Medical tests and specialists
Resources
All the information on this page can be downloaded as a handout.
Types of medical tests
Requisition forms needed
- Alberta Precision Laboratories (blood, urine, stool, ECG, Urea Breath)
- MRI, CT and X-ray tests, Ultrasound
- Bone density test, mammogram
- colonoscopy, gastroscopy
With the medical test requisition forms,
- follow instructions
- book appointments when needed
- know what tests you are doing
- may have more than 1 test, and each test will have a different requisition form
Medical tests
Some tests require you to:
- Attend an info session first
- Drink/inject specific medium
- Wear a special jacket or a hospital gown
- Move in specific motion
- Have many preparation works
- Be sedated
- Bring a responsible adult to take you home
Lab tests – booking
- Alberta Precision Laboratories online booking
- Immigration testing, tolerance testing (Glucose (GTTP or GTTNP), Lactose, Xylose, Drug Screens and Glucagon), COVID-19 testing also available
- Cancel if you cannot make it
Step-by-step guide for online booking
Lab tests – instructions
Lab tests might have special instructions:
- To fast 8 hours but no longer than 16 hours
- To stay for 2-3 hours
- Samples to be collected before certain time
Ask for details when booking over the phone, otherwise read the requisition form and follow directions.
Urine tests do not need an appointment
Lab test – show up
- Arrive 10 minutes early, sit and wait for your name to be called
- Show your health care card and a picture ID
- Let the clerk know what time you last ate (fasting tests)
- If you are late, you may have to wait in line
- May take few days for results to be back to your doctor
Visit to the specialist
Before the visit:
- Confirm your appointment 2 weeks before
- Ask about policy of canceling / changing appointment
- Make a list of medications you are taking
- Contact appropriate places to arrange pick up of your record if you need to
- Make a list of specialists you have seen
During the visit:
- fill out medical history and consent forms
- show medication list
- show medical records if you have
- show specialist list if you have
- ask questions about your condition
Tell doctor your health concerns
- tell doctor your health conditions
- take notes of instructions
- ask doctor when in doubt
- discuss treatment options and risks
Know your medications
- what is it for
- when to take
- how much to take
- what to do when missing a dose
- what to do when overdosed
- what are the side effects
- how to store
Take drugs wisely
- Antibiotics do not kill viruses
- Always follow doctor’s instructions
- Never take another person’s antibiotics/medication
- Finish all your antibiotics to kill the bacteria completely
Resources
811 Health Link Alberta
- Health Information, Programs and Services referral
- Nurse Advice over the phone
- 24/7
- Free and Confidential
- Interpretation
Access Mental Health
- Get information.
- Receive support.
- Connect to services.
- Calgary 403-943-1500
- M-F 8am – 5pm
Free Interpretation Services at Alberta Health Services
- Free
- Over the phone interpretation
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in 200 languages
- Ask the staff to arrange it for you
- Strictly confidential
All of the information can be downloaded as a handout. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Disclaimer: This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an “as is”, “where is” basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use. Last updated August 2023.