HomeFAQ's

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

 
1. Do I need an appointment for my blood tests and/or x-rays/ultrasounds?
2. Are all tests/procedures covered by my provincial health card?
3. What do I bring to a patient centre?
4. Can I add a test to my doctor's request?
5. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, can I come and get my test done now so the doctor can get the results before my appointment tomorrow?
6. Do I need to be fasting for my tests?
7. My doctor has requested a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). Can I pick up this kit from your collection centres?

 


1. Do I need an appointment for my blood tests and/or x-rays/ultrasounds?
Laboratory, x-ray and ECG services are provided on a first come, first serve basis. Drop-offs of specimens are processed in the same manner. Please refer to the location and hours of operations for specific location timings.

U.S.A. DOT urine collections do require an appointment. You can call the main lab at (613)789-4242 to book your DOT urine collection appointment.

Ultrasounds are performed at the main lab on an appointment basis. Simply call the main lab at (613)789-4242 and request an appointment for an ultrasound. The next available appointment will be booked for you.(Please ensure you know exactly what type of ultrasound your physician has requested)

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2. Are all tests/procedures covered by my provincial health card?
The majority of lab tests, x-rays, ultrasounds and ECGs are covered by your provincial health plan. It is important to always bring your health card each time you arrive at a patient centre or to your health centre if you are having specimens collected there.

There are certain tests which are not covered by OHIP and other provincial health plans. In such cases, payment is required in order to perform specimen collection and testing.

Patients covered with the Quebec provincial health insurance plan have less tests covered by their plan (e.g. ECGs, Ultrasounds are not covered). There is also a documentation and handling charged to patients presenting themselves at a patient centre with Quebec health insurance.

If you do not have provincial health care coverage, you must pay for the requested tests in advance.  An official receipt will be issued upon request for a claim to be made under private insurance.  The following providers can be invoiced directly with proper documentation.

  • Interim Federal Health (if eligible) – Eight digit client ID and proof of eligibility is required
  • Cowan Benefits – Nine digit certificate number is required
  • R.C.M.P.  with proper documentation
  • N.D.M.C. – Military ID number is required

A receipt of payment is always issued for your records or in case you need to submit a claim for your expenses to your own insurance company.

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3. What do I bring to a patient centre?
Always bring your health card, lab, x-ray and/or ultrasound requisition signed by your health practitioner. If you have been provided any specimen collection kits in advance, please bring them with you if the sample is collected. Ensure all specimen containers are clearly labeled with your name and properly secured.

If you are dropping off a specimen for a relative or friend, the sample must be labeled with the patient's name, a signed requisition is required along with the patient's health card.

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4. Can I add a test to my doctor's request?
Only an Ontario licenced physician, registered practical nurse or mid-wife may order laboratory tests, x-rays, ultrasounds and ECGs. If you feel your health care provider should be ordering certain tests, it is best to discuss this with them directly.
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5. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, can I come and get my test done now so the doctor can get the results before my appointment tomorrow?
It is always better to give yourself a two to three day lead time before your doctor's appointment. Most test results are available within 24 hours, but some tests will take longer (anywhere from 2 to 3 days up to 3 weeks).
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6. Do I need to be fasting for my tests?
There are certain tests where it is preferred that you have been fasting overnight before your blood collection. Usually your physician or health practitioner will indicate on your laboratory requisition if you need to be fasting. If you are not sure, it is best to check with your doctor or health practitioner if they want you to be fasting.

Certain ultrasound procedures require you to be fasting or have some other special preparation before your appointment time. Please confirm with whom you are booking your appointment, what special preparations, if any, are required. Preparation instructions are also detailed on Bio-Test radiology requisitions.

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7. My doctor has requested a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). Can I pick up this kit from your collection centres?
There are 2 types of FOBT collections that your doctor may order. The Colon Cancer Check FOBT (CCC) kit can only be provided to you by your doctor. The other FOBT kit (non-CCC) is available at our patient service centres for you to pick up. Please look at your requisition for which FOBT test your doctor has ordered for you.