Blood tests: What do I do if I don't have any?  

Dr. Donovan strongly believes that the appropriate work up for hair loss includes several basic blood tests. If you have previously had blood tests done at your family doctor, or with a specialist, please fax them or email them ahead of time so that Dr Donovan can review all your details before your appointment. If you do not send them ahead to time, be sure to bring them to your appointment.

If you do not have blood tests done, Dr. Donovan will review your need for blood tests at the time of your appointment. Please note that under no circumstances whatsoever will Dr. Donovan order blood tests for any patient without seeing them first. A person is ONLY considered a patient of Dr. Donovan once he or she meets with Dr. Donovan in person or via phone or remote consultation. An individual is not considered a patient until the actual day of their appointment. Dr. Donovan can not order blood tests for anybody who is not considered his patient. Please understand that Dr. Donovan can not order blood tests for any patient until AFTER their appointment.

If you do not have blood tests from your past, don't worry. Dr. Donovan will advise you of what tests are needed and will order for you at the time of your appointment. Please keep in mind that because our clinic is private there are fees for all blood tests that Dr. Donovan orders.

FEES

Dr. Donovan will give you a requisition for blood tests and patients may go to a local blood collection lab to have them done. This includes such commercial labs as Lifelabs, or Dynacare (see links below). Please contact your lab for a list of updated fees.

1. Lifelabs

Phone: 604.431.7206 or 1.800.431.7206 (BC)

Website http://www.lifelabs.com

 2. Dynacare

Phone: 800.565.5721

Website: https://www.dynacare.ca

An approximate estimate is found here. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Blood tests

1. Do I really need blood tests?

Yes, most patients really need blood tests. Of course, they are frequently normal, but it's important to rule out a variety of abnormalities.  

2. Why is their a fee for blood tests if Dr. Donovan gives me a requisition but there is no fee if my family doctor gives me a requisition?

Dr. Donovan's clinic is private and Dr. Donovan does not bill your provincial health plan. Your family doctor's clinic is not private and he or she bills the provincial health plan. 

3. I can't get blood tests before my appointment. Is this a disadvantage?

It's a slight disadvantage as a full discussion may not be possible. Dr. Donovan may need to follow up with you after your appointment by letter mailed to your home with your results and any changes to the treatment plan. If you blood tests end up being normal, then no adjustments to the treatment plan would be needed. 

If you can't get blood tests before your appointment, don't worry. Dr. Donovan will advise you what tests you need. He'll follow up with you by mail within 6 weeks of you getting your results back to advise you if further adjustments are needed.