Tests and Lab Requisitions

How do I get a lab requisition for blood work?

Choose your test panel, pay, and complete your health history. Then, book a chat with a doctor. They’ll send your requisition to the lab. You can reschedule using the same link if necessary, and then directly visit the lab.

Is there an expiry date for the lab requisition?

Once approved, your lab requisition is valid for 6 months and can be accessed anytime through the portal for future use.

If you encounter an error while trying to download the lab requisition, please let us know, and we will make it available for you.

I would like to choose a different lab to go to. What should I do?

If you plan to visit a different location within the same lab chain (e.g., a different LifeLabs location), there is no need to refax the requisition as it is already sent to the lab's central fax system.

OR

If you want to switch to a different lab chain (e.g., from LifeLabs to Dynacare), please let us know by email, and we can fax the requisition to the new lab for you.

OR

You can download the lab requisition from the portal, print it, and take it to the lab or email a copy directly to the lab.

What tests does your service NOT order?

The following tests are NOT ordered through our service:

• Cortisol

• IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

• TRAB (Thyroid Receptor Antibodies)

• Lyme Serology

• 17-OH Progesterone

• DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

• DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate)

• ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

• CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

• ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody)

• High Sensitivity Estradiol

• Food Sensitivity Allergen Panel

If you require any of these tests, we recommend discussing them with your local healthcare provider.

How soon does the lab receive the lab requisition?

LifeLabs typically takes up to 24 hours to process a requisition, while Dynacare processes requisitions within 2-3 hours.

For faster processing, you can access your lab requisition directly through the portal. From there, you have the option to:

• Download and print the requisition to take it directly to the lab.

• Email the requisition directly to the lab.

This ensures the lab receives the requisition promptly and minimizes delays.

Can the doctor provide a requisition that allows me to select tests from different panels?

Currently we offer testing for specific medical conditions but do not have an a-la-carte option for selecting testing. If you find your desired tests are on a panel, you can individually request those panels from our site. Our doctors do not add testing beyond the assays listed on the panel. We appreciate you taking the time to write to us, and we are working on finding a more convenient solution for those looking to select a-la-carte tests.

I completed my lab test, but the status is still showing as incomplete. What should I do?

The status of your lab test will be updated once we receive the results from the lab. Unfortunately, we do not have a system in place to notify us when you have visited the lab. If the status remains unchanged for an extended period .i.e more than the turnaround time, please contact us for further assistance.

What should I do if I do not want to do all the tests in the test panel?

If you do not want to complete all the tests in the test panel, you can do either of the following steps:

1. Select only the tests you prefer when filling out the intake history OR

2. During the chat with the doctor, request to exclude certain tests that you do not need. OR

3. Decline the specific test at the lab during your appointment.

Why can't I see my lab requisition in the chat?

Check your inbox in the portal for a message about your requisition.

I only want treatment, not a lab. How do I cancel the lab part?

Although selecting a lab is part of the process, you can skip the testing and just follow the steps to get your treatment.

If I can't find an early enough appointment at my preferred lab location, can I choose another location and do walk-ins?

Yes, you are free to choose any lab location that suits your needs. If seeking an earlier appointment, we advise checking the availability at different locations. For walk-ins, ensure you have a printed copy of the lab requisition form with you. However, both walk-in availability and the necessity for appointments can vary by lab. We strongly recommend contacting the lab ahead of time to confirm their policies and ensure they can accommodate your visit.

What should I do if my lab requisition is not received at the lab?

Very rarely, due to transmission issues, the lab might not receive the lab requisition. Here’s what you can do:

• You have access to the lab requisition in your portal, which you can either print or email directly to the lab(quicker and more efficient).

OR

• You can send us an email, and we will re-fax the lab requisition for you(fax might take 2-3 hours to appear in their queue).

My date of birth is wrong on the requisition. Can you change it?

Sure, email us your correct birth date at [e-mail], and we’ll send a new requisition.

Can the requisition be faxed to a different lab?

Yes, email us the new lab’s address, and we’ll send the requisition there.

What are the costs for additional lab tests at Life Labs, in addition to TeleTest's fee?

Lab testing is usually covered with your OHIP card. Some extra tests not needed for harm reduction purposes have different costs listed on the panel and vary between labs.

Can I get tested for specific markers like CRP and CK?

Currently, our doctors only request the tests listed on our site. For additional tests like CRP or CK, you might want to visit a local clinic or a naturopath.

Do you offer CA 19-9 testing?

We don’t offer CA 19-9 testing. You might contact a naturopath for this.

Can I get a requisition for H. pylori blood work?

We plan to add this test soon. Meanwhile, you can get it done at a local walk-in clinic or your family doctor.

How quickly do I get a requisition and results for a chlamydia test?

After payment and health history completion, schedule a chat with a doctor. You can get your paperwork quickly, usually within the same hour. Check our website for lab reporting times.

Can you refer me for a colonoscopy?

If you have rectal bleeding or a positive home FOBT test, it's best to visit a local clinic for a referral. Local clinics can quickly connect you with a gastroenterologist and arrange a colonoscopy based on an examination.

Can I get a referral for a CT Calcium scan or Heart Stress Test from TeleTest?

Currently, we don't offer these services. We recommend visiting a local walk-in clinic for these tests and referrals. We are considering adding these tests in the future.

Does OHIP limit re tests per a set time?

The frequency of testing is up to the doctor but some tests if requested more frequently than medically required are OHIP uninsured.

How can I get a sex hormone test panel for monitoring Gender-Affirming HRT?

We are working on adding Gender Affirming bloodwork as a panel to our site at present time in accordance with Rainbow Health Ontario guidelines. Although this option is not available yet, our medical team is actively working to make such care more accessible in Ontario.

Can I get blood work for work-related testing, and what will the costs be?

Yes, you can get blood work for work-related testing from our 'School and Workplace testing' category. TeleTest charges for access to messaging a physician (real-time chat or via Secure Mail) and does not cover any lab fees.

Please note that there are additional lab charges for work-related tests that are not covered by OHIP. The costs can vary depending on the specific lab and the tests required. We recommend contacting the lab directly for an exact cost estimate.

Can I request to add labs other than those listed in the TeleTest portal?

The challenge with adding hospital chains or other labs not listed is that we do not receive lab results automatically in our portal. This often leads to long wait times, missing results, or difficulty obtaining them from the lab.

For faster and more reliable results, we recommend using one of the main lab chains like LifeLabs, Dynacare, or Alpha Labs, where results are updated promptly in our system. You can choose any of the labs listed in the TeleTest portal that’s most convenient for you.

Is Fasting Required for a Cystatin-C eGFR Test?

Fasting is generally not required for cystatin-C testing. This test evaluates kidney function using cystatin-C, a protein marker that is less affected by diet or muscle mass compared to other kidney markers like creatinine.

Medical Evidence:

• PharmEasy: "The cystatin-C test is a blood test that does not require fasting or any specific preparation."

• Cleveland Heart Lab: "Overnight fasting is preferred," but it is not strictly required.

• General Guidelines: Most literature supports that fasting is not necessary for accurate cystatin-C testing.

However, while literature advises that fasting is not required, Life Labs recommends a 10-12 hour fast without food or drink (including water, coffee, tea, etc.). We suggest following this guideline to ensure consistency in your results.

Do I need to avoid exercise before a Cystatin-C eGFR Test?

For cystatin-C testing, exercise is generally not restricted. Cystatin-C levels are less affected by muscle activity compared to other markers like creatinine, which can be influenced by intense physical activity.

However, some labs, including Life Labs, may advise avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours before testing to maintain consistent results.