Frequently asked questions
What patients ask us most
The most common questions about appointments, coverage, results and preparation. If you can't find yours, message us on WhatsApp.
Appointments and hours
Do I need an appointment to get a test done?
Yes, all tests require an appointment. You can book online at /en/turnos, message us on WhatsApp at +54 9 11 2274-7000 or call us at (011) 4963-7170.
Can I book an appointment without a prescription?
For many tests, yes — for example pregnancy tests, STI tests, checkup panels or fetal sex testing. For tests covered by your health insurance (obra social or prepaid plan), you need a prescription signed and stamped by your doctor. If you have questions about your test, ask us on WhatsApp at +54 9 11 2274-7000.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Blood draws are scheduled at specific times depending on the type of test, so we ask you to book your appointment first.
Do you do blood draws on Saturdays?
Yes, on Saturdays we are open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. We recommend booking ahead because demand is high.
What if I can't make it on the day of my appointment?
Let us know by WhatsApp or phone as soon as possible and we will reschedule at no cost. If you can't cancel in advance, that's fine — we just ask you to let us know so we can free up the slot.
Coverage and health insurance
Which health insurance plans (obras sociales and prepaid plans) do you work with?
We have agreements with Prevención Salud, PAMI, Sanidad, OSSIMRA, Health Medical, Sancor Salud, AMFFA and Luis Pasteur. That's the complete list, also available at /en/obras-sociales. If yours isn't listed, we don't have a direct agreement with it, but you can come as a self-pay patient and request reimbursement with the invoice.
Do I need prior authorization?
Some health insurance plans (obras sociales and prepaid plans) require authorization for specific tests (especially high-complexity or molecular biology tests). When you book your appointment we tell you whether your test needs it, and if you don't know how to get it, we guide you step by step.
Can I come as a self-pay patient, without health insurance?
Yes. We send you a detailed cost estimate before your appointment and give you an itemized invoice so you can submit it to your insurer and request reimbursement. More info at /en/obras-sociales.
Do you accept cards and MercadoPago?
Yes. We accept cash, bank transfer, debit cards, credit cards and MercadoPago.
Are there copays?
It depends on your health insurance (obra social or prepaid plan). When we confirm your appointment we tell you whether there is a copay and how much it is, so there are no surprises on the day of your test.
Results
How long do results take?
It depends on the test. The turnaround time for each test is listed on its page and on the slip we give you when we take your sample, and it counts from that day.
As a reference: routine tests, 24 to 48 business hours; blood pregnancy test and COVID antigen test, same day; PCR, 1 to 10 business days depending on the test; NIPT and fetal sex testing, 10 business days; HLA DQ2/DQ8, 10 to 15 business days; exome and genetic panels, several weeks; microbiome, 20 to 30 business days.
For urgent tests we offer priority delivery options — ask us.
How do I access my results online?
Go to misresultados.laboratorioaclimu.com.ar with your ID number (DNI) and the code we gave you when you booked your appointment. As soon as your results are ready, you can download them as a PDF.
Can I share the PDF with my doctor?
Yes, the PDF is digitally signed and fully valid. You can send it to your doctor by email or WhatsApp, or print it.
How long do results stay online?
Results are available online as soon as they are ready. We keep each patient's history for at least 10 years, so you can access previous tests from the results portal or ask us for a copy by WhatsApp or email.
Who explains my results to me?
The biochemist is responsible for the technical analysis and signs the report. The clinical interpretation is done by your doctor, who knows your medical history. If you have questions about the report itself, you can write to us and we will get back to you shortly.
Preparation and test day
Do I need to fast?
It depends on the test. Checkups that include a lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) require 12 hours of fasting, and other tests, such as blood glucose, 8 hours. Many tests do not require fasting: HIV and other STIs, pregnancy tests, swabs. Some have their own instructions (for example, PSA: 48 hours without ejaculating; prolactin: get up 1 to 2 hours before the blood draw). When you confirm your appointment we send you the instructions for your test by email and WhatsApp, and you can also look it up on the preparation page.
Can I take my usual medication?
In general, yes, unless your doctor has told you to stop it for the test. If you take long-term medication (hormones, anticoagulants, etc.), check with your doctor before the test. If you take thyroid medication (such as levothyroxine), we will ask you to postpone it until after the blood draw, because a freshly taken dose temporarily raises the T4 level in your blood and does not reflect your usual level. If you use insulin or diabetes pills that lower blood sugar (glibenclamide, glimepiride, gliclazide) and your test requires fasting, book an early appointment, inject or take them after the blood draw (unless your doctor tells you otherwise) and bring something to eat.
Can I drink water, mate or coffee before the test?
If your test requires fasting, water only, in normal amounts. Mate, coffee, tea, juice and herbal infusions break the fast even without sugar. Don't smoke on the morning of the test, don't drink alcohol the day before, and avoid intense exercise in the 24 hours before. If your test doesn't require fasting, you can have breakfast as usual, unless its instructions say otherwise.
What should I bring on the day of the test?
Your ID (DNI), the original prescription (signed and stamped), your health insurance card and prior authorization if your coverage requires it. If you are coming as a self-pay patient, your ID is all you need. Full checklist at /en/obras-sociales.
How long does the blood draw take?
The blood draw itself takes 3 to 5 minutes. Counting check-in, insurance validation and the draw itself, allow about 15 to 20 minutes in total.
Have another question?
Message us on WhatsApp and we'll reply within minutes during business hours.