Lab Testing: What to Know Before You Go
Step 1: Receive your lab requisition
What are my next steps after my initial assessment?
After your visit, a Felix practitioner will review the information in your assessment and decide if a lab test is appropriate. If it is, you will be sent lab requisition forms.
To keep your health information safe, this will be sent via secure private message from your practitioner, rather than via email. We recommend downloading or printing your lab requisition form for easy access, but you’ll always be able to access it in your chat.
How will I know when the prescriber has sent the lab requisition?
Look out for an email or SMS notifying you that you have a new message from your Felix practitioner. Once you log back into your Felix account you will be able to access this message, and the requisition form.
What do I do with my lab requisition form?
Take your lab requisition form to any lab to complete the required medical test. It contains all the info about what test we need, as well as telling the lab how to send the results to Felix. You can print your lab requisition form and take it with you to your test.
If you aren’t able to print your requisition form you still have a few options. Depending on the lab, you may also be able to email your requisition in advance of your appointment. Call or visit your lab's website ahead of your appointment to determine what you need to do.
Step 2: Find and book your lab test
Where do I get my tests?
You can use any lab in your local region. If you’re unsure where to go to get testing done you can try the following services to find a location that is convenient for you.
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
British Columbia
At-home testing
Some labs offer at-home services for certain lab tests, though this usually comes at an extra cost.
Do I need to make an appointment?
This will depend on where you get your testing doneand how busy they are. If you’re on a tight schedule, try to book ahead.
How long will it take to get my results?
Timing can vary by lab and by test. It typically takes about 5-10 days for us to receive complete lab results.
What will I be tested for?
This will vary depending on the treatment.
For PrEP users you may have the following tests done:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Creatinine
- Urinalysis
- Pregnancy (if indicated)
For weight loss treatment, you may have the following tests done:
- Glucose
- Hemoglobin A1C
- Creatinine
- Lipids
- Alanine transaminase (ALT)
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Pregnancy (HCG)
Based on medical history, your Felix practitioner may ask for additional tests specific to you.
How much will the test cost?
If you are covered by your provincial drug plan, this test will likely be free. For example, in Ontario your lab tests would be covered by OHIP.
Step 3: Receive your tests
What happens after I complete my tests?
Once you have completed your tests the lab will send Felix the results directly. We’ll review your results, and always keep you updated on them. In many cases this will be via an email prompting you to log in to your Felix account to view your results. In rare cases we’ll call you directly.
Once your Felix practitioner has reviewed your results and everything is in order, they will write an initial prescription for your medication if appropriate. For weight loss patients, completing your labs is required in order to renew your treatment after your 3 month prescription is done.
Although it is uncommon, if there is something in your results that means your Felix practitioner does not feel that a prescription would be appropriate, your prescription will not be approved. Meaning that we would need to stop your prescription and would not be able to renew or refill it.
Will I need to do more tests?
For some medications that require lab work, Felix will require ongoing lab tests to make sure that your medication continues to be safe and appropriate for you to take.
For example for PrEP users we require lab tests every three months. Weight loss patients will not need ongoing tests in most cases, but your practitioner may request them as they deem appropriate.
How will I know when I need to get my next tests?
When you are due for your next medication refill, you’ll receive an email and SMS letting you know it’s time for a check up with Felix. As part of that process your Felix practitioner will provide you with a new lab requisition for further tests, if they are required.
Still have questions? Reach out to your Felix healthcare practitioner for more information.
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