Frequently Asked Questions
Please ensure your SPAM filer on your email address is not filtering our emails. Our results notifications and initial contact by physicians is through email correspondence.
Update: Public Health is clearing the backlog of bloodwork - they are currently processing results from January 14-17 - please check our portal for daily updates.
Please do not convey personal medical information by email, as email is an insecure medium of communication!
When was TeleTest founded?
TeleTest was founded in January 2021 in response to the pandemic. During the pandemic, many clinics closed their doors, and others have continued to limit in-person care, often to detriment of sexual health. We hope to streamline care and empower people to get tested. We think it would be a great idea to be able to view your results confidently, and with the support of a team of physicians if you have any questions.
What happens when I order a test?
You will get an immediate confirmation (check your spam folder), along with a copy of your Ontario Test Requisition. All requisitions are faxed immediately and take 24 hours to process by the las, but you get a digital copy of your requisition in case you want to print it off and go in for testing right away (skipping the 24 hour waiting period). Dynacare reports 3-4 hours to turn around faxes, and Life Labs reports 24 hours. Results are uploaded to our portal when they are released by the labs.
Does TeleTest make an appointment at the local lab?
We don't make appointments for you at the lab you selected. Please reach out to the lab to see if they accept walk-in services or are appointment only. The information is usually accessible on their respective websites (Dynacare/LifeLabs/Alpha Labs).
What services do I receive when paying for TeleTest?
The payment that TeleTest charges are a convenience fee for arranging the lab tests. The payment does not cover the actual cost of the lab test. However, the actual cost of the lab test is typically covered by your normal insurance e.g. OHIP. If you do not have insurance, you will need to pay the lab at the time of testing.
Can my family doctor or nurse practitioner get cc'd on my results?
We do not share results with your primary care provider. While we do encourage a strong relationship with your primary care provider (i.e. sexual health is an important part of your family doctor's training, and we can assure you while it may seem awkward for you, its something we're all happy to help treat and manage), we understand many people do not want STI results going to your provider. Our results are made available only to you. However, our results are part of Ontario's Laboratory Information Management System (OLIS) and results can be viewed by any health care provider involved in your care if they are specifically looking for your results. As an example, if your family physician was investigating a concern you had and accessed OLIS data to review old information, they would be able to see that you went for testing and could review the results. They are NOT, however, sent results when you go for testing through us.
Will my family doctor get in trouble or 'dinged' for using TeleTest?
We do not bill OHIP for arranging your testing services, so your family physician will not be penalized for your use of TeleTest. However, if you have a positive result and require follow-up, our physicians will reach out to you for treatment and your family physician will be notified that you reached out to another provider for treatment.
I don't have a family doctor - will you be able to provide treatment if I have a positive result?
We do offer treatment for transmissible infections. If you have a positive result for chlamydia/gonorrhea/trichomoniasis, our physicians will be in contact with you with medications for treatment. We also contact you if you have a positive result for syphilis and HIV. If you have cold sores or genital herpes, we can prescribe oral Valtrex (valacyclovir) to treat outbreaks. Oral medications are far more effective than cream-based treatments.
How long to view my results?
All results are processed by publicly funded laboratories. The following are typical test times associated with each individual result. We upload the results as soon as they are available. If you receive a partial lab result on your portal, please note the additional results will be released as soon as they arrive. Our bloodwork often arrives sooner than quoted, but these are officially quoted public health times.
Gonorrhoea/Chlamydia: 3 Business Days
HIV/Herpes: 10 Business Days (usually 3-5 days in our experience)
Syphilis: 6 Business Days (usually 3-5 days in our experience)
I only see urine results - when does my bloodwork show up?
Bloodwork typically takes a few extra days - hang tight, we will upload your results and you will get a notification from our portal.
It's hard to get an appointment at the lab I selected - can I change locations?
Of course - please email us at [email protected] and we will fax it to a revised address immediately. You also get a digital copy of your requisition to your email address after ordering a test, so if you're in a bind and find a walk-in appointment, you can print off a copy and bring it with you. Labs take 24 hours to process our faxes so by emailing you the requisition, you have the flexibility to go in immediately.
How can I review my results?
You will be able to log in to your account and view new or old lab results. Our lab results are processed in real-time so as soon as we get a result, you will be notified by email.
I saw this when I viewed my results on the TeleTest Portal. What does this mean?
The image below means we have partial results from the lab and are awaiting public health to release bloodwork. You will be notified when the full results are released with a new email.
Should I get checked for herpes?
We only recommend testing for the herpes virus if you have experienced a suspected genital outbreak or oral cold sores in the past, or if you have a partner with herpes or cold sores and have never had an outbreak yourself. If you have more questions about herpes before ordering this test, we suggest you consult a health care provider first.
We DO NOT recommend routine testing for herpes virus antibodies, as they also carry a false positive rate, and receiving a positive result can promote unnecessary anxiety and stress.
Will I be called for a positive herpes result?
You will receive notification of a positive herpes result. We do not call by phone, however, for having a positive herpes virus result unless you specifically request a call from one of our doctors. Given the high prevalence of the herpes virus (see our Interpreting Your Results section on prevalence), you will receive an email asking you to review the results and reach out to us if you have concerns. We can provide treatment for cold sores and a genital outbreak with common, effective anti-viral medications. Please send us an email to [email protected]
Who reviews my results?
Our physicians are licensed with the College of Physicians and Ontario.
I live outside of Ontario, can I use your service?
Unfortunately, we are not currently available outside of Ontario at present time. Please seek care at a local medical center for screening.
How do I interpret the results?
Please check out our page on Interpreting Your Results. If you are unsure of how to interpret your results, please email us at [email protected] and a physician will be in contact with you.
Do you offer rectal and pharyngeal swabs?
We used to offer rectal and pharyngeal swabs. Unfortunately, we are updating our process to courier you swabs so they are currently unavailable at present time.
Do you offer vaginal self-swabs?
Currently, only Life Labs carries swabs at their locations, so they are the only laboratory partner we currently work it.
I want a Gardasil 9 Vaccine - can you help out?
Sure! Email us after you complete testing to [email protected] and we can provide you with a prescription. Vaccines can be injected at your pharmacist's office or any local walk-in clinic.
Last modified 8h ago