Health & WellnessFeature

The New Lab Visit

A Look Inside Open Sky Laboratory In most people’s minds, getting lab work done requires AT LEAST one hour of your time where you sit in a waiting room, fill out paperwork, wait again, and finally, eventually, get called back. Open Sky Laboratory flips that on its head by focusing on time, access, and experience

Three smiling staff members standing before an Open Sky Laboratory sign

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AI-assisted summary reviewed by a Fargo Monthly editor before publishing. Send corrections to editor@fargomonthly.com.

TL;DR

Quick summary

Open Sky Laboratory aims to make lab work faster and easier in the Fargo region, offering walk-in draws that can take under five minutes, direct access testing without a doctor’s order, and a patient-centered approach for both individuals and independent providers.

  • Walk-in lab visits can take under five minutes if your order is already sent
  • A men’s wellness panel is priced at around $130
  • Direct access testing lets patients order certain labs without a doctor’s order
  • Appointments cited by a patient last less than 10 minutes
Did You Know?

Did you know

  • Open Sky offers direct access testing, so patients can order their own lab panels without a doctor’s order.
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  • A men’s wellness panel includes liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and heart health markers for arou
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  • Open Sky is owned by an independent group of Bismarck-based pathologists who have been practicing since the 19
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A Look Inside Open Sky Laboratory

In most people’s minds, getting lab work done requires AT LEAST one hour of your time where you sit in a waiting room, fill out paperwork, wait again, and finally, eventually, get called back.

Open Sky Laboratory flips that on its head by focusing on time, access, and experience. And for a growing number of patients, and medical providers, that’s exactly what healthcare has been missing.

If your provider has already sent your order, the process at Open Sky Laboratory can be as fast as walking in, getting your blood drawn, and walking out. Often in under five minutes.

Because of busy schedules, long to-do lists, and delayed appointments, lab work is often something people push off when they really shouldn’t.

Since Open Sky focuses on the patient experience, they take the time to focus on each and every patient. Time for the patient who’s nervous about needles. Time for the child who needs reassurance. Time for the person who just needs a minute to sit, breathe, and feel okay.

“We’ve had patients who typically have a hard time with lab draws come in and have a completely different experience,” Executive Practice Manager Mykke Kjellerson said . “They’re not rushed. They’re not surrounded by a full waiting room. They can take their time.”

Family of three at the Open Sky Laboratory reception desk speaking with a staff member

Their Mission.

Open Sky Laboratory strives to provide Clinical Laboratory Testing and Anatomic Pathology services to meet the needs of our clients and patients in the communities in which we serve, through dedication to quality and accuracy.

Core Values

Their core services are designed to provide comprehensive Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine services. We are committed to delivering the highest quality services.

Professional Staff

In addition to their extensive Laboratory Medicine expertise and experience, Open Sky Laboratory staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients and patients.

Gloved phlebotomist draws blood from a young boy's arm while an adult holds him in a clinic exam room

Taking Ownership of Your Health .

One of the biggest shifts happening in healthcare right now is happening with patients themselves. People are asking more questions, tracking more data, and looking for answers before something becomes a problem.

Open Sky meets that shift head-on through direct access testing. That means you don’t need a doctor’s order to get labs done.

Want a baseline before starting a new fitness routine?

Curious about hormone levels?

Trying to understand how you’re feeling?

You can walk in and order your own labs.

Open Sky offers structured panels designed by pathologists. Options include:

  • General wellness panels
  • Men’s health panels
  • Women’s health panels

A men’s wellness panel, for example, includes key markers like liver and kidney function, thyroid function, and heart health-all for around $130.

Open Sky supports patients who want convenient, direct access to their lab results. The service provides valuable health data, while medical interpretation and follow-up remain part of an ongoing relationship with a healthcare provider. Direct access testing is meant to enhance patient engagement, not take the place of regular care with a trusted clinician.

