Notifications & Alerts
Latest Notifications & Alerts
Apr
23,
2024
UPDATE ON TEST AVAILABILITY - Oxalate - Urine, 24HR
***UPDATE ON TEST AVAILABILITY*** Effective April 29th, 2024 LifeLabs Ontario is resuming testing for Oxalic Acid – 24 Hr Urine (AKA Oxalate Urine).
Apr
6,
2024
URINE CULTURE (ONTARIO)
***UPDATE ON TEST TURN AROUND TIME***
We have implemented a new Automation system for our Microbiology testing, specifically for urine cultures and MRSA/VRE. We have also consolidated all Microbiology testing at one site (IRL). As a result, you may see some delays as we transition our volumes to th...
Beginning in May 2024, a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) using a loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method will be employed at LifeLabs as the initial screening tool for the detection of malarial parasites, replacing the existing method of microscopic examination of thick and thin ...
Mar
22,
2024
CHANGES TO KIDNEY FUNCTION TESTING - Supporting Clinicians in Improving Care for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Effective 22 April 2024, LifeLabs is introducing changes to the reporting of kidney function tests, including: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE)
As part of ongoing efforts to improve our quality of service, LifeLabs Ontario will start offering urine methylphenidate and ketamine testing in-house.
This change will go into effect on March 25, 2024.
Feb
29,
2024
Changes to Serum Selenium Testing
As part of ongoing efforts to improve our quality of service, LifeLabs Ontario will start offering serum selenium testing in-house.
Please be advised that there will be a transition from plasma collection to serum collection, effective as of March 25, 2024.
Feb
22,
2024
Changes to H. pylori Urea Breath Testing
LifeLabs is experiencing a shortage of H. pylori breath kits due to vendor supply issues. As a result, we will be temporarily unable to offer breath test collection kits for testing. To ensure continued access to testing during this shortage, patients can use the H. pylori stool antigen test as an ...
Feb
22,
2024
CHANGES TO FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TESTING
Starting December 1, 2023, LifeLabs will no longer be supplying gFOBT cards to healthcare providers. Testing using gFOBT will be discontinued in the spring of 2024. Until the test is discontinued, the cards may be picked up by patients at any LifeLabs patient service center.
Feb
6,
2024
Changes CO2 Testing
Effective March 4th, 2024, specimens for total carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) requests must be collected on a separate SST vacutainer ( gold top tube ) for determination of CO2 ONLY.Know More
Feb
6,
2024
Changes to Tube collection for Ionized Calcium
LifeLabs will be transitioning from using a 5.0 mL SST gold top tube to a 3.5 mL SST gold top tube for both, adult and pediatric patients.Know More
Serving over 7 million Canadians nationwide, the platform serves to support patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about their health with an array of digital tools and solutions.
Jan
9,
2024
CHANGES TO MRSA AND VRE SURVEILLANCE SWAB
Effective February 18th 2024, LifeLabs MRSA and VRE screening tests will change swabs from Amies gel/charcoal swab to Copan eSwab. Know More
Effective February 5, 2024, all thyroglobulin test orders will automatically have an anti-thyroglobulin test added on to the order. Know More
Dec
13,
2023
VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL POLYPEPTIDE (VIP)
**Delay in Turnaround Time (TAT)**
Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) will temporarily have an increased TAT, due to a supply chain issue with the referral site. The resolution to the delay is expected in early 2024.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
In pursuit of an outstanding digital experience for our customers, we are excited to introduce our new and improved Lab Test Information Database. Know More
LifeLabs is partnering with Klinrisk to exclusively offer an algorithm-based test tool for risk stratification of kidney failure progression at early stages of CKD for at risk patients.
There will be no Panorama™ Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) collections on December 25, 26, and January 1.
CHANGES TO ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR COAGULATION SAMPLES ON NOV 27
Nov
16,
2023
UPDATE FOR HOMECARE AND MYVISIT™ HOME SERVICES
As of January 1, 2024, the price of Home Care services for homebound patients will increase by $10 to $55, and the price of MyVisit™, a convenience-based service, will increase to $85.
Effective 04 December 2023, serum (SST, gold top) will be the preferred specimen to test for NT-proBNP. There is no change in reference intervals and/or interpretation of test results between the two sample types. Sample transport and storage conditions also remain unchanged. EDTA plasma (lavender t...
Oct
11,
2023
LifeLabs partners with LifestyleRx to expand services and support for managing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes
We have partnered with LifestyleRx to offer Canadians greater support in managing their health with prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Sep
26,
2023
Update ANCA and ANTI-CCP test coverage in Ontario
ANCA and ANTI-CCP have been added under the Ministry of Health’s Community Access Pilot program coverage for collection and testing when ordered by select health care specialists in Ontario.
Sep
22,
2023
Notice of closure on Monday, October 2, 2023, for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Our operations will continue as normal on Saturday the 30th, but we will be closed on Monday, October 2, 2023, to observe the holiday.
We’re pleased to share that we have introduced the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Score (ELFTM) in Ontario as a convenient option for screening for liver fibrosis in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.
Aug
29,
2023
OVA AND PARASITE TESTING (Ontario)
***Update on Test Ordering [Clarification]***
When ordering Stool Ova & Parasites testing, if helminthic infestation is suspected, the patient has immunocompromised status, or if testing is for immigration/refugee screening purposes, then please collect stool samples in SAF containers. Please provi...
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For rush results (NAAT within 12 hours and PCR within 24 hours)
- Order your FlyClear test and receive your FlyClear test requisition
- Book an appointment at a LifeLabs location below.
- Bring your printed FlyClear requisition and Passport
- Select your ordered Province’s Rush Test to start booking:
British Columbia6084 Russ Baker Way
Richmond near AirportOntario6084 Russ Baker Way
Richmond near Airport
Pre-Departure testing now available from the comfort of your home with MyVisit (Currently Greater Toronto Area only)
- Order your FlyClear test and receive your FlyClear test requisition.
- Book your Home Visit appointment with the MyVisit portal or, if your flight is within the next five days, contact a MyVisit coordinator 1-416-993-9579 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm EST)
MyVisit Pre-departure testing offers:
- COVID-19 PCR/NAAT swab testing
- COVID-19 Antibody Blood (serology) testing
The MyVisit fee is $80 per person.
Pre-Departure testing
Book your appointment online here. If your flight is within the next five days and you have received your FlyClear requisition, please contact a MyVisit coordinator 1-416-993-9579 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm EST).