Laboratory

Laboratory tests are an important tool used by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients. For convenience, St. Joseph's has three locations where members of the public may go to have necessary specimens collected:

Hospital, (left side of the main lobby, just as you come through the main doors)
307A 14th Street in Courtenay
Cumberland Satellite Lab (in Cumberland Health Centre) 2696 Windermere

Hospital Labratory The specimens are either processed at the hospital site, or sent to other centers for specialty testing. The results, compiled with a high degree of accuracy, reliability and speed, are reported back to the physician who can then use the information for diagnosis and treatment.

The laboratories provide testing services in Biochemistry (blood chemicals), Hematology (red blood cells), Immunology (immune system and blood banking), Microbiology (bacterial infections), Urinalysis (chemicals in urine), Histology (examination by a pathologist of tissues removed from body), Electrodiagnostics (electronic monitoring of the heart) and Pulmonary function (lung capacity and efficiency).

No appointments are necessary for bloodwork or ECG’s and all labs operate on a first come first serve basis. The in-hospital lab takes appointments for Holter Monitoring (a device which measures and records heartbeats over a 24-hour period), and for Pulmonary function testing. Please phone 339-1451.

The satellite lab in Courtenay is open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed on Stat holidays. Questions may be directed to 250-338-1335.

The satellite lab in Cumberland is open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It operates on a first come, first serve basis; questions can be directed to 250-336-8531 Ext. 258.

The in-hospital lab is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reduced hours on most Stat Holidays. Call 250-339-1454 for automated information line.