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Do you have a question about a particular test or service offered by LDS Diagnostic
Laboratories? You might find the answer here in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
My doctor has asked me to go to a Patient Services Centre to have some laboratory tests performed. How can I find the one closest to me?
Our Patient Services Centre Locator can help you easily find the centre most convenient for you. The locator also provides hours of operation, telephone numbers and a map showing the location of your requested centre.
Do I have to make an appointment for my test?
You do not need an appointment for any of our Patient Services Centres.
What should I take with me to the Patient Services Centre?
All that you need to bring is your physician’s requisition and your Medicare card. We use the Medicare card for filing purposes only.
For which tests do I have to fast and for how long? Can I have water?
For your physician to accurately interpret your results on certain tests, you might be asked to fast. This is because the levels of many analytes become elevated in the bloodstream immediately after eating and fluctuate depending on when you have eaten and the quantity of food consumed. When you fast, these variations are eliminated. This also allows your physician to compare your current results with your past results. In addition to fasting, you might be requested to abstain from stimulants (such as caffeine or nicotine), physical activity or specific foods that can alter clinical results.
It is recommended that you fast (no food, including chewing gum, or drink other than water) for a minimum of 12 hours prior to specimen collection for the following tests:
- Cholesterol
- Glucose
- HDL Cholesterol
- Homocysteine
- Lactose Tolerance
- LDL Cholesterol
- Glucose Tolerance Test(GTT)
- Triglycerides
I have been asked to collect a specimen at home and to take it to a LDS Diagnostic
Laboratories Patient Services Centre. What procedure should I follow?
If you have been asked to collect a specimen at home, please visit the Collection Instructions area of our Web site for complete instructions on collecting urine, stool and other specimens for testing.
When will my physician receive my test results?
Most routine test results are reported within 24 hours. Some tests require more time for processing or to allow for growth of microorganisms; these results can take several days to weeks to report. Any clinically significant abnormal results are promptly communicated to your physician.
Are my test results confidential?
All tests results are highly confidential. LDS Diagnostic
Laboratories has strict guidelines to ensure that only the referring clinician receives your test results. If your physician requests that we forward your results to another physician, we will do so.
Can I receive my own results?
Yes, you can receive a copy of your results. Remember that these results are one element of the total information your doctor uses to arrive at a diagnosis and to manage your treatment. These results, by themselves, do not necessarily give an accurate picture of your health. Your physician is the most competent person to interpret these results.
How long will I have to wait at a Patient Services Centre?
Wait times vary throughout the day. The busiest time typically is in the morning until about 10:30 a.m. This is because fasting patients typically arrive as early as possible. If your test does not require you to fast and you are able to arrive either later in the morning or in the afternoon, your wait time is likely to be shorter. However, we try to offer a quick response. Patient registration is done in less than 10 minutes
Will the blood collection process hurt?
Our staff is professionally trained to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the collection process. If you have any concerns, our laboratory technologist will do their best to accommodate you.
Will LDS Diagnostic
Laboratories staff be able to explain to me why my clinician has requested specific tests?
No. There could be many different reasons why your physician has requested specific tests and our Patient Services staff is not at liberty to discuss the tests ordered. All inquiries should be made to your referring physician.
Does the government pay for all tests?
As will all private services not covered by Quebec’s Medicare, the charge paid by the patient may either be claimed against your personal insurance or used as a claim on Income Tax.
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