Gloved phlebotomist drawing blood from a young man's arm at a lab clinic

Supporting the Rise of Independent Healthcare

Across the country, and increasingly in the Fargo region, independent medical practices are growing. Medical providers are stepping away from large systems to build practices where they can spend more time with patients, reduce bureaucracy, and deliver care on their own terms. Open Sky was designed to support that ecosystem.

Owned by an independent group of pathologists based in Bismarck, who have been practicing since the 1970s, the lab exists as a local partner for independent providers.

That partnership shows up in a few key ways:

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Seamless ordering: Providers can send lab orders electronically directly into Open Sky’s system

Fast turnaround: Results flow back efficiently into the provider’s workflow.

Direct communication: When providers call, they’re talking to the actual lab team-not navigating a call center.

Open Sky Laboratory is THE BEST lab to work with in the FM region HANDS DOWN! They are fast, gentle, and highly responsive to the providers who are ordering the labs. When starting my independent practice one of my main concerns was how I would obtain lab work for my patients. This team took all the worry out of it for me. They seamlessly integrated with my EMR and supplied me with everything I needed to make my clinic function. I will always choose Open Sky Laboratory and would Highly recommend YOU do too!"

Meet The Team

Cory, MLT

Bearded man with glasses wearing a pink Open Sky Laboratory long-sleeve shirt

Cory has over 5 years of phlebotomy and laboratory experience. Cory graduated from George Washington State University with his associate’s degree for medical laboratory technician. Cory’s favorite part of working at Open Sky is talking with the patients that come in for their blood draws.

Mykke, MBA, MLS

Practice Manager/CLIA director

Smiling woman with short wavy blonde hair wearing a blush knit sweater against a gray background

Mykke has greater than 15 years of laboratory experience including over a decade of lab leadership experience. Mykke graduated from North Dakota State University with both her Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, and her Master of Business Administration degree. Mykke’s favorite part of this job is meeting new clients and understanding their story and determining how Open Sky can align with their goals. Outside of work, Mykke is a busy Mom of two, where she enjoys every moment of watching her kids do all activities with her husband!

Deb, MS, MLS

Technical Consultant

Smiling woman with curly brown hair wearing a teal shirt and black cardigan against a gray background

Deb has been working in the laboratory setting for over a decade with more than 15 years of phlebotomy experience and over 10 years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Deb graduated from the University of Louisiana with her Bachelor of Science degree and from the University of Florida with her Master of Science degree. Deb is passionate about getting quick, yet accurate results and providing excellent customer service. She is always willing and able to answer any questions or concerns. Outside of work, Deb is a Mom of 3 and a Grandma of 1. She enjoys reading and being outdoors.

Two women reviewing blue pamphlets together at a small office table by a window

Why Independence Matters.

Kjellerson has seen both sides of healthcare. With 16 years at other large health systems-ranging from lab technologist to regional operations leadership-she understands how large systems function. But she also understands their limitations.

“In bigger systems, patients can get lost,” she said. “Independent care allows people to have one provider who really knows them and listens to them.”

That’s where Open Sky fits in to help strengthen the connection between medical providers and their patients.

Open Sky Laboratory exterior at 3901, white barn-style building with snowy parking lot under dramatic cloudy sky

Putting People First

Open Sky Laboratory isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s focused on making lab work easier, faster, and more human. For patients, that means quick, walk-in access and a more comfortable experience. For providers, it means simpler workflows and direct, reliable communication.

As a repeat client of Open Sky Laboratory, I highly recommend their services for the sheer ease and convenience of the entire process. From the seamless online booking to the availability of early morning appointments, our experience has been top-notch. The staff is fast and friendly, and because appointments last less than 10 minutes, we are always in and out quickly. The early morning options are a game-changer; they reduced the time my son needed to fast and ensured he didn't have to miss any school. If you are looking for a professional and efficient lab provider, I can't recommend Open Sky enough!"

Open Sky Laboratory logo with flask icon and landscape scene

Make an Appointment Today!

openskylaboratory.com
Instagram | @open.skylab
Facebook | Search “Open Sky Laboratory”

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Published May 21, 2026

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