What the requisition is for
BC began moving to primary HPV testing for cervical screening on January 29, 2024, with an age-based rollout for liquid-based cytology. From May 2026, provider-collected vials from patients aged 40 and older are triaged to HPV primary screening, and from January 2027 that applies from age 25. The requisition tells the lab how the sample was collected and why, so it can run HPV testing, cytology or a co-test. A screening test isn’t the right order for someone with symptoms suggestive of cervical cancer. The form says those patients need further investigation, and results aren’t needed for referral.
Who completes it
The sample provider completes it: a physician, nurse practitioner, RN, naturopathic doctor or locum, with their MSP number and name. The follow-up practitioner or clinic receives the results and arranges follow-up, so make sure it is someone who will act on an abnormal result. The patient doesn’t complete any part, though for a self-collected swab they collect the sample.
How to fill in the requisition
Patient and provider details
Complete the yellow highlighted fields. Enter PHN, date of birth, surname and first name, gender, sample date and LMP. Label the vial or swab with the patient’s surname and date of birth, because the lab rejects samples without them. Add the follow-up practitioner and any copy-to providers.
Collection method and sample site
Choose an LBC vial from the cervix or endocervix, an LBC vial from the vaginal vault or wall, a self-collected vaginal swab or a provider-collected vaginal swab. Only one vial or swab is needed.
Reason for test
For routine screening, choose primary or asymptomatic screening. Use the follow-up options after a positive self-collected HPV test, at 12 months after HPV other high risk positive, or after colposcopy discharge. The colposcopy-only column covers follow-up of HPV 16/18 or other high risk results. Choose investigation of a clinical abnormality for unexplained bleeding or a suspicious lesion.
Clinical information
Tick what applies: IUD, DES exposure in utero, pelvic radiation, immunocompromised status, out-of-province abnormality, or total hysterectomy with the date, pathology number and reason. The lab triages samples using screening guidelines and patient history, so don’t leave these blank.
Common reasons samples are rejected or delayed
- A sample not labelled with surname and date of birth.
- Both a swab and a vial sent for the same patient.
- Yellow highlighted fields left blank.
- No follow-up practitioner, so results have nowhere to go.
- Screening ordered for a symptomatic patient who needs investigation.
Submitting and who pays
Send samples with the requisition to the Cervical Cancer Screening Laboratory at 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, by courier or Canada Post using BC Cancer’s prepaid envelopes where no other option exists. Vials, swabs and requisition pads are ordered through BC Cancer’s online supply portal. Program screening has no form fee, and BC Cancer has a private pay form for tests outside the program.