Diagnostic Tests
For patients who use services and do diagnostic tests outside Richmond Doctors.
Lab Tests: Efaxes, PDF’s, Hardcopies
When laboratory blood tests are required, the order is typically efaxed to a central location at Lifelabs where it is kept on file for six months. Forty-eight hours after efaxing, the patient can present at any Lifelabs of their choice to have the bloodwork done. Patients are encouraged to confirm that the requisition has been received by calling 604-431-7206 ext 6 before going to the lab. Alternatively, the requisition may be transmitted to the patient as a PDF file during a video Telehealth call. In some circumstances, if the patient does not want a PDF or prefer not to have the requisition efaxed, a hard copy can be obtained. If the hard copy is requested and is not picked up within one month, it will be destroyed. Any request for a re-print is $10 per requisition.
Formerly called myehealth, myCareCompass is a free, secure service that allows you to access lab results online and book appointments at Lifelabs to reduce wait times. Most results are available on MyCareCompass within 24-48 hours after visiting participating labs throughout British Columbia.
The LifeLabs website has resources for appointment booking, non-insured tests, test preparation, and other information.
Radiological examinations
Radiological examinations such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI’s are booked at various locations. If there is a facility that you would prefer to go to, please inform the doctor before the test is ordered. Depending on the test and the facility where the procedure is done, different preparations will be needed. Many facilities will contact patients directly for an appointment time. It is important that your telephone has voicemail activated to receive appointment notifications and that it does not block calls.
Critical test Results
When critical test results arrive, the patient will be contacted ASAP for a review. Other test results which need follow-up will also be scheduled in accordance to urgency. In some cases, if there is no immediate need for a follow-up, the physician may choose to wait until the next visit to discuss the report with the patient. We do not notify patients if test results do not need follow-up. If you have not received a call for a follow-up and still have concerns, please book an appointment for another consultation.
Please do not ask the receptionist for test results or for interpretation of any results that you have.