Laboratory testing
Blood, urine or other specimen testing when results can clarify diagnosis or monitoring.
Clearer answers and appropriate next steps
From uncertainty to the right next step.
Access diagnostic and referral services in Toronto, beginning with an assessment to determine whether testing, imaging or specialist input is appropriate.
01
Clinical question first
Testing is most useful when it addresses a clear symptom, risk or care decision.
02
Appropriate next step
The assessment guides whether testing, monitoring or specialist input is needed.
03
Connected follow-up
Results need interpretation in the context of your health and original concern.
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External timelines vary
Testing sites and specialist offices manage their own booking and wait times.
Clearer answers and appropriate next steps
Choose the investigation that can meaningfully guide care.
Laboratory testing, imaging and specialist referrals are most helpful when they answer a focused clinical question after your symptoms, history and previous results are reviewed.
A requested test or referral is not automatically the safest or most useful option. The clinician may recommend a different investigation, observation, treatment trial, follow-up visit or urgent assessment based on the clinical picture.
Pathways to further care
Eight ways an assessment may lead forward.
The appropriate pathway depends on the concern, urgency, previous evaluation, eligibility and whether the result is likely to change care.
X-ray or ultrasound
Community imaging requests selected for the body area and clinical question being assessed.
CT or MRI
Advanced imaging requested when clinically indicated and subject to facility triage.
Specialist consultation
Referral for focused expertise, procedures or management beyond primary-care scope.
Specialized programs
Connection to condition-specific clinics, screening pathways or centralized intake services.
Allied health support
Referral or recommendation for therapy, rehabilitation or another regulated health service.
Abnormal-result follow-up
Additional testing, consultation or monitoring after an unexpected or changing result.
Ongoing monitoring
Planned investigations used to follow a condition, medication or treatment response over time.
Your diagnostic journey
From clinical question to interpreted result.
A requisition or referral is one stage of care. Booking, preparation, completion, reporting and follow-up all matter.
- 01
Complete an assessment
Review symptoms, history, examination findings and any previous investigations.
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Choose the next step
The clinician identifies the test, imaging or referral most likely to inform care.
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Arrange the service
Follow booking and preparation instructions from the laboratory, imaging site or specialist.
- 04
Review the outcome
Confirm how results will be communicated and whether a follow-up appointment is needed.
Prepare for assessment
Bring the context that helps avoid duplicate or unfocused testing.
Previous records and a clear symptom timeline can help the clinician understand what has already been evaluated and what question remains.
Symptom and care timeline
Note what changed, when it began, progression and treatment or assessment already received.
Previous results and images
Bring relevant reports, laboratory results or details of where prior imaging was completed.
Medication and health list
Include prescriptions, allergies, pregnancy possibility and conditions that may affect testing.
Current contact information
Confirm your phone, email and availability so external offices can reach you about booking.
While you wait
Know who to contact at each stage.
The referring clinic and external provider have different roles. Keep both informed when booking stalls or symptoms change.
External scheduling
Confirm whether the facility will contact you or whether you must call, and ask about preparation and cancellation lists.
View Ontario wait-time tools →Clinical result review
Ask the ordering clinic when results are expected and whether discussion requires another appointment.
Call about follow-up →Emergency care
Do not wait for an outpatient test, referral, booking call or result when symptoms may be life-threatening.
Call 911 or go to an emergency department.Ontario wait-time data can support a conversation about options, but individual priority and timing depend on clinical triage and facility capacity.
Outpatient pathways are not emergency care
Do not wait for a requisition, referral or result.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for severe chest pain, major breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, new confusion, signs of stroke, uncontrolled bleeding or another potentially life-threatening symptom.
If symptoms significantly worsen while you wait, contact an appropriate care service for reassessment.Diagnostic and referral FAQs
Helpful answers about the next stage of care.
Testing and referrals are based on clinical need, while external providers determine acceptance, priority and scheduling.
View all clinic FAQsYou can discuss your request, but the clinician must determine whether it is appropriate and whether another investigation or pathway is more useful or safer.
Many services are completed by independent laboratories, imaging facilities, hospitals or specialist offices. The requisition or clinic team should explain the destination and booking process.
Waits vary by service, priority, location and capacity. The receiving provider determines triage and timing. Ontario publishes wait information for selected imaging and specialist services.
Ask the ordering clinician about the expected timeline and communication method. Some results need a dedicated visit to explain their meaning and decide next steps.
Receiving services may request more information, redirect to another pathway or decline based on criteria. Contact the referring clinic to review the response and available alternatives.