How to Get a Blood Work Requisition Online
Getting a blood work requisition (sometimes also called a blood test requisition or lab requisition form) through Walk In is simple. Just book a telehealth appointment with one of our BC-licensed doctors, who will discuss your symptoms or reason for testing, and decide which blood tests are clinically appropriate.
If a requisition is warranted, your doctor can email it directly to you or send it to a nearby lab. From there, you’ll book your lab appointment (or walk in, depending on the location) and have your blood drawn.
Results typically come back within a few days. If you’d like to discuss what your results mean, you’re welcome to book a follow-up appointment with one of our online doctors, who will be happy to walk you through the findings and next steps.
Do You Need a Requisition to Get Blood Work Done in BC?
In almost all cases, yes. Labs in British Columbia require a signed requisition from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner before they’ll draw your blood. This applies whether your tests are covered by MSP or being paid for privately. Walking into a LifeLabs or Dynacare location without a requisition form isn’t an option for the vast majority of tests.
The good news is getting a requisition online is quick. A telehealth appointment with a Walk In doctor takes a few minutes, and if a blood test is medically indicated, you’ll have your requisition in hand the same day.
Common Blood Tests Our Doctors Order
Our online doctors can order a wide range of blood tests when clinically indicated. Some of the most common include:
- Thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Iron and ferritin
- Vitamin B12 and vitamin D
- Liver function tests
- Lipid panel and HbA1c
- Hormone testing
- STI testing
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Your doctor may order other tests depending on your symptoms and history. If you need a different type of test, our doctors can also provide imaging requisitions for x-rays, ultrasounds, and other scans.
Private Blood Work in BC (Without MSP)
Not every blood test is covered under MSP. Wellness panels with no underlying medical reason, for example, fall outside MSP coverage. Also, if you’re not enrolled in MSP at all, your visit and lab fees will both be paid privately.
Walk In can still help. A private doctor’s visit is $75, and during that appointment our doctors can order a blood work requisition that you’ll then pay for at the lab. Lab costs vary depending on which tests are ordered and how many.
FAQs About Blood Work Requisitions
Still have questions about getting a blood work requisition online? We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
Where can I get a blood test?
There are many places where you can get a blood test or laboratory test done. Besides hospitals, there are numerous LifeLabs locations around British Columbia where you can have your blood test done. To avoid long waits, you can usually book an appointment ahead of time on LifeLabs’ website.
How is a blood test done?
Blood tests are performed by a trained phlebotomist. A small needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm into a collection tube. You may feel a brief sting when the needle goes in or out, but the process usually takes only a few minutes.
How do I view my blood test results?
Most labs in BC provide an online portal where you can view your results. LifeLabs has its own patient portal, and Dynacare offers a similar service. Ask the lab when you have your blood drawn — they’ll provide instructions and any login credentials you need. Once you have your results, the doctors at Walk In will gladly help you understand what they mean and decide on any next steps.
How do I discuss my blood test results?
You can discuss your blood test results with a licensed medical professional who has access to them. This is usually the same doctor who requested the blood tests. If they aren’t the ones who ordered the blood work, the doctor may have to request your blood test results first.
How long is a blood work requisition valid for?
In British Columbia, a blood work requisition form is typically valid for one year from the date it’s written, though this can vary depending on the specific test and the lab’s policies. If your requisition has expired, you’ll need a new one before the lab can draw your blood — a quick telehealth appointment with Walk In can sort that out.
Can I get a blood test without a requisition in BC?
For standard tests at LifeLabs, Dynacare, or hospital labs, no. A signed requisition from a licensed practitioner is required. There are a small number of direct-to-consumer testing services in Canada that don’t require a requisition, but they’re privately paid and the test menu is limited. For most people, getting an online requisition through Walk In is the fastest route.
Are blood tests covered by MSP?
Blood tests ordered for a medical reason are covered under MSP when ordered by an MSP-enrolled physician. General wellness check-ups and tests without an underlying medical indication are not covered and would be billed privately at the lab.