A lab requisition form is a medical document issued by a licensed healthcare provider that instructs a laboratory on which tests to perform.

The requisition typically includes:

• Patient information
• The requested tests or imaging studies
• Physician credentials and signature

Most laboratories require a valid requisition before performing blood work or diagnostic testing.

Yes, lab requisitions can expire. Most requisitions are valid for a limited time (commonly 3–6 months), depending on the test and province. It’s best to complete your test as soon as possible after receiving your requisition.

A lab requisition provides the legal authorization needed to get your blood work done. While many patients know they need blood work, the path to getting a formal request can often be slow or confusing. You may need a lab requisition if you are:

• Monitoring chronic conditions: Keeping a close eye on thyroid levels, managing diabetes (A1c), or tracking cholesterol.
• Routine health screening: Proactively screening for STIs, vitamin deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances.
• Diagnosing acute symptoms: Getting fast answers for fatigue, digestive issues, or other symptoms, your GP may not be able to see you for weeks.
• Skipping clinic wait times: You need diagnostic tests done quickly, but don’t have the time for an in-person doctor’s appointment just to get a slip.
• Seeking clarity: You know you need blood work, but aren’t sure which specific tests are required for your concerns.

When it comes to our online services, we do not compromise on quality. We strictly prioritize doctors who are qualified to guide you through your lab requisitions. Every doctor that we hire is:

• Licensed and verified
• Has clinical experience assessing symptoms and determining whether a test is needed
• Understands laboratory standards and proper requisition use
• Knows how to communicate results and next steps clearly

In most cases, blood tests require a doctor’s requisition before the laboratory can perform them. When you request a test online, a licensed doctor reviews your health information and determines whether the test is medically appropriate before issuing a requisition. Some regions offer direct-to-consumer options to order lab tests online, but even these services involve a licensed requisition doctor who reviews your information and officially approves the online requisition.

Yes. At Your Doctors Online, requisitions are signed by licensed physicians and contain detailed clinic and physician information, making them fully valid for testing. They are typically accepted by accredited laboratories and diagnostic imaging centres, printed or presented electronically.

Common places where your requisition may be accepted include:

• Major lab networks such as LifeLabs and Dynacare
• Hospital-based laboratories
• Private diagnostic imaging centres (for X-rays, ultrasounds, and other scans)

Your requisition is provided as a digital PDF, which you can either print or present electronically at the lab. You may need to bring a valid health card or ID when visiting the lab. 

You can get a lab requisition through Your Doctor Online (YDO) in three easy steps:

1. Chat with a doctor online about your symptoms or health goals.
2. Get a digital requisition sent directly to your phone or email.
3. Take your form to any LifeLabs or Dynacare location in Ontario.

Please note that provincial OHIP coverage may not apply to all lab tests requested via telemedicine; some tests may require an out-of-pocket fee at the lab.

Yes, you can easily obtain a lab requisition in British Columbia using our platform. Speak with a doctor virtually to determine which blood work you need. If medically appropriate, they will send a signed lab requisition form, which you can download or print. Take the form to any LifeLabs BC location or local diagnostic center. This process helps you skip the long wait for a family doctor and get your results sooner.

Yes. If you don’t have a family doctor, you can connect with a licensed physician through our virtual clinic. After a brief consultation to discuss your symptoms, the doctor can issue a digital lab requisition that you can take to any local lab.

Yes. Digital lab requisitions issued by licensed Canadian doctors are 100% valid. Major laboratory networks like LifeLabs and Dynacare accept these forms just like a paper note from a walk-in clinic.

In many provinces (like Ontario and BC), the doctor’s visit to get your requisition is covered by your provincial health card ($0 cost). However, a private consultation fee (e.g., $40–$150+) will apply if you do not have a valid health card or are requesting “wellness” tests not covered by provincial insurance. While the requisition itself is often free, some specific tests may require a fee paid directly to the lab. For instance, routine blood work may cost approximately $150-$300 CAD, and individual tests can start at $55-$65 CAD (e.g., Vitamin D, Testosterone). It’s recommended to check directly with your lab service provider for pricing information.

Yes. Thyroid monitoring is one of the most common reasons for virtual requisitions. If you are experiencing symptoms like fatigue or weight changes, or if you need to monitor an existing condition, our doctors can provide a requisition for TSH, Free T4, and other thyroid markers during your online visit.

No. X-rays and most diagnostic imaging tests require a doctor’s referral or requisition. To get an X-ray, you first need to connect with a licensed doctor and receive a lab requisition. The doctor must evaluate your symptoms before ordering imaging to ensure the test is medically appropriate.

Most blood test results are available within 2 weeks, depending on the test type and the laboratory. Some specialized tests may take longer. Your doctor will guide you on expected timelines.

Once your test is complete, the results are typically sent to the ordering physician. Depending on the lab, you may also be able to access results through:

• Lab portals (e.g., LifeLabs, Dynacare)
• Your healthcare provider
• Follow-up consultation with your doctor

Your doctor will help interpret your results and recommend next steps. If you need a doctor’s note or an online prescription, our doctors can provide those as well.