Laboratory tests

Book your lab test online, find a lab near you, and learn how to get ready for your visit. 

When this service can help

  • 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. Check how you will get 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 which option they chose and and when you should do the test (how urgent it is). 
 

2. Get your ID ready.
Bring your BC Services Card or other provincial care card to your appointment. 
 

3. Choose how you’ll take the test.

  • Book online: Pick a lab location and book directly.
  • Walk in: Pick a lab location and check the lab’s hours before you go.

Medical lab locations

Choose an Island Health medical lab location from the list below to book your test online or check their hours.

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. 

  • Bring your lab form (requisition) and government ID.

  • Follow any instructions given by your care provider.

  • Tell the lab if you are pregnant, taking medication, or have recently had an X-ray with contrast dye.

  • Read the instructions to learn if you need to prepare in a specific way.

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  

Use the clean container provided. Don’t mix stool with urine or toilet water.  Label and deliver to the lab promptly.

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 it to the lab right away.

Includes general semen and post-vasectomy tests. Avoid ejaculation for 2–7 days before collecting. Keep the sample at body temperature. Deliver to the lab within 1 hour.

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:

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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