Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services includes a wide range of routine and specialized tests that are used to support clinicians in detecting, diagnosing, preventing and monitoring diseases. Tests are performed on blood, body fluids and tissues.

Our laboratory services include the following, however please note that not all services are offered at all of our facilities:

  • Blood and body fluid sample collection
  • Biochemistry 
  • Urinalysis
  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Microbiology
  • Electrocardiogram or ECG 
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General/Routine Laboratory Service Hours

Yellowknife Primary Care Clinic Laboratory

  • Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 3:30PM
  • Closed for lunch from 12:00PM to 12:30PM
  • Closed on all statutory holidays and weekend

Stanton Territorial Hospital Laboratory

  • 8:00AM to 3:30PM, Monday to Friday
  • Closed on all statutory holidays and weekends
  • Phone: (867) 767-9300 ext. 46673

Inuvik Regional Hospital Outpatient Laboratory

  • Monday to Friday, 9:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Closed on all statutory holidays and weekends
  • Phone: 1-867-678-8088

Fort Smith Clinic Laboratory

  • Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 12:00PM and 1:00PM to 2:00PM
  • Closed on all statutory holidays and weekends
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Accessing Outpatient Lab Services

Stanton Territorial Hospital (STH) Laboratory: 

  • Effective August 19th, STH will no longer be accepting walk-in same-day or waitlist appointments. This location will change to an appointment only model for laboratory services.
  • Appointments can be made by calling (867) 767-9300 ext. 46673 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
  • Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for your appointment to allow for the registration process.
  • When you arrive at STH for your scheduled appointment, please register at the hospital main registration desk.
  • Once registered, head to the laboratory services check-in desk and provide them with your laboratory requisition form.
  • Scheduled appointments at STH will start at 8:00 a.m., with the registration desk opening at 7:30 a.m. Individuals who may need to book subsequent appointments will be able to do so at the laboratory services desk prior to leaving.
  • Patients visiting STH for specialist appointments that may require bloodwork as part of their visit will still be accommodated. Information on how to access those services will be shared with you as part of your care at STH.

Yellowknife Primary Care Centre (YPCC) Laboratory:

  • YPCC Laboratory services at the downtown location includes a walk-in same-day option and waitlist option.
    • Same-day option:
      • The same-day option will be provided on a first come first serve basis, and there are limited times available.
      • To access this service, please present to YPCC registration desk and you will be provided with a timeslot for that day, if open slots are still available. This allows people to leave and come back at their designated timeslot, decreasing overcrowding in the waiting room, and giving individuals some flexibility in their day.
      • Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and same-day openings start at 8:10 a.m. 
    • Waitlist option:
      • To access this service, please present to YPCC registration desk and have your name added to the waitlist for the next available opening.
      • Once your name is added to the list, you will have to sit and wait in the event an opening becomes available. Please note there is a possibility that you may not be seen on that day.
  • Laboratory collections will close for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and resume at 12:30 p.m. Doors will remain open during this time for individuals to remain in waiting room, but no new requisitions will be processed.
  • Individuals visiting the downtown YPCC location will also have the option to book a future appointment at the registration desk if neither of the above two options meet your needs.

The NTHSSA continues to thank residents for their patience and understanding as we continue to navigate high demand and encourages residents to continue to share their feedback, suggestions, compliments and/or complaints through the Office of Client Experience.

 

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What to bring to the lab

Please register at the reception or admitting area prior to your visit to the lab. To register, you will be required to show:

  • The laboratory test requisition (paperwork) from your healthcare provider 
    • Any laboratory testing you get must be requested by a Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Registered Midwife that is licensed to practice in the NWT. Once your health care provider has completed your requisition, you can get the test.
  • Your healthcare card
    • Please note - patients without an NWT healthcare card or an expired NWT healthcare card will be required to go to Stanton Territorial Hospital for Lab Services.
  • A piece of photo identification

Depending on the type of test you are getting, you can drop in to the lab during regular specimen collection hours.

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How to prepare for your visit

Some laboratory tests require you to prepare for your visit, while others do not require preparation.  Some tests will require a period of fasting before the test.  Fasting means having nothing to eat, drink or chew except small amounts of water for the required amount of time leading up to your test.  Ask your health care provider if you are permitted to take your medications during your fasting period.

The following tests require preparation

Lipid Panel testing

  • Requires patients to fast 12 hours prior to testing

Fasting Glucose (blood sugar)

  • Requires patients to fast for 8 hours prior to testing

Gestational Glucose Tolerance Screening Test

  • Requires patients to fast for 2 to 4 hours prior to testing
  • Expect 1 - 2 hour duration

Gestational Glucose Tolerance Test

  • Requires patients to fast for 8 hours prior to testing
  • Expect 2 - 3 hour duration

Glucose Tolerance Test (non-pregnant patients)

  • Requires patients to fast for 8 hours prior to testing
  • Expect 2-3 hour duration

Urea Breath Test 

If your test is not listed here, check your requisition form or talk to your health care provider or local laboratory service to find out if your test requires any special preparation.

Some tests will require you to wait at the laboratory for additional collections at specific times. It is important that you remain in the laboratory waiting area during these times so that you can be monitored by a health care professional and be available for the additional collections at the correct times. Talk to your health care provider or local laboratory service to find out if your test requires you to wait for additional collections. Make sure to bring a book or other activity for while you wait. 

Blood Collection:

Although blood collection is a routine procedure requested by your physician, there are some potential risks. Ask laboratory staff if you have any questions and please inform laboratory staff if you are concerned that you may faint or experience distress.

To reduce the potential risks after blood collection:

  • Apply immediate pressure to the puncture site for at least 5 minutes.
  • Leave bandage on for a minimum of 5 minutes, and longer if necessary.
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects and use other arm for at least 2 hours.

If you experience symptoms related to the risks of blood collection (bruising or bleeding from puncture site, discomfort, tingling of the arm and/or painful swelling), please contact your family physician or Primary Care.

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Getting your results

After your appointment, the Laboratory staff cannot immediately give you your results.  All results must go to your health care provider to review.  Your health care provider will contact you if your results are abnormal or require additional follow up.  Contact your health care provider for information about your results.

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Contact this service

Laboratory services are offered across the NWT, however if you are located in a smaller community you may have to travel to a larger community for Laboratory services.  Contact your local hospital, clinic, or health centre for more information about laboratory services in your community.  Visit our Regional Portals for more information about the services provided at your local health centre.

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