On Demand STI Testing: A quick and easy way to check for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 

With On Demand STI Testing, you can easily get tested for STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV, without needing to see a doctor or nurse. Simply book an appointment at a convenient Interior Health or Dynacare (previously Valley Medical) lab. 


Important information before you book: 
  • Full STI testing is available at Cranbrook’s Tamarack Medical Lab 
    • At this location, you can be tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV 
  • Syphilis and HIV testing is available at other locations 
    • All other Interior Health and Dynacare labs currently offer Syphilis and HIV testing, with Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing expected soon 
  • There are additional testing options in Kamloops, Nelson, and Kimberley 
    • If you live in one of these areas, you can also access STI testing at LifeLabs locations through the GetCheckedOnline program 

How to book an On Demand STI test 
  • Online booking:
    • Visit the outpatient laboratory booking system
    • Create a profile if it’s your first time
    • Choose your lab location and select “Lab test – Adult"
    • Pick an appointment date
    • Select “Patient will bring” for lab requisition. A lab requisition will be ready for you at the lab – no need to bring one. 
  • By phone: Call the Digital Health Support Desk at 1-844-870-4756
  • If you already have a lab appointment: Let lab staff know you’d like “On Demand” testing when you arrive. 
     
Who should not book on demand testing.

Do not book On Demand STI Testing if you: 

  • Have symptoms of an STI 
  • Require treatment due to recent exposure to an STI 
  • Need HIV post-exposure prophylaxis or emergency contraception 
  • Are unable to collect your own swabs (if needed) 
  • Would like to speak to a doctor or a nurse for any other reason  

What to expect at your appointment: 
  • Ask for “On Demand” Testing: When you arrive, show your BC Services card or provide your Personal Health Number. 
  • Testing Process: 
    • A lab assistant will take a blood sample for Syphilis and HIV testing. 
    • You’ll be given a container for a urine sample for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing.
    • Optional swabs (throat, vaginal, rectal) are available for self-collection as needed. 

Getting Your Results 
  • A nurse will contact you if your test results show an infection and will help arrange any necessary treatment.  
  • If you don’t hear from us, this means your results came back clear. 

You can access your results in the following ways: 

If you would like to confirm your test results, chlamydia and gonorrhea results can also be accessed through Health Gateway. HIV and Syphilis results are available by calling 1-866-778-7736. 

Resources

Patient Information: On Demand STI Testing
Sample Requisition
Poster: On Demand STI Testing Program
Poster: Cranbrook On Demand STI Testing Program
IH Sexual Health Webpage
SmartSexResources Website
Options for Sexual Health

For questions about sex, sexuality, and other sexual health-related questions, please call Options for Sexual Health at 1-800-739-7367 (toll-free) or submit your question through their email form.

Learn how to get your results on Health Gateway

Frequently Asked Questions

What is On Demand STI Testing?

  • On Demand STI Testing is a service available for individuals seeking routine testing for STIs
  • This service is intended for those who do not have symptoms of an STI and do not need to speak with a health-care provider

What tests are available through On Demand STI Testing?

  • Syphilis and HIV Testing: Available at all Interior Health and Valley Medical locations
  • Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing (as well as Syphilis and HIV Testing): Currently offered only at the Cranbrook Tamarack lab location
    • Urine sample required
    • Optional self-collected swabs from the throat, vagina, and/or rectum, depending on the body parts used for sexual activity

What should I expect during my lab visit?

  • Visit the registration desk and request an ‘On Demand STI Testing’ lab requisition
  • You will be given an On Demand STI Testing Patient Information, sheet along with the lab requisition. Please complete the lab requisition with the testing you would like.
  • Testing will be completed on the same day

Is there a cost to STI testing?

How long will it take to get my test results?

  • Most results will be available within 1–2 weeks
  • You will only be contacted if your results are positive
  • If you test positive, a nurse will contact you to arrange free treatment

How can I access my test results?

  • Do not call the lab that collected the sample, as they will not have your results.
  • You can access your through the following methods:
    • MyHealthPortal for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea results
    • Health Gateway at gov.bc.ca for all test results
    • Phone 1-866-766-7736 two weeks after your lab visit for Syphilis and HIV results.
    • Follow up with your regular health-care provider

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