Medical Laboratories of Windsor Services

Routine blood work can be completed at any of our locations during regular hours.

Required Documents:
In order to make your visit as smooth as possible :

• bring a completed blood test requisition form from your healthcare provider
• have your health card, IFH, or Green Shield information
• ensure that all your information on the requisition is complete, including your full name, date of birth, address, health card number, and phone number

For your convenience we also have Home Lab Services available.

Need to save time? Check in before your leave with our Net Check-In service.

Have a requisition? You can upload it here.

Most children will need bloodwork at some time. MLW staff is professionally trained to ensure that all patients, including babies and other patients who may have special needs, are comfortable throughout the collection process.

The thought of taking your child to have a blood test can be scary for the child and can even cause anxiety for the parent. Here are some tips to help prepare you for your visit.

1. What can parents do?

Empower yourself. When you are given your child’s requisition discuss the tests ordered with your child’s doctor. Enquire about the tests and if any special preparation is necessary. If your child sees that you are comfortable with the tests the doctor is ordering it will help them feel assured.

2. You can prepare your child by letting your child know what to expect.

Usually, it is best to tell your child ahead of time that she is going to have blood work. For most children, it is a good idea to tell them a day or two before their appointment. Be honest with your child, using words she can understand. Explain the steps involved in the process and they will probably want to know if it will hurt. Let them know that some people feel that it hurts and others don’t find it painful. Reassure them that if they do feel a little pain that it will not last long and will be over in a few moments. Let your child know it’s okay not to like what is happening but it will be over shortly and it’s important that they remain still until it is over.

3. Coping Skills.
   Children take their cues from their caregiver and thus, it is important to help provide your child with effective coping strategies. Your reaction to a stressful situation can influence your child’s reaction. For example, if you show that you are worried about your child getting a needle; your child may become more worried. If you are relaxed about your child getting a needle; your child may feel more relaxed.

4. Giving your child choices can be helpful.

Children feel better when they have some control. Let your child help plan the day and decide what toy they would like to take to the lab. You can ask if they want to play with a toy or hear their favourite story while blood is being taken or what special snack they want to have when the test is completed.

5. Ideas for Aiding a Child during their test.

Depending on the child’s age, there are different ways to distract a child and take their mind off the procedure:

• Toddlers 12 months to 2 years
  Use toys that move or make noise to distract your child during the procedure. For example a light up toy or magical sparkly wand to make the hurt disappear, blowing bubbles uses deep breathing which can help relieve stress and the child can predict where the bubble will land.

• Children 3 to 5 years old
  Use play and imagination with this age group. The above listed ideas can be used, along with the child’s own favourite toy, books, music, electronics, counting during a difficult part or use a stress ball. If your child has a stress ball or soft object they can imagine transferring pain out of their body onto the ball.

• Children 6 to 12 years old
  Depending on your child any of the above suggestions might work as well as pop up books, hide-inside book. Some older children can use their imaginations to distract them. Get your child to close their eyes and imagine a favourite place or activity. Tell them a story or joke to help distract them.

By following these tips, you can turn your child’s first blood test from an unpleasant and potentially traumatizing experience into one that’s comfortable for you and your child.

Have a requisition? You can upload it here.

Convenient At-Home Blood Sample Collection:
At Medical Labs of Windsor, we understand that traveling to a lab for blood sample collection can be challenging for some patients. Our Home Lab Service brings the lab to you, providing convenient at-home blood sample collection. Our skilled phlebotomists ensure a safe and professional experience right at your doorstep.

Benefits of Home Lab Service:

Convenience: No need to travel; we come to you.
Comfort: Get your blood drawn in the comfort of your own home.
Safety: Professional and hygienic sample collection.
Efficiency: Quick and easy appointment scheduling and confirmation.

Currently, MLW offers a home lab service to patients and their families at a nominal fee. To ensure that patients who truly need this service have access to it, MLW must first receive a request for service from a healthcare provider. Physicians and patients may call our Home Lab Services at 519-258-1991 ext 0 for assistance.

This service will be available to the general public in the near future.

Accurate Heart Health Monitoring

An Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) is a simple, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps diagnose various heart conditions and monitors heart health. At Medical Labs of Windsor, our experienced lab assistants ensure a comfortable and efficient testing process.

This test requires an appointment.
Please call 519-258-1991 ext 0 to schedule your appointment.
Have a requisition? You can upload it here.

What to Expect During Your EKG/ECG Test:
Our lab assistants will guide you through the process to ensure accurate results and your comfort throughout the procedure.

Here’s what to expect:

PREPARATION:

• Remove Clothing: You will be asked to remove all clothing from the waist up to allow for proper sensor placement. Women should remove pantyhose to allow placement of sensors on the lower legs. Your lower legs below the knees should be bare, but you may keep your shoes on.
• Positioning: You will lay flat on your back on the ECG bed. A drape sheet will be provided for you to cover yourself. Relax and make yourself comfortable.

SENSOR PLACEMENT:

• Cleaning: Alcohol will be rubbed on small areas of your upper arms, lower legs, and chest (around the heart area) to clean the skin for sensor placement.
• Applying Sensors: Six skin sensors will be placed on your chest, and one on each limb. The lab assistant will feel for rib spaces to ensure accurate placement. Some placements may require lifting the breast, which is done using the back of the hand.
• Connecting Cables: Once the skin sensors are placed, cables will be attached to each sensor. The lab assistant will then cover your chest to preserve your modesty.

TAKING THE READING:

• Remain Still: You will be asked to lie still while the reading is being taken. This will take approximately 10 seconds.

After the test, the sensors and cables will be removed, and you can dress and resume your normal activities. The results will be reviewed by your doctor to provide insights into your heart health.

