Laboratory Services
Whitehorse General Hospital Laboratory performs a wide variety of tests on blood and body fluids both on-site and by referral to a specialized laboratory in Vancouver. Electrocardiograms (ECGs), Holter Monitoring, Urea Breath Tests and Spirometry testing is also performed by the lab.
The Laboratory Team
Testing is performed by Medical Laboratory Technologists, who are registered with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). The tests that technologists perform provide the information needed to diagnose disease and monitor treatments. Sample collection and handling is performed by Medical Laboratory Assistants.
Where to go & what to bring
There are a few things to remember in order to prepare for a lab test at WGH:
- register at the Admitting & Discharge (A&D) desk before proceeding to the lab reception, which is located just adjacent to A&D
- bring your Yukon Health Care Card
- bring any lab (requisition) form given to you by your care provider.
Lab staff may ask you questions related to fasting, medication use, etc.
Drop-in & appointments
Lab tests can only be ordered by a qualified provider. Patients coming to WGH for blood work will be seen on a first come-first served drop in basis during the outpatient clinic hours. Children and anyone requiring assistance with sample collection must come after 8 am.
Appointments are required for ECGs, holter monitoring and spirometry. These appointments will be made by the ordering care provider.
When to expect the results
Most routine test results are returned to the ordering practitioner within 24 hours of collection. More specialized testing can take up to two weeks to one month. Results are not provided directly to the patient – you must receive this information from your care provider.