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Notifications & Alerts
Latest Notifications & Alerts
Sep
9,
2022
Consolidation of CBC/ESR and HbA1c Testing in South East, Champlain, North East, and North West communities
Effective August 15TH 2022, Clients that perform phlebotomy in their own office and send samples to LifeLabs for testing, will require collection of only one EDTA (Lavender) tube when ordering a CBC and HbA1c.
Sep
1,
2022
Reintroducing Combined COVID and Respiratory Virus Testing Using Molecular PCR Technology
LifeLabs will be reoffering molecular PCR testing for the combined detection of COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV for our community patients starting on September 26, 2022.
Sep
1,
2022
Discontinuation of Primidone Testing
Effective Oct 1, 2022, we will discontinue Primidone Testing.
Throughout this fall and winter we will be gradually replacing Roche and Abbott analyzers used nationally for High Volume Chemistry, which includes immunoassays, clinical chemistry, and infectious disease (serology) testing.
Aug
15,
2022
Pathology
**Update on Turn Around Times** As the province enters the post-pandemic recovery, Anatomical Pathology at LifeLabs has faced an unpreceded surge in testing demand resulting in turnaround times beyond our desired targets. While this issue has been felt across labs both regionally and nationally we c...
Aug
7,
2022
MULTIPLE TESTS
**Update to Specimen Collection Requirements**
Effective August 7th, 2022, LifeLabs will be changing the collection tube from plain serum (Red Top) tube to the serum-separator tube (SST, gel-containing tube) for the following TDM assays: Carbamazepine, Digoxin...
Effective August 7th, 2022, LifeLabs will be changing the collection tube from plain serum (Red Top) tube to the serum-separator tube (SST, gel-containing tube) for the following TDM assays: Carbamazepine, Digoxin...
Aug
4,
2022
TRYPSIN
**Update on Test Availability**
Due to an reagent issue with our referral site, Trypsin testing will be unavailable temporarily. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to an reagent issue with our referral site, Trypsin testing will be unavailable temporarily. We apologize for the inconvenience.
**Update on Test Availability & Delay in Turnaround Time**
Due to an analyzer issue, we are temporarily referring this testing to London Health Sciences Centre. There will be a temporary delay in turnaround time. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to an analyzer issue, we are temporarily referring this testing to London Health Sciences Centre. There will be a temporary delay in turnaround time. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Community laboratories in Ontario do not currently offer diagnostic testing for Monkeypox infection. Please refer to your local Public Health Laboratory if you have questions regarding testing eligibility, specimen collection, or transportation.
Jun
27,
2022
HLA B27
**Update on Test Availability**
The reagent issues with HLA B27 TESTING have been resolved, and the testing has been returned to Ontario for testing.
Thank you for your patience.
The reagent issues with HLA B27 TESTING have been resolved, and the testing has been returned to Ontario for testing.
Thank you for your patience.
Jun
16,
2022
LEVETIRACETAM (KEPPRA)
**Testing available**
The previous issue with our referral laboratory has been resolved. We are once again able to perform Levetiracetam (Keppra) testing.
Jun
6,
2022
COMPLIMENT C2
**Update on Test Availability**
Due to discontinuation of testing at our referral laboratory, we are unable to provide COMPLIMENT C2 TESTING at this time. LifeLabs is currently arranging for an alternate test provider and will provide an update when testing is once again available. We apologize f...
Jun
1,
2022
FARMERS LUNG
**Update on Test Methodology**
Due to a reagent change at our referral laboratory, the FARMERS LUNG panel will now consist of Mycropolyspora faeni IgG and Laceyella sacchari IgG (previously Mycropolyspora faeni IgG and The...
Due to a reagent change at our referral laboratory, the FARMERS LUNG panel will now consist of Mycropolyspora faeni IgG and Laceyella sacchari IgG (previously Mycropolyspora faeni IgG and The...
Apr
21,
2022
ESTRONE
**Update on Testing**
Due to a supply chain issue with our referral laboratory, Estrone testing will be delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to a supply chain issue with our referral laboratory, Estrone testing will be delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience.
We’re pleased to share that LifeLabs has reintroduced its H. pylori Urea Breath test to its roster of tests for supporting gastrointestinal health.
Client Notice: Recent evidence has emerged that suggests a reassessment of the formula for calculating estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) may be in order.
