Requirements for laboratory test referrals

Last updated on November 15, 2024

Before referring for (or ordering) laboratory tests, pharmacists are expected to:

  • Obtain a unique MSP practitioner number
  • Register with laboratory operators, and
  • Register with CareConnect (or similar EMR system) to view test results from the Provincial Laboratory Information Solution (PLIS).

When a pharmacist refers for a laboratory test (including receiving and interpreting results), they must do so in accordance with the College of Pharmacists of BC's Standards, limits and conditions for ordering, receiving and interpreting laboratory tests (PDF, 1,8MB). These standards, limits and conditions outline competency, assessment, follow-up, documentation and notification requirements.

On this page: Get set up to refer for lab tests | Requisition form | Receiving lab results | Resources

 Get set up to refer for laboratory tests

Follow these steps to get authorized to refer clients for laboratory tests.

1. Obtain an MSP practitioner number

Pharmacists must apply to receive a unique MSP practitioner number. The practitioner number authorizes pharmacists to order select laboratory medicine tests for eligible MSP beneficiaries and allows laboratories performing these services to submit claims to MSP for remittance.

Pharmacists will use their unique practitioner number when registering with laboratory operators and when completing a laboratory test requisition form.

To apply for a MSP practitioner number, review and complete:

2. Register with laboratory operators

After obtaining an MSP practitioner number, pharmacists must register with laboratory operators, providing distribution and contact information, MSP practitioner number, and other details. Pharmacists may not order a laboratory test without completing this registration. Requisitions ordered by an unregistered pharmacist can result in administrative and patient safety issues. This includes the possibility that the pharmacist will not receive the test results, or the patient being turned away at the collection site. 

A streamlined registration process has been introduced for pharmacists, allowing them to register with all lab operators in a single step using the form posted by Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services.

3. Register with CareConnect

Pharmacists can enrol and securely log on to CareConnect to view their patient’s laboratory testing history, using their web browser. Pharmacists may also have access to test results through their pharmacy’s EMR system.

Pharmacists should only use CareConnect to access patient records they are authorized to access. CareConnect monitors all access to patient records.

To gain access and start using CareConnect, review and follow the instructions provided in the CareConnect Quick Start Guide (PDF, 229KB).

Requisition form

Pharmacists in acute, inpatient, and some specialized settings may use existing laboratory requisition forms (approved under the LSA), following existing health authority policies.

To order laboratory tests for patients outside of acute, inpatient settings, pharmacists should use the Standard Outpatient Laboratory Requisition for Pharmacists (SOPLR-P), which can be found on the PLMS Requisitions web page.

After completing the form, the pharmacist will hand the requisition as a paper copy to the patient to take to an outpatient specimen collection centre. Some laboratory operators may accept completed requisitions by fax or e-fax.

Please note that laboratory operators typically will not accept requisitions dated more than 1 year from the date the requisition was signed by an ordering health care practitioner.   

Per the LSA, approved laboratory test requisitions may not be altered by, for example, adding company logos or changing the formatting of the form.  

View the instructions for completing the outpatient lab requisition for pharmacists (HLTH1946) (PDF, 189KB)

Receiving test results

Laboratory operators will send the test results to the ordering health care practitioner in the method indicated during registration with the laboratory operator. Test results will be sent to the other practitioner(s) listed in the "copy to" field(s) on the requisition.

If receiving laboratory results by fax, the fax machine must be in a secure environment to protect patient confidentiality. Laboratory test results can also be viewed using CareConnect (requires the patient’s Provincial Health Number).

On receiving the results, the pharmacist must identify and communicate the best course of action with their patient. For more details on a pharmacist’s responsibilities regarding interpreting test results and follow-up with the patient, please refer to the CPBC’s Standards, limits and conditions for ordering, receiving and interpreting laboratory tests (PDF, 1,8MB).

Critical results

Critical results show values that are outside the normal range, to a degree that may constitute an immediate health risk and/or require immediate action on the part of the ordering practitioner.

Laboratory operators are required to report critical results by phone to the ordering practitioner immediately, and document that the results were completely and accurately received after the verbal communication with the ordering practitioner or an alternate health care professional.

As per the CPBC’s SLCs, pharmacists must have a system in place, available 24/7, to receive and respond to critical results. This could entail:

  • Specifying after-hours and/or emergency contact information when registering with laboratory operators and when completing a requisition to order testing.
  • Establishing agreements, partnerships, or arrangements such as on-call groups with other pharmacists or health professional colleagues (who can assume responsibility for receiving and appropriately acting on critical test results).

For any questions about pharmacist lab ordering, please email PCI@gov.bc.ca

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