Frequently Asked Questions
Identification
Why is my identification verified?
As part of Alberta Health Services Safe Together (add Link to Safe Together verifying your identity is an important part of safe quality health care. For your safety we check and confirm your identification at different points throughout your visit. This can be performed at patient registration; before a procedure or while receiving care. We confirm your identity in a few ways we will ask for two pieces of identification one your Health care card and the other a piece of photo id we may ask you to state and spell your first and last name and birthdate and to confirm that your phone number is current and correct
What types of identification will be accepted?
Patient Identification: For sample collection patients will be asked for two (2) pieces of identification.
- The preferred, acceptable list of original documents includes
Valid Provincial or Territorial Health Care Card
PLUS one of the following original government issued photo identification:
- Valid driver's license
- Valid passport (including out of country issued passports)
- Canadian Citizenship card
- Canadian Permanent Resident card
- Certificate of Indian Status card
- Valid Alberta or other government issued student identification card
- Federal, provincial, and/or territorial government issued identification with a photograph
Other acceptable original documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Legal change of name certificate
- Final divorce certificate
- Citizenship/immigration status document (Student Permit, Temporary Resident, Interim Federal Health Certificate of Eligibility)
- Certified copy of the court order for name change
- Court of Queen's Bench Adoption Order
NOTE: Paper or electronic copies may not be accepted, please confirm with your location.
Biotin
Are you taking Biotin?
Biotin oral supplements may interfere with lab tests. Alberta Precision Labs recommends all patients discontinue Biotin supplements for 48 hours prior to specimen collection. If your Health Care Provider recommended you take Biotin, contact them for further guidance.
Results
Who gets my laboratory results?
All your laboratory results are confidential.
Results are sent to your ordering physician and at his/her request we will give the report to another doctor or specialist physician.
How will I learn the results of my test?
Alberta Precision Labs encourages patients to obtain their test results through consultation with the ordering physician,
Alberta Precision Labs recognizes the right of the individual under the Alberta Health Information Act to access their own information and has an Access Request procedure in place for patients who wish to obtain copies of laboratory records.
- Calgary Zone: Click here for more information on making an Access Request.
- Central, Edmonton, North, South Zones: Click here for more information on making an Access Request.
When will my doctor get my test results?
Most results are reported within 24-hours of your initial laboratory visit.
Some laboratory tests are more complex testing and can take longer. For example, a throat culture will take 48 hours.
How does the laboratory ensure my specimens and results aren't confused with other patients?
The information from you and your doctor is entered into the laboratory computer.
Your specimens are labeled with your full legal name and a unique computer number.
Access
What if I can't get to a laboratory?
Mobile collection service to private homes of disabled, immobile, and housebound patients may be available in your town or city.
There are specific guidelines to determine patient eligibility for mobile collection service. If you are housebound and meet the guidelines, your physician can arrange for this service. Refer to Mobile Collections for more details.
Where can I get my lab samples collected or dropped off?
At any of our laboratory locations.