Accessing On Demand STI Testing:

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV testing are available at the Cranbrook Tamarack Medical Lab. Syphilis and HIV testing only are available at all other IH and Valley Medical Labs. 

Book an appointment by visiting the online laboratory booking system. You will need to create a profile if you do not already have one. Once logged in:

  • Choose your lab location
  • Select ‘Lab test – Adult.’
  • Select an appointment date.
  • Select lab requisition option ‘Patient will bring’.
    •  The On Demand STI Testing lab requisition will be available at the lab collection centre for you to complete. You do not need to bring a lab requisition with you.

You may also ask for ‘On Demand STI Testing’ if you have an appointment at a lab for any other reason.

When not to use On Demand STI Testing:

Please do not book On Demand STI Testing if you:

  • Have symptoms of an STI
  • Require treatment due to recent sexual contact with someone who has an STI
  • Would like to access HIV post-exposure prophylaxis or emergency contraception
  • Would like to speak to a doctor or a nurse for any other reason

How On Demand STI Testing Works:

  • Upon arrival for your appointment, request "On Demand STI Testing" and ensure you have your B.C. health card with you.
  • You will receive an information sheet and a lab requisition form that you need to complete (check out this sample requisition). The information sheet will guide you on which tests to select on the lab requisition.
  • A lab assistant will collect your blood sample, and you will self-collect urine and/or swabs (throat, vaginal, rectal)
  • If any of your results are positive, a nurse will contact you to arrange treatment

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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