Question 1

Do I need a requisition in order to have laboratory testing performed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Laboratories in British Columbia cannot perform a collection without a laboratory requisition from a health care provider.

Question 2

Does my requisition expire?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type. A one-time requisition has no fixed expiry date, although laboratories typically question one that is more than about six months old, and if your appointment falls well after the date it was written the laboratory may ask you to check with your doctor. A Standing Order requisition, used for recurring tests such as diabetes, kidney, thyroid or HIV monitoring, can be valid for up to two years as of August 2025, raised from one year, in line with provincial policy. Your expiry date is printed on your requisition and on your result reports. When a Standing Order expires, your doctor will give you a new one.

Question 3

I have an existing Standing Order. Do I need to go to the same laboratory every time?

Accepted Answer

If you are a patient in Interior Health, you can visit any Interior Health laboratory facility for your Standing Orders.

For all hospital laboratories in the Lower Mainland, you must go to the same laboratory for your Standing Orders.

Question 4

Can I use a LifeLabs requisition at a Lab Online Booking laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can generally use a LifeLabs requisition at a Lab Online Booking laboratory. Acceptance does depend on the lab, so if you want to confirm before your appointment, contact the laboratory directly. If your requisition is written specifically for a LifeLabs collection site, you will need to book that appointment through LifeLabs at their website, lifelabs.com.

Laboratory Requisitions and Standing Orders