someone bring, including a medical order from another country?
Bring valid identification, such as a passport, driver's licence or residency card.
If you have a medical order, you may present it regardless of the country where it was issued. We need to be able to identify clearly which tests have been requested.
We also offer tests without a medical order. A person can tell us which tests they want or speak with our microbiologist for guidance if they are unsure. For care involving a diagnosis or ongoing treatment, coordinate the testing plan with your treating clinician.
3. How should visitors check fasting, sample collection and medication instructions?
Preparation depends on the tests. Our staff can explain whether fasting is necessary, how many hours it requires and whether a sample needs to be collected beforehand.
Ask us through WhatsApp, email or at the laboratory before your visit. Tell us which medications you use. If a medication needs to be stopped or changed before testing, that decision must be discussed with your treating physician. Do not make the change yourself.
4. What can a visitor request in a written estimate?
You can request an estimate through WhatsApp or email. We detail the tests to be performed, any preparation instructions and the expected time for results.
We accept SINPE Móvil, cash in colones or US dollars, and credit cards. Confirm the current total and payment arrangements before proceeding, particularly if you need a special test or a home visit.
5. How are results provided, and what happens if there is a concerning result?
Results are provided digitally by WhatsApp or email, according to the patient's preference. A printed copy is also available at the laboratory.
Patients with questions can contact us or come to the laboratory for guidance. When we detect substantially abnormal results that may require urgent medical attention, we may contact the patient directly and recommend seeking medical care as soon as possible, rather than simply sending the report.
Visitors should arrange for their treating clinician to receive and review the results. Laboratory reporting is not a substitute for clinical assessment.
6. Can you collect samples at home for people who find travel difficult?
Yes. We cover Atenas canton and its communities, as well as La Garita and Turrúcares.
Home sampling in central Atenas has no additional travel charge. More distant areas may have an additional charge, so check when coordinating the visit. Our staff bring a card terminal and also accept cash.
The service is available generally, with particular attention to older adults and people with mobility difficulties. Before arranging it, confirm which tests are needed, their preparation, the address, availability and any travel charge.
Before your visit
- Confirm the requested tests and whether a special test is available.
- Ask for preparation instructions specific to those tests.
- Bring identification and any medical order.
- Request the estimate and expected reporting time.
- Agree how results will be sent and who will review them.
- For home sampling, confirm coverage and the full charge.
About the contributor
Mariela León Alfaro says she graduated in microbiology from UCIMED in 2021 and is in charge of Laboratorio Clínico Dra. Mercedes Alfaro. Her mother, microbiologist Mercedes Alfaro, founded the family laboratory. Mariela describes its history as 40 years serving Atenas.
Professional information: https://www.facebook.com/LaboratorioAtenas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lab_dramercedesalfaro/
Contact: labmercedesaq@gmail.com