Before My Test

Before your test, follow all required steps for your particular laboratory test – this might include fasting or other preparations. For more details, see the Test Instruction section.

Where can I have my laboratory tests performed?

Our Specimen Collection 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 need an appointment for my test?

Most visits to our Specimen Collection Centres do not require appointments.

You will need an appointment for the following tests:

• ECG/EKG
• Genetics
• Fertility specimen drop off

Appointments can be made for your convenience by calling our appointment line at 519-258-1991 ext. 0, or see our Book an Appointment section for further instructions.

Do you have any special services for patients who cannot come to the lab for their testing?

MLW offers home lab collection services for elderly and other patients in long-term care facilities or who may be confined to their homes. This service is available by calling our home lab at 519-258-1991 ext. 242

How long can I expect my visit to be?

At MLW, we do our best to serve patients in a timely manner. However, wait times can vary depending on the tests you need and the number of patients in the specimen collection centre.

Things to keep in mind:

• Typically, the lab is a little busier in the mornings so wait times can be a little longer. This is because patients who need to fast before their tests often arrive in the morning.
• If your test doesn’t require fasting, we recommend visiting the lab after the morning “rush”, ideally between 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

During My Test

Where do I go?

Find a MLW closest to you see our Specimen Collection Centre (SCC) Locator.

What will happen at the SCC site?

Your doctor may have ordered blood tests; having a blood test done is a simple thing to do and will assist your doctor in your healthcare. A trained phlebotomist will first confirm your identity and then obtain a blood sample. You are required to present your healthcare card for identification and completed Ministry of Health form before testing. Your doctor may require you to submit a different type of specimen, this can include, saliva, semen, urine, or a sample of stool or hair. To confirm what sample to submit check our Testing Instructions section (Link #5)

How long will the testing take?

In order to avoid long wait time’s appointments can be booked, see our Book an Appointment section. MLW – SCC sites are generally busier in the morning because patients who are required to fast before their test arrive as early as possible. If your test does not require you to fast, your wait time will be less if you come in the afternoon, between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and preferably Wednesday – Friday.

The actual collecting of the specimen should only take between 5 to 10 minutes for routine tests. Some tests do take longer; see our Testing Instructions section for your specific test.

Will the blood collection process hurt?

Some patients say the experience of having blood taken is painful; others said they didn’t feel a thing. Phlebotomy does require a small needle to penetrate the skin, so there may be slight discomfort for a few moments. Our staff is professionally trained to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the collection process. If you have any concerns, our laboratory technicians will do their best to accommodate you.

Aftercare

After blood is drawn and the needle removed, pressure is placed on the puncture site with a cotton ball to stop the bleeding. This will take a few seconds, when the bleeding has stopped a bandage is applied. The patient is encouraged to rest during this time so they can be monitored by our trained staff. Patients are told when they leave not to carry anything heavy with their arm where the blood was taken, such as their purse for at least 10 minutes.

Some patients experience mild soreness or swelling at puncture site, this can be easily relieved by applying cold compresses. If symptoms persist consult your physician.

After My Test

After your sample is collected, there is nothing else for you to do. Your specimen will be transported by MLW to our testing facilities, where it is processed and tested.

When will my doctor get the results?

Results can be reported anywhere from 24 hours to a few weeks depending on the test ordered. Any clinically significant abnormal results are promptly telephoned to your healthcare provider.

Can you tell me my results?

At MLW we must act in accordance with the privacy legislation. As a community laboratory operating in Ontario, Section 24 of the Ontario regulation 329/04 stipulates that we may not release test results directly to patients, except at the discretion of the physician. Your healthcare provider can allow the results to go directly to you, but, they must do so by indicating on the requisition “Give Patients Results”. If your doctor has agreed to allow our testing facility provide the results to you, arrangements must be made. Our Client Services department will assist you in completing the required forms, by calling 519-258-1991 ext. #1

Are my laboratory test results confidential?

In Ontario, the handling of Personal Health Information (PHI) is governed by the Personal Health Information Protection Act. Ensuring the privacy of clients and patients is one aspect of practice with which all professionals providing healthcare treatment and services must be concerned. MLW respects our patient’s privacy and is firmly committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We will only release results to the ordering physician and any requests he/she may have to send copies to assisting physicians. For more information, please see our MLW Privacy Practices.