Accessing On Demand STI Testing

On Demand STI Testing is quick and easy

On Demand STI Testing is available for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea at all Interior Health, Dynacare and LifeLabs locations within the Interior Health region. You don't need to see a doctor or nurse first to book On Demand STI tests. 

For chlamydia and gonorrhea testing, please note that:

• Interior Health (IH) labs offer a full range of self-collection options for chlamydia and gonorrhea, including urine, throat, vaginal and rectal swabs
• Dynacare and LifeLabs offer urine-only testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea
• If you think a self-swab may be right for you, be sure to book at an Interior Health lab. For more information, including whether a self-swab is recommended in your case, please refer to our On Demand Patient Information sheet.
• When being tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea, testing for syphilis and HIV is recommended

Book an On Demand STI Testing appointment

Interior Health Laboratories

To book online, follow these instructions:

• Visit the online laboratory booking system
• Create a profile, if it’s your first time, or sign into your account
• Choose your lab location and select “Lab test – Adult”
• Pick an appointment date
• Select “Patient will bring” for the lab requisition. A copy of the lab requisition will be available for you to complete at the lab, so you do not need to bring one with you. If you prefer, you have the option to print the requisition, complete it in advance, and bring it to your appointment.

You may also book your appointment by phone. Call the Digital Health Support Desk at 1-844-870-4756.

At your appointment: Let lab staff know you’d like “On Demand” testing when you arrive. Learn more below about what to expect at your appointment.

Book an appointment at an Interior Health lab

Dynacare and LifeLabs

Find your nearest Dynacare or LifeLabs. Whether you’re booking an appointment, walking in or already have an appointment made, please note that:

For Dynacare labs: A copy of the lab requisition will be ready for you, so there’s no need to bring one, but you are welcome to print one out, fill it out and bring it with you.

Find a Dynacare lab for On Demand STI Testing

For LifeLabs: You must print out a copy of the lab requisition and bring it with you or email your completed lab requisition to PatientREQSBC@lifelabs.com in advance.

Find a LifeLabs location for On Demand STI Testing

When to use On Demand STI Testing

Use On Demand STI Testing when:

• You want a regular STI checkup (recommended every 3-6 months), and especially when you have new or casual partners
• You have had a change in sexual activities

Do not use On Demand STI Testing if any of the following applies to you. Instead, visit an IH Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic.

• 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

1. Check in and ask staff for “On Demand" testing. Please bring your BC Services Card or be ready to provide your personal health number (PHN).
2. Review and complete paperwork: You’ll be given a lab requestion to fill out and a patient information handout with more information. Remember that for LifeLabs locations, you’ll need to bring your printed copy of the lab requisition if you have not emailed it to PatientREQSBC@lifelabs.com.
3. Get tested
   1. A lab assistant will take a blood sample to test for HIV and syphilis
   2. You’ll be asked to provide a urine sample for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing
   3. If needed, self-collection swabs (throat, vaginal, or rectal) are available upon request at Interior Health labs only. Refer to the On Demand Patient Information sheet for more information about self swabs.

How will I get my results? 

A nurse from Interior Health will contact you if your test results show an infection. The Nurse will help arrange any necessary treatment.

Please ensure your phone number is up to date so we can get in touch with you (on your lab requisition and/or let lab staff know)       

If you don’t hear from us, this means your results came back clear.

You can access your results in the following ways:

• Health Gateway for all test results (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea)
• MyHealthPortal for chlamydia and gonorrhea results only
• HIV and syphilis results are available by calling 1-866-778-7736 two weeks after your lab visit