BLOOD TESTS FOR REMOTE CONSULTATIONS

What blood tests do I need to get done?

We are often asked what blood tests are needed.  For remote consultations, we require patients to submit blood tests from the past two years PRIOR TO setting up an appointment with Dr. Donovan. If they have not been done, patients should see their own general physician or dermatologist first for a screening examination.   Dr. Donovan does not order blood tests for patients prior to their first appointment.  

Please keep in mind that our clinic is a private clinic and patients needing blood tests will be given a standard requisition to visit a local lab. However, because our clinic is private, these fees for blood tests will not be covered under provincial plans (MSP, OHIP, Alberta Health, Saskatchewan Health). Typical fees vary from province to province and an estimate can be found here:  

TYPICAL FEES FOR BLOOD TESTS  

In general, we recommend the following tests for individuals with concerns about their hair as a starting point:

a) MEN - CBC, TSH, ferritin, 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, zinc, B12, folic acid, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG),

b) PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN CURRENTLY TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES: CBC, TSH, ferritin, folic acid, ESR, ANA, DHEAS, 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)

c) PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH REGULAR PERIODS (not on ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES): CBC, TSH, ferritin, ESR, ANA, DHEAS, 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, LH, FSH, free testosterone, total testosterone, androstenedione, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Please have done on DAY 3-4 of the menstrual cycle if possible. This means having the blood test three days after the period starts. For example, if an individual's period starts on Monday, the blood tests should be done on Thursday or Friday.

d) PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH IRREGULAR PERIODS (not on ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES): CBC, TSH, ferritin, ESR, ANA, DHEAS, 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, LH, FSH, free testosterone, total testosterone, androstenedione, vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Please have done on DAY 3-4 of the menstrual cycle if possible. But if menstrual cycles are very irregular and the individual has not had a period for many months, the blood tests may be done at ANY time. 

e) POST MENOPAUSAL WOMEN. CBC, TSH, ferritin, ESR, ANA, DHEAS, 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, testosterone, total testosterone, vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). 

f) ADOLESCENTS (AGE 12 to 18).  CBC, TSH, ferritin, 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, zinc, B12, folic acid, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), total testosterone, free testosterone, DHEAS, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), ESR, ANA.

g) CHILDREN  (AGE 3 to 11).  CBC, TSH, ferritin, 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, zinc, B12, folic acid, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), total testosterone, free testosterone, 

h) CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS (UNDER 3).  Please submit any tests that you have but wait for your consultation with Dr. Donovan before getting additional tests.

**Please note that none of the recommended blood tests listed above requires you to fast before heading to your local lab**

Where should I get my blood tests done?

Dr. Donovan recommends any commercial lab nearby to where a patient lives. A requisition form can be obtained from one's local physician.

Is there a fee for blood tests ordered by Dr. Donovan?

Because our clinic is a private clinic, there may be additional fees for any blood tests that Dr. Donovan orders.