FAQ2024-03-13T22:37:37+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Valley Medical Labs has been proudly serving the Okanagan for over 50 years.

FAQ’s

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01. What is fasting?2021-03-02T04:11:18+00:00

Fasting requires the patient to go without anything to eat, drink, chew (i.e. gum) or smoke, except plain water for a specified amount of time.

02. How long do I need to fast?2021-03-02T04:10:24+00:00

Most fasting tests require a minimum of 8 hours with nothing but water.

03. Can I have coffee or tea when I’m fasting?2021-03-02T04:11:30+00:00

No, only plain water.

04. If I am having fasting tests, what do I do about prescribed medications or vitamins that I am taking?2021-03-02T04:09:40+00:00

It is best to check with the doctor that ordered the fasting tests, as it will depend on the medications and the tests. It is best to wait until after your tests are done to take your morning dose of any medication. If you are supposed to take an evening dose, it should be taken no later than 10 pm, and only with water.

05. How long will it take for my doctor to receive my results?2021-03-02T04:10:16+00:00

Tests done by us are generally available to your doctor within two business days.

06. Can I have a copy of my results?2021-04-14T16:07:39+00:00

We encourage patients to register with MyCareCompass to be able to view their results.

07. Do I need to make an appointment?2021-03-02T04:10:41+00:00

There are a few tests that require an appointment and your physician may let you know if that is the case.

If you wish to make an appointment for your own convenience, please Find a Location.

08. Why do I need my BC Services Card (Care Card) every time?2021-03-02T04:10:46+00:00

Your BC Services Card is a source of identification. Having your care card available saves you time at the lab, and prevents errors such as people with the same name etc.

09. Are you part of Interior Health?2021-03-02T04:10:52+00:00

No. We are a community medical laboratory that operates separately from the Interior Health Authority.

10. Why do I have to pay for some of my tests? eg. PSA?2021-03-02T04:00:09+00:00

The medical services plan (MSP) governs what tests are covered, and which tests must be paid privately.

11. Why do some people get called in before me even though I was here first?2021-03-02T04:00:20+00:00

Due to some testing requirements, individuals may be taken out of order.

12. Are you open on the weekend?2021-03-02T04:00:35+00:00

No.  If you require testing on the weekend we recommend you go to the hospital laboratory.

13. Do I get in faster if I am fasting?2021-03-02T04:00:47+00:00

No.  The majority of our patients in the morning are fasting.

14. Why doesn’t the doctor give me the information I need?2021-03-02T04:01:02+00:00

There are thousands of lab tests, some with special testing requirements that occasionally change.  Your doctor may not be aware of these changes.

19. How do I arrange to get on the home collection list?2021-03-02T04:01:24+00:00

Our house call program is a service provided as a courtesy to a very limited number of patients who are medically incapable of attending the lab. We need to receive a requisition from the doctor stating that a house call collection is required. We are unable to accept patients that  have transportation issues alone.

20. Do I have to go to the same location that my doctor sent my requisition to?2021-03-02T04:01:45+00:00

No.  your requisition will be available to all Valley Medical Labs locations.

21. I am unable to stand in line for long periods of time. Are there other options?2021-04-14T15:09:00+00:00

A friend or family member may stand in line and check-in for you, or you can book an appointment at some of our locations.

22. Can I come to the lab if I am not feeling well?2021-03-02T04:02:53+00:00

Please see our current Covid-19 restrictions for more information.

23. I am immunocompromised, what are my options?2021-03-02T04:03:08+00:00

The best thing to do is to book an appointment at one of the available locations (link).  Please consult your doctor if this is an option for you.

24. My doctor sent my requisition to the lab, how do I know if it was received?2021-03-02T04:03:25+00:00

Please contact us and we will confirm if a requisition has been received.  Please note requisitions can take up to 24 hours from when your doctor sent it to be available.

25. My doctor emailed me my requisition, can I just show it on my phone?2021-03-02T04:03:42+00:00

No.  We require a printed requisition.  Please print your requisition and bring it in.

26. Will I be contacted by the lab when my requisition is received?2021-03-02T04:05:05+00:00

No.  Please call us to confirm your requisition has been received.  Requisitions can take up to 24 hours to be available.

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