Can a pharmacist order tests and lab work?

What counts as a test?

The guide covers any lab analysis or clinical measurement needed for this monitoring. The Ordre’s summary states that pharmacists now also assess for therapeutic or preventive purposes, not only to ensure appropriate drug use.

What checks come before the test?

• Judge its relevance based on evidence, for example an INESSS guide.
• Make sure a result of the same type is not already available, notably in the Québec Health Record (DSQ).
• Where useful, talk with the care team if the patient is being followed for this condition.
• Explain the test’s benefits, limits and costs to the patient.

Who handles the result?

Once the result is received, the pharmacist analyzes it and follows up. They document the file well enough for a colleague to take over in their absence, and may send the information to the professional responsible for clinical follow-up if they judge it relevant.

What to do with a critical value?

A critical value is an unexpected result far enough from reference values to signal a state critical to life, function or an organ if the prescriber is not told in time. The pharmacist may handle the situation themselves within their competence, call on the professional responsible for follow-up, or send the patient to a walk-in clinic or emergency department, following up until care is taken over.

For pharmacies: what needs planning?

• Who receives results, including after hours and during absences?
• How is a critical result handled in the evening or on a weekend?
• How are costs announced to the patient? See our article on costs.

Sources: OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, summary of what is new (in French)

General information based on the publications cited. This text does not replace professional or legal advice, or the Ordre’s guides.