DOWNTOWN WINDSOR: Main Location
1428 Ouellette Ave., Windsor, ON

Available Tuesday – Friday: 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm 

TECUMSEH MEDICAL CENTRE (TMC):
13278 Tecumseh Road East, Tecumseh, Ontario

Available Wednesday – Friday: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm 

Please call 519-258-1991 ext 0 to schedule your appointment.

Comprehensive Fertility and Post Vasectomy Testing
At Medical Labs of Windsor, we provide reliable fertility and post vasectomy testing services to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. Our experienced staff and state-of-the-art facilities ensure accurate and timely results.

Fertility and Post Vasectomy Specimen Collection Instructions

This test requires an appointment.
Please call 519-258-1991 ext 0 to schedule your fertility sample drop-off.

Fertility Studies / Instructions

Arabic Patient Instructions 

Post Vasectomy Patient Instructions

PREPARATION:

• Abstain from Ejaculation: It is required that you abstain from ejaculation for 2-3 days (but not more than 7 days) before sample collection.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION:

• Use Provided Container: Collect the specimen in the sealed, sterile container provided by the lab or your doctor’s office. Using any other container or condom may render the sperm immobile, and the sample cannot be accepted for testing.
• Label the Container: Clearly label the container with your first and last name, date, and time of collection. Complete the required information on the Fertility Studies Form and/or Post Vasectomy Form.
• Collection Method: Collect the specimen directly into the container by masturbation. If any portion of the specimen is lost, discard the rest and attempt the collection at a later date.
• Protect the Specimen: Close the labeled container tightly and place it in a paper bag to protect it from light. Keep the specimen near your body to maintain body temperature during the journey to the laboratory.

DELIVERY TO THE LAB:

• Fertility Specimens:
  • An appointment is required for fertility sample drop-off. Please call 519-258-1991 ext 0 to schedule.
  • Sample must be received within one hour of collection to ensure accurate test results.
  • Accepted only at our 1428 Ouellette Ave. location.
  • Drop-off times are Wednesday and Friday between 9 am – 1 pm.
  • Your health card and the completed Fertility Studies Form must accompany the sample.

• Post Vasectomy Samples:
  • May be dropped off at any Medical Labs of Windsor location.
  • Drop-offs are acceptable Monday – Saturday.
  • Your health card and the completed Post Vasectomy Form must accompany the sample.

Fertility Studies / Instructions

Arabic Patient Instructions 

Post Vasectomy Patient Instructions

Comprehensive Genetic Testing and Sample Collection:
At Medical Labs of Windsor, we facilitate advanced genetic testing through our streamlined sample collection process. Our aim is to make genetic testing accessible and efficient for both patients and healthcare providers. We understand the challenges that come with completing and managing requisition forms, and we’re here to simplify that process.

Our Process:

VISIT YOUR DOCTOR:

• During your visit, your doctor will assess the need for genetic testing and fill out the appropriate requisition form.

FORM SUBMISSION:

• Your doctor will send the completed requisition form to Medical Labs of Windsor for review. If your doctor has given you the form, please upload it here.

FORM REVIEW:

• We meticulously review the forms to ensure all necessary information is included. If any details are missing, we promptly contact the doctor for corrections.

Comprehensive Diabetes Screening: 
The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is a critical tool in diagnosing diabetes and assessing how your body processes glucose. At Medical Labs of Windsor, we ensure a smooth and safe testing process, providing accurate results to help manage your health.

What to Expect During Your Glucose Tolerance Test
Our lab assistants will guide you through the test, ensuring your comfort and safety. Here’s what to expect:

GLUCOSE DRINK ADMINISTRATION:

• Receiving the Drink: You will be given the required amount of the glucose drink according to the test requested.
• Instructions for Intake: You will need to drink the dose within 5 minutes. The time you finish the drink will be recorded on the test requisition form.

TEST TIMING:

• Start of Timing: The timing of the test begins when you finish the glucose drink.

BLOOD SPECIMEN COLLECTION:

• Scheduled Draws: Blood specimens will be collected at intervals depending on the test requested. These intervals may include fasting, 1 hour, 2 hour, and 3 hour draws.

Accurate Diagnosis for Lactose Intolerance:
The Lactose Tolerance Test (LTT) is used to diagnose lactose intolerance and assess how your body processes lactose. At Medical Labs of Windsor, we ensure a thorough and accurate testing process to help manage your digestive health.

This test requires an appointment.
Please call 519-258-1991 ext 0 to schedule your appointment.

What to Expect During Your Lactose Tolerance Test
Our lab assistants will guide you through the pre-test preparations and the test itself to ensure accurate results. Here’s what to expect:

PRE-TEST PREPARATION:

• Fasting: It is mandatory to be fasting for a minimum of 8 hours before the test. Do not eat or drink anything except water during this period.
• Stay Duration: You must remain at Medical Labs of Windsor for 2 hours to complete the test.

ADMINISTERING THE LACTOSE DOSE:

• Lactose Drink: You will be given a dose of 50 g of lactose if you weigh more than 23 kg. For patients weighing less than 23 kg, a measured portion of the prepared lactose drink will be diluted according to your weight and brought up to a total volume of 250 ml.

BLOOD SPECIMEN COLLECTION:

• Collection Schedule: Blood specimens will be collected at specific intervals: Fasting, ½ hour, 1 hour, 1½ hour, and 2 hours after consuming the lactose drink.
• Specimen Handling: Blood will be collected in a GREY top tube (oxalate/fluoride). The tube will be mixed thoroughly by gentle inversion and then stored and shipped refrigerated at 2-8°C to ensure accurate test results.