Laboratory Medicine
Laboratory Medicine services provide support to Unity Health patients and people living in the communities we serve. Every year, our laboratories perform millions of tests and provide reference testing for a number of hospitals in the GTA.
We are continually evolving to meet all inpatient and outpatient needs by making use of new analyzers with improved testing methods, automated systems, research, education for our staff and efficient use of available resources. Our laboratory staff members include pathologists, microbiologists, biochemists, pathologists’ assistants, medical laboratory technologists, medical laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, transcriptionists and administrative staff.
Appointment information
You don’t need to make an appointment for lab tests. However, please note that we will only perform tests for patients whose physicians have privileges at Unity Health.
How to check your test results
- Visit MyChart
- Contact the Health Records Department
Click on the site tabs below for information on the hours and locations of our labs.
Laboratory Medicine at St. Joseph's Health Centre
St. Joseph’s laboratory services provide support both to patients when being cared for at St. Joseph’s and people living in the community who require ongoing treatments and monitoring of medical conditions.
Our departments include:
- Anatomical Pathology/Cytology. We provide histology services which include consultations and histotechnology techniques on surgical, cytological and autopsy materials.
- Chemistry. In Chemistry, we analyze samples of your body fluids (eg. blood, urine, stool) to monitor your health or to diagnose disease. The chemistry division specializes in many complex lab tests that are sent to us from across the country. We provide expert guidance to patients with unique endocrinology, lipid, multiple sclerosis and toxicology related disorders.
- Hematology. In Hematology, we test cells in the blood for disorders such as leukemia and anemia, and may also detect the presence of a blood infection. By examining your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, we can provide your doctor with a complete blood count, which is an important measure of health.
- Immunology. In Immunology, we assess the immune system’s function to diagnose disorders such as immunodeficiency or autoimmunity. The Immunology lab St. Joseph’s Health Centre is unique as it is the only lab in Ontario to offer special testing for disorders such as Myositis and Optic Neuritis.
- Microbiology. In Microbiology, we employ various methods to determine the bacteria, fungi and viruses that invade your body and detect diseases like hepatitis, blood stream infections, tissue infections, influenza and pneumonia. We also test the effectiveness of antibiotics against the particular bacteria in the sample to allow your doctor to effectively treat the infection.
- Phlebotomy. Phlebotomists are medical laboratory technicians trained to draw blood from patients for testing. We have a team of skilled phlebotomists who support the internal and external clinical programs at Unity Health.
- Point of Care Testing. Point of Care Testing refers to any diagnostic testing done outside the laboratory in close proximity to where the patient is receiving care such as at the bedside. This allows health-care providers to obtain a quick and accurate result on a small sample of blood or urine without having to send it to the lab for analysis.
- Specimen Receiving. Our trained laboratory technicians receive specimens from internal and family health team outpatient blood labs. Technicians verify, enter information of specimens into the system and submit them to the labs for testing.
- Transfusion Medicine. In Transfusion Medicine we perform the testing needed to provide blood components (red cells, platelets and plasma) and blood products (factor concentrate, RhIG, IVIG) for transfusion. You may require transfusion due to surgery, injury or disease. We also perform special testing to help your physician diagnose and/or monitor certain diseases.
Our laboratory regularly obtains licenses and is accredited to ensure we meet all requirements to operate in Ontario.
Clinics & Services
Laboratory Medicine at St. Michael's Hospital
St. Michael’s full-service laboratories are designed to meet all inpatient and outpatient needs. The St. Michael’s laboratory was one of the first in Canada to introduce an automated robotic specimen processing system.
Our departments include:
- Anatomical Pathology/Cytology. We provide histology services which include consultations and histotechnology techniques on surgical, cytological and autopsy materials.
- Chemistry. In Chemistry, we analyze samples of your body fluids (eg. blood, urine, stool) to monitor your health or to diagnose disease. The chemistry division specializes in many complex lab tests that are sent to us from across the country. We provide expert guidance to patients with unique endocrinology, lipid, multiple sclerosis and toxicology related disorders.
- Hematology. In Hematology, we test cells in the blood for disorders such as leukemia and anemia, and may also detect the presence of a blood infection. By examining your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, we can provide your doctor with a complete blood count, which is an important measure of health.
- Microbiology. In Microbiology, we employ various methods to determine the bacteria, fungi and viruses that invade your body and detect diseases like hepatitis, blood stream infections, tissue infections, influenza and pneumonia. We also test the effectiveness of antibiotics against the particular bacteria in the sample to allow your doctor to effectively treat the infection.
- Molecular Biology. The Molecular Biology Laboratory applies DNA and RNA detection techniques to the diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy of various diseases, including colon cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. Other molecular tests include detection of polyoma viruses, HSV, flu/COVID, molecular investigations of coagulopathies.
- Phlebotomy. Phlebotomists are medical laboratory technicians trained to draw blood from patients for testing. We have a team of skilled phlebotomists who support the internal and external clinical programs at Unity Health.
- Point of Care Testing. Point of Care Testing refers to any diagnostic testing done outside the laboratory in close proximity to where the patient is receiving care such as at the bedside. This allows health-care providers to obtain a quick and accurate result on a small sample of blood or urine without having to send it to the lab for analysis.
- Specimen Receiving. Our trained laboratory technicians receive specimens from internal and family health team outpatient blood labs. Technicians verify, enter information of specimens into the system and submit them to the labs for testing.
- Transfusion Medicine. In Transfusion Medicine we perform the testing needed to provide blood components (red cells, platelets and plasma) and blood products (factor concentrate, RhIG, IVIG) for transfusion. You may require transfusion due to surgery, injury or disease. We also perform special testing to help your physician diagnose and/or monitor certain diseases.
Browse our Test Catalogue to view all available tests, specimen collection instruction and/or download requisitions.
Clinics & Services
Laboratory Medicine at Providence Healthcare
Tests are available at Providence Healthcare through LifeLabs.
As of April 1, 2021, St. Michael’s Foundation amalgamated with Providence Healthcare Foundation and all receipts will be issued by St. Michael’s Foundation.
We are pleased to let you know that your donation will go directly to the organization and priority that you have designated.
Last updated October 20, 2023