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What do I need to know before going to the lab?

  • Updated

Before starting PrEP, you will have to do some lab work. After 30 days of being on PrEP, you will have to do some additional lab work to ensure your body is tolerating PrEP.

For most patients, this is just a precaution to be fully sure everything is working well. After that initial checkup, you’ll need to get lab work done every three months. Your Freddie provider will be happy to walk you through the process. 

      Lab Tips

  • If you are attending an initial lab, you can expect the lab to retrieve specimens to fill 2-4 yellow top-tubes, and 1 urine cup
  • Ask the lab technician to re-check your lab requisition form and confirm that they've collected all required specimens to meet all testing needs
  • Check with the lab and verify that your name is labelled on all tubes

 

Please see the chart below for province-specific instructions, average processing times and lab schedule specifics that will be helpful for your lab visit!

Province Lab Requisitions Lab Options  Average Time Taken By Labs to Process Results*
ALBERTA

Your one-page lab requisition includes all the necessary testing. We encourage you to download and print your form.

Alberta Precision Labs (APL)

We can fax your lab requisition to any specific lab location near you, just contact our support team.

 Up to 10 days
ONTARIO

Initial & 90-day Requisition: 3 page lab requisition. Please make sure that the lab doesn't miss the HIV test on the third page. 

30-day lab requisition: Please let the lab know that this is a 2-page requisition.

The HIV test is on its own separate page.

LifeLabs

*please note that it can take them up to 48 hours to process the faxed copy. We encourage you to download and print your form as a backup. 

 Up to 10 days
SASKATCHEWAN Your one-page lab requisition includes all the necessary testing. We encourage you to download and print your form.

LifeLabs

*please note that it can take them up to 48 hours to process the faxed copy. We encourage you to download and print your form as a backup. 

Please check in with your local health authority to find other labs near you. 

 Up to 10 days
MANITOBA

Your two page lab requisition includes Creatinine & Urinalysis on the first page. Then a full STI panel & HIV test on the second page. 

Here is a list of regional lab locations. ⬅️

 Up to 10 days
BRITISH COLUMBIA

Your one-page lab requisition includes all the necessary testing. We encourage you to download and print your form.

LifeLabs

*please note that it can take them up to 48 hours to process the faxed copy. We encourage you to download and print your form as a backup. 

Please check in with your local health authority to find other labs near you.

 Up to 10 days

You can also visit this lab testing FAQ page found on our main website. It provides a more comprehensive view of the lab testing process and answers those smaller (but important) questions! 

Freddie Lab Schedule & Testing Details

Freddie Required Testing Chart - Updated October 27th, 2023 (1).jpg

* If you have questions about your results, please wait until the average processing time for your province has elapsed before you reach out.

 

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