Book your lab test online, find a lab near you, and learn how to get ready for your visit.
Call 9-1-1 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
When to choose
This service may help if:
- Your care provider asked you to get lab tests
- You need to drop off a sample (like blood, urine, or a swab)
How to begin
1. Make sure your test has been ordered.
Your care provider needs to order your lab test and complete a lab form (laboratory requisition).
2. Find out how you’ll bring the lab form. Your care provider will either:
- Give the lab form to you, or
- Send it directly to Island Health’s lab system.
Ask them which they did and when you should get the test done (how urgent it is).
2. Get your ID ready.
Bring your BC Services Card or other provincial care card to your appointment.
3. Decide how you’ll come for your test.
- To book online: Choose a lab location below and book directly.
- To walk in: Choose a lab location below and check the lab’s hours before you go.
Book your lab test online
Choose an Island Health medical lab location and book your test online.
- Campbell River North Island Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Comox Valley North Island Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Cormorant Island Health Centre – Medical Laboratory
- Courtenay Clinic – Medical Laboratory
- Cumberland Health Centre – Medical Laboratory
- Gold River Health Centre – Medical Laboratory
- Port Alice Health Centre – Medical Laboratory
- Port Hardy Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Port McNeill Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Quadra Island Medical Clinic – Medical Laboratory
- Chemainus Health Care Centre – Medical Laboratory
- Cowichan District Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Ladysmith Community Health Centre – Medical Laboratory
- Nanaimo Regional General Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Satellite – Medical Laboratory
- Port Alberni - West Coast General Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Galiano Island Health Unit – Medical Laboratory
- Lady Minto Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Mayne Island Clinic – Medical Laboratory
- Pender Island Health Unit – Medical Laboratory
- Saanich Peninsula Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Sidney Satellite – Medical Laboratory
- Tofino General Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Ucluelet – Medical Laboratory
- Victoria - Admirals Walk – Medical Laboratory
- Victoria General Hospital – Medical Laboratory
- Victoria - Royal Jubilee Hospital – Medical Laboratory
Costs and fees
Most lab tests are free and covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) when they are needed for your medical care.
Some tests are not covered by MSP. This includes tests done for:
- Employment or insurance
- Travel or immigration
- Personal information or research
If your test is not covered, you’ll need to pay the full cost yourself or check if another provider will cover it. Staff will tell you the cost before the test is done.
Get ready for your lab test
Follow the steps below to get ready for your test. This helps make sure your results are accurate.
Follow any preparation instructions carefully. This helps make sure your results are accurate.
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Bring your lab form (requisition) and government ID.
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Follow any instructions given by your care provider.
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Tell the lab if you are pregnant, taking medication, or recently had an X-ray with contrast dye.
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Read instructions to learn if you need to prepare in a specific way.
Download General Preparation Instructions
Some blood tests require fasting (no food or drink):
• Don’t eat or drink anything except water for 8–12 hours before your test.
• Take only medications your doctor says are safe.
• Avoid coffee, tea, gum, and mints.
• Drink water to stay hydrated.
Download Fasting Instructions
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Use the sterile container provided.
Label with your name, date, and time. Keep cool and deliver to the lab soon after collection. -
Download Urine test instructions for:
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Use the clean container provided.
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Don’t mix stool with urine or toilet water.
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Label and deliver to the lab promptly.
Download Stool Collection Instructions
Includes: MRSA nasal/groin swabs, routine culture swabs, and genital culture eSwabs.
• Use the provided swab and tube.
• Follow the instructions in your kit.
• Return to the lab promptly.
Download Swab Collection Instructions for:
Rinse your mouth with water before collecting.
• Cough deeply from your lungs (not saliva).
• Collect in the sterile container and bring to the lab right away.
Download Sputum Collection Instructions
Includes general semen and post-vasectomy tests.
• Avoid ejaculation for 2–7 days before collecting.
• Keep sample at body temperature.
• Deliver to the lab within 1 hour.
Download Semen Collection Instructions
What to expect
On test day:
- Bring your lab form (laboratory requisition) if you have a printed copy.
- Bring your BC Services card or provincial care card.
- Tell staff if you have mobility, hearing, vision, language, sensory needs, or need any extra support. We can adjust your care to support you.
After your test:
- Eat and drink as advised.
- Enroll or sign in to MyHealth to find your results.
- Contact your care provider to discuss next steps.
When will my results be in MyHealth?
Most lab and microbiology results appear in MyHealth shortly after your test is finished and entered into our system. Timing can vary by test.
Pathology results (such as biopsy results) usually appear about 7 days after they are completed and sent to your health-care provider. Enroll or sign in to MyHealth.
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