LAB - Cowichan District Hospital - Medical Laboratory

Online appointment booking

Click here to book an appointment at the Cowichan District Hospital lab

Please arrive at the lab as close as possible to your booked appointment time.

If you do not have access to the internet, family/friends available to assist with booking an appointment or the ability to use the Text-based Waitlist, please contact our Laboratory Call Center for assistance at 1-866-370-8355.

Or use our Text-based Waitlist

On your mobile device, text JOIN and your first and last name to 1-833-215-3084 to be added to our waitlist. We’ll text you when it’s your turn.

Please note the Waitlist opens for the "text-in" service 15 minutes after opening time.

To use the text-based service, you should be able to arrive at the lab within 5 minutes after you receive an alert for your appointment​​​.

If the above option(s) are not available to you, please proceed to the lab. You will be manually added to the wait-list by Island Health staff.

Use of Waitwhile texting services

If you choose to book online or receive a text message, your name and phone number will be entered into the Waitwhile service. This information will be temporarily stored (approximately 1 week) on servers in the United States and subject to the Privacy Policy of Waitwhile.

By providing your name and phone number you are consenting to the collection and storage of this information outside of Canada by Waitwhile and to their privacy policy.

Get on-demand STI testing

On-demand Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing is a quick and easy way to test for sexually transmitted infections with no need to see a doctor or a nurse. Book an appointment at Cowichan District Hospital lab to get tested. Testing is free and if you need to be treated, a nurse will contact you.  

What will be tested?

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas, HIV and Syphilis.

If you test too soon after an exposure to a STI, you may not get an accurate result. If you are concerned about a specific sexual contact, we recommend testing at 3 weeks AND 3 months following contact. 

When should you use on-demand STI testing?

• As part of your regular STI checkup, recommended every 3-6 months.
• When you’ve had a change in your sexual activities or when you have new sexual partners.

When should you not use on-demand STI testing?

Do not book on-demand STI testing if:

• You are having symptoms that you think could be an STI.
• You had recent sexual contact with someone who has tested positive for an STI, and now you need to get tested and treated.
• You want to access HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). 
• You would like to speak to a nurse or doctor for any other reason. 

What to expect at your appointment

• Ask for “on-demand” STI testing when you arrive, show your BC Services Card, or provide your Personal Health Number.
• You will be given an information sheet and a lab form to fill out at the appointment.
• You will not be seen by a nurse or a doctor.
• Fill out the lab form and choose any of the swab tests you would like added (see box for test(s) instructions).

Testing process:

• A lab representative will take a blood sample for syphilis and HIV testing.
• Lab staff will give you instructions to collect your own urine and/or swab(s) in the bathroom (make sure you do not void for 1-2 hours prior to your appointment).

Getting your results

• If your test(s) are positive you will be contacted by a nurse who will provide follow-up care and help arrange for any necessary treatment.
• You will NOT be contacted if your test(s) are negative.
• Do not call the lab that collected the sample, they will not have your results.

You can access your results in the following ways:

• MyHealth Portal for chlamydia and gonorrhea results. If you are not signed up, sign up at the lab at time of appointment.
• Health Gateway for all results at www.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca
• If unable to access results, you may phone 250-331-8555 2 weeks after your lab visit.
• By following up with your regular healthcare provider

Resources for STI testing

• Patient information sheet
• SmartSexResource
• Sex Sense 
• Options for Sexual Health