Yes, you can. Any doctor or nurse practitioner that you see for a health concern can order bloodwork for you. It has to be appropriate for your situation, and it is based on their assessment.
The clinician decides what is needed
If you walk in with a list of tests you want, the list may change. The clinician will take a history, do an exam, and understand your situation. Then they will use their judgment about which tests make sense.
It is best to bring any previous results, especially ones that were abnormal.
You need a requisition
A requisition is the form that tells the lab which tests to do. It is usually printed or emailed to you, depending on the clinic.
Where to go
With a requisition, you can go to any laboratory in your community. In Ontario, these are typically one of three companies:
- [LifeLabs](https://www.lifelabs.com/). You can view your own results online at no extra charge, but you have to register at the time your blood is drawn.
- [Dynacare](https://www.dynacare.ca/). You can view your own results online, but it costs money.
- [Alpha Labs](https://alphalabs.ca/). You can view your own results online, but it has fewer locations in Ontario.
Do I need to fast?
Some tests require fasting, but most don't. Even diabetes can be checked without fasting. Still, confirm this with the clinician when they order the bloodwork for you.
What does it cost?
Bloodwork is covered by OHIP, with a couple of exceptions. For example, vitamin D levels and bloodwork for celiac disease are generally not covered. Check with the lab to confirm any charges.
How you get your results
The results go to the clinician who ordered the test. This is typically within one day, and sometimes up to a week. It can take longer when a test goes to public health.
Ask the clinician how they will share the results. They may contact you themselves, they may ask you to check that the results are in, or they may want a follow-up appointment to go over your report.