Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, appointments are required for blood work (including AMH), please call the laboratory 48 hours in advance to book an appointment.
Do I need an appointment to get a sterile container?
No, appointments are not necessary for picking up a sterile container. You can also pick up the sterile containers at any Lifelabs' location and they are free of cost to our clients.
Are you open on the weekend?
Yes, we are open 7 days a week. Please see our hours of operation at the bottom of the page.
Why do I need my care card every time?
Your care card is a source of identification. Having your care card available saves you time at the lab, and prevents errors such as people with the same name etc.
What is a PHN and where do I find it?
Each B.C. resident enrolled with the Medical Services Plan (MSP) is given a unique lifetime identifier for health care called a Personal Health Number (PHN). It is found on your care card or at the back of your driver's license/BC Services Card.
Why do I sometimes have to wait to have my blood collected?
We are a walk in service thus we are never certain what the patient volume will be. However the busiest times are the early morning, which are best avoided.
How long will it take for my doctor to receive my results?
Blood tests done by us are generally available to physician within the same day of collection, FSH and TSH test results are available within 2 days of collection. Semen analysis results will be available to your physician within 7-10 business days.
What is fasting?
Fasting requires the patient to not eat, drink, chew (i.e. gum) nor smoke, except consumption of water for a specified amount of time (usually 8-12 hours).
Does the AMH test require fasting?
No, it is a blood test that can be done at any time of the day.
What are these tests?
We are able to tell you the name of the tests you are getting done, but not why. There are always a variety of reasons why a physician orders lab tests.
Why do I have to pay for some of my tests? eg. AMH?
The medical services plan (MSP) governs what tests are covered, and which tests must be paid privately.
Can I have a copy of my results?
Please contact your physician regarding your results.
Can I phone the lab and get my results?
No. We do not disclose lab results over the phone, we recommend contacting your physician for your results.
How can I prepare for blood work?