Prepare your next sample

You had a consultation with a doctor who prescribed a sample to you. Sample are a common extraction of fluids for a laboratory analysis. This article shows you where you can go take it, and the procedure to follow.

Sample collection form request

When your health professional will explain that you will need a sample test, he will certainly give you a sample collection form request. It is a paper detailing the necessary tests to be completed, whether it is blood, urine or stool test.

Before taking the sample

You may have to follow some preparatory procedures for your sample the day before or a few hours before the test. Several blood samplings must be made fasten, so make sure you read carefully your form request. It is also possible to discuss the matter with your Doctor or to contact 811 in case of doubt. You can still drink water before, it is even recommended. However, do not take your medication the morning of the test, unless your health professional says otherwise.

Choice of places with a sample service

You have access to a plurality of places that offers that service. First you have CLSC’s that propose this service free of charge when you present your Health Insurance Card. Blood tests can also be taken in some pharmacies with charges. You can also go with private companies that offers laboratory analysis services and with the companies that do sampling at home. Private or with charges services are often the ones with the less waiting time.

What you must bring the day of the sample collection?

When you will go for your tests, be sure to have with you your sample collection form request and your Health Insurance Card to be sure to have the service free of charge where it is possible.

They will provide the sampling container needed at your arrival. In some cases, you can ask for a sampling container and make it home before bringing it back. This applies to urine samplings. However, you must keep the sample fresh and provide it the morning you give it for analysis.

Samples are not a procedure for witch you should worried. If you have issues facing the pain or a fear of needles, speak to your doctor or to a pharmacist. There is a cream that desensitizes the area before the sampling. It is available at the desk of pharmacies after a discussion with the health professional.