Apr
6,
2022
FREE VALPROIC ACID (FREE VALPROATE)
Due to issues with our referral laboratory, Free Valproic Acid will temporarily be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Mar
23,
2022
Update on OPSEU GTA Courier Job Action
LifeLabs and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) will return to the negotiating table on Thursday, March 24. We are pleased that OPSEU accepted LifeLabs’ invitation to return to the negotiating table. LifeLabs remains committed to bargaining in good faith and we are hopeful that neg...
Mar
11,
2022
Ontario OPSEU Job Action Notification
LifeLabs and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. We have received notification from OPSEU of the potential start of job action on March 14. LifeLabs will remain operational throughout any job action. While there may be s...
Mar
7,
2022
NT PRO BNP
**Change to Funding and Test Location” Effective March 07, 2022, LifeLabs will begin testing N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in house, at no cost to the patient. Testing for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) will also continue to be offered but remains uninsured, requiring the...
Feb
14,
2022
25-OH VITAMIN D
Effective February 14th, 2022 LifeLabs will introduce a new method for 25-OH Vitamin D. The new method shows improved precision. Patient results are equivalent to the previous method, confirmed by the LifeLabs validation, and individual results are not expected to change. See the attached memo for m...
Feb
10,
2022
LP-PLA2 ACTIVITY
**Update on Testing**
Due to issues with our referral laboratory, LP-PLA2 Activity will temporarily be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to issues with our referral laboratory, LP-PLA2 Activity will temporarily be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Feb
10,
2022
LP-PLA2 ACTIVITY
**Update on Testing**
Due to issues with our referral laboratory, LP-PLA2 Activity will temporarily be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to issues with our referral laboratory, LP-PLA2 Activity will temporarily be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve our quality of service, LifeLabs Ontario will implement a new analytical platform for clinical immunoassay-based urine drug screens, and for blood glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase and serum/plasma/red blood cell cholinesterase testing.
This change will go i...
Jan
13,
2022
VERY LONG CHAIN FATTY ACIDS
**Update on Turn Around Times**
Due to instrumentation issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for VERY LONG CHAIN FATTY ACID testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to instrumentation issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for VERY LONG CHAIN FATTY ACID testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Jan
13,
2022
PHYTANIC ACID
**Update on Turn Around Times**
Due to instrumentation issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for PHYTANIC ACID testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Due to instrumentation issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for PHYTANIC ACID testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
LifeLabs Ontario will offer an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) test for the diagnosis of C. difficile infection, starting in January 2022.
Jan
6,
2022
Supply constraint of select phlebotomy tubes
LL #28581- BD LAVENDER TUBE 13X75 LAVENDER 4.0ML HEMOGARD, PLASTIC, (BD item #367861) 100/SP
LL #28642 - BD GOLD TUBE 13x100 GOLD 5 0ML HEMOGARD PLASTIC 0268397 (BD item #367986) 100/SP
Jan
6,
2022
NMP-22
**Update on Testing**
NMP-22 testing has been discontinued at the referral laboratory LifeLabs sends the test too. We are currently working to find an alternate site/test to use in place of this. Due to the discontinuation, NMP-22 will no longer be ord...
NMP-22 testing has been discontinued at the referral laboratory LifeLabs sends the test too. We are currently working to find an alternate site/test to use in place of this. Due to the discontinuation, NMP-22 will no longer be ord...
Dec
21,
2021
LIPOPROTEIN (A)
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is now being tested in-house at LifeLabs effective December 13th, 2021.
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are robustly associated with the risk of coronary heart disease; strongly suggesting a causal association between Lp(...
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are robustly associated with the risk of coronary heart disease; strongly suggesting a causal association between Lp(...
Dec
13,
2021
Dec 2021 Ontario Health Care Provider Bulletin
Ontario Ministry of Health - Community Access Pilot | Ordering Trichomonas (NAAT), Gonorrhea (NAAT), Chlamydia (NAAT) tests | Changes to LifeLabs’ Celiac Serology
Dec
7,
2021
COPEPTIN
The referral laboratory where LifeLabs sends Copeptin testing to will discontinue parallel Osmolality testing due to concerns about pre-analytical factors affecting accuracy of osmolality results. This will go into effect on Dec 16, 2021. The reports will continue to provide comments that can be use...
Nov
18,
2021
CHROMOGRANIN A
Due to instrumentation issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for CHROMOGRANIN testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Nov
15,
2021
ADRENAL ANTIBODY
Due to supply issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for ADRENAL ANTIBODY testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Nov
9,
2021
CHANGES TO REFERRED OUT TESTING LOCATIONS
As part of a large process and quality improvement initiative around our referred out testing program, a selection of referred out tests will be changing test locations over the coming months. On December 5th, 2021, a number of tests will be performed at UHN (University Health Network). This may res...
