Valley medical labs

[Mark5]

Does anyone know what is happening at Valley medical labs? I have tried for two weeks to get in to two different locations for blood tests and every time I go the waiting room is full and there is lineups out the door. No where to sit outside either. You would think they would provide chairs. Many people have a hard time standing for hours at a time.The one downtown had people all congregating together near the door. Not good in a pandemic. It seems they have dropped the ball here. Perhaps another company should come to the Okanagan as it seem Valley medical Labs cannot keep up.Any other suggestions for how to get a blood test in Kelowna would be most welcome.

[spooker]

I typically arrive about 7:40 in the morning to the downtown lab ... some days I get out by 8:15 but typically no later than 8:30 ... haven't been since the beginning of the year so more people might have adopted that same system ... there are also times of the month and week that seem better, the staff might have some recommendations if you call and ask them ... they've always been friendly and informative ... but no, no seats outside the waiting area ...

[CrystalCity]

I can think of a number of reasons why they have no seating outside of the labs, potential of seats being stolen, and added inconvenience of limited staff having to keep them clean. I personally don't mind standing since it helps keep the blood moving.

My understanding is that Valley medical has the contract to run the diabetes clinics in the Okanagan. If your GP's office didn't tell you to have the blood work done at Valley Medical then the lab located at KGH is a perfectly viable alternative (though I doubt the seating arrangements will be much better). Fair warning, many parents take their kids to KGH so you may experience a 2 hour wait as the techies try to draw blood from stubborn toddlers...even if you are first in line.

The lab at Capri allows for online booking, which is good if you have routine lab work such as thyroid, A1C, dialysis, etc., however you need to place the appointment 3 weeks in advance via their website.

Cut them some slack. Being a lab techy is a thankless job even when there ISN'T a pandemic.

[alanjh595]

The lab that I use, uses "beepers", just like the ones they use for restaurants to notify the waitress that an order is ready for delivery.
Go in, give your name, receive your "beeper" and wait in your car or go shopping.
When it beeps, show up at the door, turn in your beeper, and get a seat in the waiting room.
I am usually in the test room within 5 minutes.

Yes, this is a Valley Labs facility.

[Jonrox]

As far as I know this isn't anything new. Labs in Kelowna have been busy in Kelowna for years.

[just popping in]

Get there early in the a.m.
There is nothing worse than arriving after lunch, standing in line forever and then being told they won't get to you before closing and send you on your way.

[GordonH]

Does anyone know what is happening at Valley medical labs? I have tried for two weeks to get in to two different locations for blood tests and every time I go the waiting room is full and there is lineups out the door. No where to sit outside either. You would think they would provide chairs. Many people have a hard time standing for hours at a time.The one downtown had people all congregating together near the door. Not good in a pandemic. It seems they have dropped the ball here. Perhaps another company should come to the Okanagan as it seem Valley medical Labs cannot keep up.Any other suggestions for how to get a blood test in Kelowna would be most welcome.

What I would suggest is book appointment at Capri location. They only take appointments at this location.
Here is a link https://valleymedicallaboratories.com/location/capri/

[dodgerdodge]

You can apparently book online and avoid the line ups. West Kelowna one is hit and miss, some times of day are bad and others are empty, also Peachland now has one so the Westbank one had some breathing space. Early morning is often busy with all the fasting patients wanting to get their bloods done and go back and eat!
KGH is a nightmare and so so slow most of the time and often appears badly understaffed.

[Bsuds]

I have been going to the downtown one every 3 months for 20 years and rarely have a problem.

Best time is later in the afternoon around 2pm. If it's busy I go another day as I'm usually not in a rush.

[alanjh595]

I have been going to the downtown one every 3 months for 20 years and rarely have a problem.

Best time is later in the afternoon around 2pm. If it's busy I go another day as I'm usually not in a rush.

This too I have learned, timing is important.

The early morning clients are the ones that are on the "fasting" test series. They are hungry or are wanting a coffee ...... don't try to interact with them ...... they will kill anyone with a steaming hot cup of coffee within 10 feet of them and come back tomorrow for their test.

The ones that you need to really avoid is those that have a "lunch bag" in their hands. You don't want to get near those folks.

After noticing all of the different characteristics over several visits, I thought I would change it up a bit.

I took one of the small wooden stools that I had from when I gave "woodworking classes", put it in a large gift bag, (the ones with the handles). Dropped it hard on the receptionist's counter and told her that I was instructed to deliver my stool sample.

The shock and ahw on there faces was priceless, as I removed it from the bag and placed it on the counter in front of them.

[Bsuds]

[Even Steven]

You can book online so you can avoid waiting and go straight in.

There, I just saved you sitting for hours. Send me a cookie.

[nucksRnum1]

Insider tip from my Doc Warren. Go to Peachland it's a nugget of not being too busy. He was right.

[Mark5]

Thank you for all the comments everyone. I was able to finally get a blood test and it was not with Valley Labs.

[DebSS]

When I lived in Peachland, before the lab was there - I went to Penticton they have 3 labs. Fast service. Now that I live in Oliver, I go to the hospital here. I have my doc in West Kelowna fax the blood req to the hospital. I go online and book my appt. I have used the lab in Osoyoos also. Options are better at the south end of the valley.