Medical Services
Laboratory
Blood Tests
All blood tests at ViaMedica are done in a private exam room to ensure the personal privacy of each patient.
All laboratory specimens are sent to Gamma Dynacare, an ISO-certified laboratory that offers a wide array of analysis services: blood testing, pregnancy tests, STD (sexually transmitted disease) and HIV testing, urine analysis, etc.
Blood Test FAQ’s
Do I need an appointment for a blood test?
No appointment is necessary, our phlebotomists and nurses are available for blood drawing Monday to Friday 7:30am to 1:30pm.
Why are blood tests ordered?
One of the ways for the early detection of diseases such as high cholesterol, diabetes and prostate cancer is done through routine blood testing. The sooner detected, the sooner an effective treatment can be implemented.
How do I get my blood test results, when will my physician receive them?
Most routine test results are reported within 24 hours. Some tests require more time for processing or to allow for the growth of microorganisms. The results are sent directly to your physician by fax.
Your physician will discuss the results with you at your next scheduled appointment. To obtain a copy of your results, please contact your physician.
Are my test results confidential?
All test results are highly confidential. ViaMedica has strict guidelines to ensure that only the referring physician receives your results. Results are forwarded to another physician only by the patient’s request or that of the referring physician.
For which tests do I have to fast and for how long? Can I have water? Can I take my medication?
Yes. Water is permitted for all tests. Medications can be taken except when testing the medication level (ex: Digoxin, Lithium). It is recommended that you fast (no food, including chewing gum, or alcohol) for a minimum of 12 hours prior to specimen collection for the following tests:
- Cholesterol
- Glucose
- HDL Cholesterol
- Homocysteine
- Lactose Tolerance
- LDL Cholesterol
- Lipoprotein Phenotyping
- Oral Glucose Tolerance (GTT)
- Triglycerides
Are there any tests which do not require a physician’s order?
Yes. The following laboratory tests do not require a physician’s order:
- Urine Pregnancy Test
- Rapid Strep Test
- Serology (antibodies for Varicella, MMR, and Hepatitis B) tests are ordered by our nurses per Quebec law 90. These tests are ordered to check for immunity. Often, medical and nursing students require proof of immunity to attend school.
Rapid Strep Test
Rapid strep test results take 5 minutes. You do not need an order from a physician. Our nurse will evaluate you, take your vital signs and perform the test. If you test positive, we will give you a copy of the result and evaluation to bring to your physician for treatment.
Group A Streptococcal Disease
What is it?
Group A streptococcal disease (GAS) is caused by bacteria that is commonly found on the skin and in people’s noses and throats. The bacteria can be present and not cause any illness. The bacteria can also cause mild symptoms as well as some very severe infections. It can cause:
- Impetigo
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
- Scarlet fever
- Ear infections
It can also cause more serious illnesses or invasive infections. Two of the most severe forms of GAS disease are necrotizing fasciitis, also known as "flesh eating disease," and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Necrotizing fasciitis is rare but has been linked to wound infections.
Early signs include fever, severe pain, swelling, and redness at the wound site. The bacteria produces a toxin or poison that attacks the bloodstream, and destroys muscles, fat, and skin tissue.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome causes blood pressure to drop rapidly and organs to fail. STSS is not the same as toxic shock syndrome which is frequently associated with tampon use.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Necrotizing fasciitis:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Rapidly increasing fever
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome:
- Fever
- Abrupt onset of generalized or localized severe pain in an arm or leg
- Dizziness
Invasive GAS infections occur when the bacteria get past the normal skin or mucus barriers. If the person has other illnesses or their immune system is compromised, this will increase the risk for invasive diseases.
How is it spread?
GAS bacteria can be spread through a cough or a sneeze from an infected person or by direct contact with infected cuts or sores. When a person is sick with strep throat or has a wound infection, it is easier to spread the bacteria to other people. People who carry the bacteria in their throats or on their skin but have no symptoms are not as contagious. A person who contracts GAS disease can develop either mild or severe symptoms.
If the person is infected by someone who has serious illness or an invasive infection, they may not become as ill as the person who infected them. They may only experience mild symptoms.
How is it treated?
Group A streptococcal disease is generally treated with antibiotics. Treatment with the correct antibiotic usually prevents the bacteria from spreading to other people. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed.
How is it prevented?
- Good hand washing can prevent the spread of most GAS infections.
- Hands should be washed after coughing or sneezing, before preparing foods and before eating.
- People suffering from a sore throat that does not clear up on its own should see a health care provider. People with strep throat should stay home from work, school or daycare until the symptoms are gone, or for 24 hours after starting an antibiotic.
- Keep all wounds clean.
- Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing, and pain at the site. See a health care provider if a fever develops.
Information taken from: Health Canada
Urine Pregnancy Test
The urine pregnancy test provides results within 5 minutes and does not require an appointment or an order from a physician (only blood tests for pregnancy require a doctor’s order). A copy of the result can be provided if requested.
What is hCG?
hCG is human chorionic gonadotropin. It is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Urine pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG.
Preparation
- First morning urine is best (when hCG levels are most easily detected). If not, make sure your urine has been in your bladder for at least 4 hours.
- Do not drink excessive amounts of fluids before the test to increase the volume of urine. This could dilute the hCG levels.
- Some fertility drugs or other medications may interfere with the test results. Please notify the nurse or lab technician if you are taking any medication.
For instructions or questions on any laboratory testing please call us at: 514-626-5888.
Please remember to bring the order from your physician when you come in for a blood test.