Oct
18,
2021
ON: combined COVID and Respiratory virus testing using molecular PCR technology available
LifeLabs is now offering molecular PCR testing for the combined detection of COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV for our community patients.
Oct
15,
2021
Urinalysis- Chemical and Microscopic
Starting October 18th, LifeLabs will be implementing new technology for Urinalysis (Chemical and Microscopic) testing.
Sep
24,
2021
Physician notices
**New Test Available**
Effective October 4th, 2021, Growth hormone suppression test will be available at LifeLabs as an aid in the diagnosis of growth hormone excess. Please see attac...
Effective October 4th, 2021, Growth hormone suppression test will be available at LifeLabs as an aid in the diagnosis of growth hormone excess. Please see attac...
Sep
23,
2021
SURGICAL PATHOLOGY
**Update on Turn Around Times**
We are currently experiencing some delays in the processing of our surgical pathology specimens, as the result of a staffing shortage in our histology department. This has resulted in delays in reporting. We are attempting to correct the situation as soon as possib...
Sep
21,
2021
FECAL CALPROTECTIN
**Update on Turn Around Times** Due to manufacturer reagent delay, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for CALPROTECTIN (FECAL) testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Lifelabs now offers the H. pylori Stool Antigen Test as a safe and accurate alternative to Urea Breath Test (UBT), allowing you to confidently diagnose H. pylori infection in dyspeptic patients without exposing them to unnecessary hazards during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jul
2,
2021
Urine Sulfosalicylic Acid (SSA) Discontinued
Effective July 5, 2021, Urine Sulfosalicylic Acid (SSA) cascaded test will be discontinued.
Jun
23,
2021
MERCURY (BLOOD AND URINE)
**Update on Turn Around Times**
Due to instrumentation issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for MERCURY (BLOOD AND URINE) testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Jun
23,
2021
ARSENIC (BLOOD)
**Update on Turn Around Times**
Due to instrumentation issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for ARSENIC (BLOOD) testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Jun
23,
2021
SELENIUM (SERUM)
**Update on Turn Around Times**
Due to instrumentation issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for SELENIUM (SERUM) testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Jun
10,
2021
LIVER KIDNEY MICROSOMAL (LKM) ANTIBODIES
**Update on Turn Around Times**
Due to supply issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for LKM ANTIBODIES testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
May
27,
2021
Urine Urobilinogen/Bilirubin
**Discontinuation of Tests**
URINE BILIRUBIN AND UROBILINOGEN will be discontinued as of June 14, 2021. Please request serum liver function test(s) instead, as clinically appropriate (including ALT, AST, GGT and/or Total Bilirubin).
May
5,
2021
ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME
**Update on Turn Around Times**
Due to supplier issues, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Mar
18,
2021
Creatinine Reagent Lot Positive Bias – Resolution
On March 3rd 2021, LifeLabs sent a memo to all clients informing them of a positive bias on the serum creatinine assay, causing a positive shift of up to 8 umol/L in creatinine results, along with the concurrent negative shift in eGFR. The root cause was the manufacturer reagent lot bias. An interpr...
Mar
18,
2021
FastTRK Testing Program
FastTRK is a clinical testing program for the diagnosis of NTRK gene fusions. Funded by Bayer Inc., this is a complimentary service for clinicians to determine whether their patients’ cancer has an NTRK gene fusion.
Mar
4,
2021
Creatinine Reagent Lot Positive Bias.
LifeLabs has recently become aware of a positive bias on the serum creatinine assay, which may contribute to a positive shift of up to 8 umol/L in creatinine results. A concurrent negative shift in eGFR may be present.
Mar
1,
2021
Change to C-Reactive protein testing methodology
Effective April 4th, 2021 LifeLabs will introduce a new methodology for C- Reactive Protein (CRP) testing. The new method shows improved accuracy and precision across the CRP clinical range, including low concentrations used in cardiovascular disease assessment and high concentrations important for ...
Feb
23,
2021
FECAL PORPHYRIN
**Update on Turn Around Times**
Due to supply issues at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for FECAL PORPHYRIN testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Nov
12,
2020
New Test Code for NT Pro-BNP in Ontario
Physicians can now order either BNP or NT Pro-BNP tests for heart failure patients in Ontario.
