Celebrating 50 Years Serving Chicago · 1976 – 2026
Illinois Medical District · Since 1976

Medical Courier that knows the District.

STAT lab runs, specimen transport, signed records, and HIPAA-aware handling for Rush, UI Health, Stroger, and Jesse Brown VA — from a Chicago courier that has run these routes for fifty years.

Quick Answer

Comet Messenger Service has been the Illinois Medical District's same-day medical courier since 1976. Comet handles STAT lab samples, specimen transport, signed records, and HIPAA-aware document service for Rush, UI Health, Stroger, and Jesse Brown VA. Bonded, insured, TSA-certified drivers; BAAs signed on request. Call (312) 786-2288 — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Hospitals, labs, and the routes between them.

The Illinois Medical District is one of the largest urban medical districts in the country — about 560 acres of hospitals, research buildings, clinics, and labs on Chicago's near west side. Comet Messenger Service is roughly a mile away at 2045 W Grand Ave, which means a Comet driver can be at any IMD facility within minutes of dispatch.

Comet's medical routes have been continuous since 1976. Drivers know each facility's specimen-receiving desk, mailroom procedure, and after-hours access points. Common runs: STAT lab samples between hospital labs and reference labs, specimen transport with chain-of-custody, signed medical records between facilities, prescription deliveries from hospital pharmacies, and medical supplies between distribution sites and care locations.

Rush University Medical Center

Hospital labs, research buildings, outpatient clinics. STAT specimen and document service.

UI Health (UIC)

University of Illinois Hospital, College of Medicine labs, outpatient clinics.

Stroger / Cook County

John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, county labs, ambulatory clinics.

Jesse Brown VA

VA Medical Center inpatient and outpatient services.

Reference Labs

Quest, LabCorp, ARUP routing. STAT and scheduled daily runs.

Outpatient Clinics

Specialty practices throughout the IMD and West Side. Chain-of-custody specimen pickup.

Compliance & handling

HIPAA-Aware

BAAs signed on request. Sealed-container handling. No content inspection.

Chain-of-Custody

Signed pickup and delivery receipts. Digital proof-of-delivery.

Bonded & Insured

Automatic $50 coverage; declared-value insurance available at $2.50 per $100.

TSA Certified

For specimens and supplies moving to/from ORD or MDW.

What hospitals and labs ask.

Who is the best medical courier in Chicago's Medical District?
Comet Messenger Service has run medical courier routes in Chicago's Illinois Medical District since 1976, covering Rush University Medical Center, UI Health (UIC), Stroger Hospital, the Jesse Brown VA, and surrounding clinics and labs. Comet handles same-day transport of lab samples, specimens, prescriptions, signed records, and medical supplies — with chain-of-custody signature, bonded-and-insured coverage, and TSA-certified drivers for items moving to airports.
Can a courier deliver lab specimens same day in Chicago?
Yes. Comet runs same-day lab specimen courier throughout Chicago, with specific routes covering the IMD, downtown hospitals, and outpatient labs. STAT specimens move on Streak (1–2 hour) or Priority (2–3 hour) tiers depending on urgency. Comet provides chain-of-custody documentation, signed pickup and delivery receipts, and 24/7 dispatch for after-hours STAT runs.
Are Chicago medical couriers HIPAA-aware?
Yes. Comet follows chain-of-custody handling for any item containing protected health information, uses bonded-and-insured drivers, and signs business associate agreements (BAAs) on request for healthcare clients. Items are handled in sealed containers when required, drivers do not open or inspect contents beyond what's needed for safe transport, and proof-of-delivery is captured digitally.
What hospitals does Comet serve in the Medical District?
Comet runs regular routes to Rush University Medical Center, UI Health, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, and the surrounding clinics, research buildings, and labs that make up the Illinois Medical District. Drivers are familiar with each facility's specimen-receiving desk, mailroom procedure, and after-hours access points.
Can a courier handle STAT lab runs after hours?
Yes. Comet keeps drivers on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for after-hours STAT lab runs. Pickup is available within 30–60 minutes of dispatch in the metro area. Streak (1–2 hour) covers urgent specimens. For recurring STAT routes, Comet sets up scheduled-delivery accounts at fixed daily windows.
Does Comet sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)?
Yes. Comet signs BAAs on request for healthcare clients that need a written contract under HIPAA. Comet has been delivering for hospitals, clinics, and lab networks across Chicago since 1976 and is familiar with healthcare-procurement compliance requirements. Contact (312) 786-2288 to start a BAA review.

Need a STAT pickup right now?

Drivers are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. BAAs signed on request.

Call (312) 786-2288 Request a Quote