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Guidelines: before your appointment


The safety of our patients and TapLabs personnel is our top priority. To ensure a safe and successful appointment, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Patient must have a valid and complete lab requisition ordered by a physician 
  • Patient must have a valid Alberta Health Card and government identification such as a driver’s licence, passport, or birth certificate (Note: name on health card must match the name specified on the requisition)
  • Patient must not be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or illicit drugs
  • Patient must abstain from smoking at least one hour before the appointment
  • Patient should keep well hydrated and drink plenty of water before collection to aid the phlebotomist in a successful blood draw
  • Patient should eat a light meal or snack before the blood draw unless the test requires fasting
  • Keep all pets and small children contained and clear of the collection area
  • Keep collection area safe, clean, and free from any hazardous materials
  • Provide access to a comfortable chair, preferably with arm support for a blood draw and ensure you have a place to lie down if you have a history of fainting.

Appointment refusal or cancellation by technician:


Appointments may be refused or cancelled by the phlebotomist upon arrival if, in the judgement of the phlebotomist, the collection area or conditions are deemed unsuitable or unsafe.


Blood and specimen test exclusions and time restrictions:


The following tests either cannot be collected mobile OR must be collected by a specific time of day. Please review your requisition carefully and consider the following before booking an appointment.


Test exclusions:

  • Aldosterone and Renin
  • ACTH Stimulation
  • D-Dimer
  • Glucose Gestational Diabetes Screen
  • Glucose Tolerance
  • Heavy Metals (Copper)
  • Lupus Anticoagulant
  • PTT
  • Troponin
  • Vitamin C
  • Select 24H Urine tests (Metanephrine, Catecholamine, Oxalate, Porphyrin)


Time-sensitive tests:

  • Cortisol AM – appointment must take place between 7 am and 10 am
  • Cortisol PM – appointment must take place between 3 pm and 7 pm
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