Nov
6,
2020
H. PYLORI BREATH TEST
**Limited Test Availability**
Due to safety precautions implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19,
H. PYLORI BREATH TESTING is temporarily not available for collection in our Patient Service Centres. Specimens collected by healthcare providers will continue to be accepted. We apologize for the...
Oct
23,
2020
Important Notice
Important Notice: LifeLabs
would like to remind health care providers to ensure that their OHIP billing
number is indicated on the Laboratory Requisition form they provide to their
patients. Doing so will allow LifeLabs to provide the appropriate services
to their patients without delay.
Oct
8,
2020
PARASITES (ONTARIO)
Due to instrument capacity issues related to COVID-19 testing, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time (TAT) for Parasite PCR testing. The current TAT is 3 to 5 days upon specimen receipt. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Oct
2,
2020
c. DIFFICILE TESTING
Due to a reagent backorder, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for C. DIFFICILE TESTING. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Urinalysis - Importance of Correct Collection and Storage
Aug
6,
2020
PLASMA CATECHOLAMINES - ISSUE RESOLVED
PLASMA CATECHOLAMINES testing has returned to routine turn-around times. We apologize for any inconvenience.
May
7,
2020
AMYLASE ISOENZYME (ONTARIO)
Due to pandemic related resource re-allocation at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for AMYLASE ISOENZYME testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
May
7,
2020
OSTEOCALCIN (ONTARIO)
Due to pandemic related resource re-allocation at our referral laboratory, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for OSTEOCALCIN testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
May
4,
2020
Signing Requisitions
Attention Health Care Practitioners: Please ensure requisitions are signed either as a wet or digital signature. Following Ministry guidelines, unsigned requisitions will not be honoured and patients will be turned away.
May
4,
2020
Standing Orders
Attention Health Care Practitioners: Please ensure patients with Standing Orders have a request that is < 6months old. Standing orders are only valid for a 6-month period. Expired Standing Orders will be rejected and the patient turned away.
Apr
13,
2020
FLUID LIPASE TESTING (ONTARIO)
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and increased laboratory safety precautions at the referral laboratory, we are temporarily unable to provide FLUID LIPASE TESTING.
Apr
3,
2020
NEW IMMUNOASSAY TESTING PLATFORM
Effective March 02, 2020, LifeLabs implemented a new immunoassay testing platform, Roche Cobas e801, for select
tests.
Mar
28,
2020
Update to my results™ for Health Care Providers
IMPROVEMENTS TO my results™ PORTAL – LIFELABS PARTNERING WITH LAB TESTS ONLINE TO HELP PATIENTS LEARN ABOUT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Mar
23,
2020
BETA 2 MICROGLOBULIN, SERUM (ONTARIO)
Delay in turnaround time for BETA 2 MICROGLOBULIN, SERUM testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Starting on March 9th, 2020 we will offer flow cytometric immunophenotyping for HLA-B27 antigen testing.
Jan
15,
2020
End of Life Notice - iLabLink
Please note that iLabLink being retired on January 31st, 2020
LifeLabs will be adopting new criteria for OHIP-insured tests.
Mar
25,
2019
Notice Regarding FOBT Cards
Please read below about a notice regarding expired FOBT cards being received at our laboratory.
Jan
24,
2019
Delayed Testing Notice *UPDATE - Endomysial Antibody
Endomysial Antibody testing has returned to routine turn-around times. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Jan
21,
2019
ADH/Vasopressin Testing Replaced by Copeptin
As of Monday, March 4th, 2019, due to change at our referral testing facility, testing for ADH/ Vasopressin is no longer available. It has been replaced by copeptin, a more reliable surrogate marker. ADH and copeptin are released in the body in a 1:1 ratio as 2 parts of the arginine vasopressin prec...
LifeLabs is pleased to announce changes to testing of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone and Androstenedione that will take effect on December 17. 2018.
Oct
24,
2018
SUPPLY QUARANTINE NOTICE: BD Vacutainer® Eclipse™ Blood Collection Needle 22G X 1.25", BLACK
We have received notice from our Supplier, Fisher Edmonton, to quarantine the following supplies IMMEDIATELY:
Broad Spectrum Toxicology (BST) Screen testing has returned to routine turn-around times.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
LifeLabs would appreciate your help in ensuring best patient care when critical values become available after office hours on the tests that you order on your patients.
Feb
10,
2011
SELENIUM (SERUM)
Due to supply issues, we are currently experiencing a delay in turnaround time for SELENIUM (SERUM) testing. We apologize for the inconvenience.