What the Prenatal Screening Requisition is for
The form orders Ontario’s routine prenatal serology at Public Health Ontario’s laboratory: hepatitis B surface antigen, rubella IgG, syphilis and, as an option, HIV. PHO says all pregnant patients should be screened for these four, and recommends offering HIV testing in each pregnancy regardless of apparent risk, since infection can happen between pregnancies.
Syphilis screening is recommended in the first trimester or at the first prenatal visit, and PHO suggests considering repeat screening later in pregnancy for patients at ongoing or high risk. Hepatitis A testing isn’t part of the screen and won’t be run unless clinically indicated.
Who completes it
The ordering clinician completes the whole form, giving their initial, surname and OHIP or CPSO number in the submitter section. A second doctor or clinic can be copied on results. The form’s own header says all sections must be completed at every visit, so use a fresh requisition each time you order.
How to fill in the requisition
1. Submitter and cc Doctor Information
Give your name, address, telephone, fax and courier code if you have one. Add the copy-to doctor’s name, clinic, CPSO number and address when someone else, such as the obstetrician or midwife, needs the results.
2. Patient Information
Use the names as they appear on the health card, with the health card number, date of birth, address and phone. Record the date collected and your submitter lab number. The tube must carry the patient’s first and last name, the collection date and one other identifier, and they must match the form or the specimen is rejected.
3. Test(s) Requested
Tick hepatitis B surface antigen, rubella, syphilis and HIV as needed. If rubella was done at another laboratory, tick that box so it isn’t repeated. If you’re asking for hepatitis B immunity for a specific exposure, write the reason on the form.
Common reasons it’s rejected or delayed
- Hepatitis B immunity requested with no stated reason.
- Labels on the tube that don’t match the requisition.
- Specimens from donor screening, which PHO doesn’t offer.
- Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or contaminated serum.
- Glass tubes, which PHO asks you not to send.
- Other tests added to the form instead of their own requisition and specimen.
Submitting and who pays
If the blood is drawn in your office, send the tube and requisition to your local Public Health Ontario laboratory. If the patient goes to a lab for collection, send the completed requisition with them. Turnaround is up to three days from receipt, and up to six for a reactive hepatitis B, syphilis or HIV screen. PHO only performs insured services under Ontario’s Health Insurance Act, so the patient isn’t charged.