Colorectal cancer screening in Canada: 2021/2022

Returning the colorectal screening tests

There are many ways for participants to return their colorectal screening test. Most jurisdictions allow participants to drop off their tests at a community hospital or community health centre, at the lab, or to mail the tests using pre-paid postage that was provided with the testing kit. Only NT and QC allow for drop off at pick up location, like PCP’s office or collection centre.

Most jurisdictions recommend returning the screening test within 7 days of sample collection, as samples need to be analyzed within 15 days of sample collection. YT, ON, QC, and PE recommend returning the test within 48 hours of sample collection.

Returning the colorectal screening tests

P/T Drop off at community hospital/ health centre Drop off at pick up location Drop off at lab Mail using postage paid envelope provided with kit
YT
NT
NU

 

BC
AB
SK
MB
ON ✓* ✓^
QC
NB
NS
PE ✓ ~
NL

ON: *People who live in a First Nations community can contact their health centre or nursing station to discuss drop-off options
ON: ^Participants can drop off their FIT at any LifeLabs Patient Service Centre
PE: ~and PCP offices with a lab run


Recommended timeframe for kit return

P/T  Within 48 hours of sample collection  Within 7 days of sample collection  Must be analyzed within 15 days of sample collection  Before kit expiry 
YT 
NT 
NU 
BC 
AB 
SK 
MB  ✓*
ON  ✓^
QC 
NB~  ✓*
NS 
PE 
Refrigerated samples
NL 

MB and NB: *Must be analyzed within 14 days of sample collection
ON: ^Participants are encouraged to return their completed kit by mail or drop off option within 48 hours so that it can be tested at the lab within 14 days of completion.
NB: ~Participants are encouraged to avoid mailing the completed kit on a Thursday and Friday before the weekend and before holidays.