Laboratory Services
Whitehorse General Hospital Laboratory (lab) 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.
*Please note: Due to reduced services during COVID-19, your physician will tell you if your lab test is considered urgent and give you a specific window of time to come to the hospital.*
Information on appointments for bloodwork and lab tests
For bloodwork and lab tests at Whitehorse General Hospital, Yukoners are used to ‘walking in’ without a scheduled appointment time. In response to COVID-19, we have moved these services to appointment only for the time being. These measures are necessary to ensure access to services, while keeping everyone safe.
Your physician will send your lab referral to the hospital. The hospital will call you with a date/time to have your bloodwork or lab test.
If you haven’t heard from the hospital within one (1) week, call the lab directly at 393-8739 (press 1 from the list of options) unless you’ve been directed otherwise by your physician.
We are currently experiencing higher than normal volumes, but want to reassure you that we are working to have your test completed in a safe and timely manner. We thank you for your ongoing patience and help, as the lab team supports you and others during this time.
Other non-urgent services that were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 (such as scheduled surgeries, X-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound, physio/OT and visiting specialist appointments) have also resumed – and continue to be available by appointment.
Where to go & what to bring
When you come to WGH for a lab test, proceed through the main daytime entrance, past the information desk, and turn right once in the main atrium. Proceed directly to the lab reception counter for registration.
Bring any lab (requisition) form given to you by your care provider.
Patients must present either their health care card or a piece of valid government-issued identification to have their laboratory work done.
Lab staff may ask you questions related to fasting, medication use, etc.
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.
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.