We are pleased to inform you that LifeLabs is now offering molecular PCR testing for the combined detection of COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV for our community patients.

This new OHIP-covered test will assist in differentiating some of the possible viral causes of respiratory tract infection and flu-like symptoms. The combined COVID and respiratory virus test will only be available to patients experiencing COVID or flu-like symptoms. Therefore, this test cannot be accepted for the purposes of travel. If a patient inquires about COVID testing for travelling, they can be directed to our FlyClear page: www.lifelabs.com/flyclear/predeparture/.

Please be advised that the COVID/Flu combo test will only be offered seasonally from September-April.

At this time, LifeLabs can only perform this testing on samples collected by health care providers. The test is not currently available for collection at LifeLabs’ patient service centres. If you require this test for your patient, please refer to the instructions below:

1. To order the respiratory viral collection swabs, LifeLabs clients can indicate that they would like the Copan respiratory viral swabs and the quanitity needed under the “Micellaneous” section of the LifeLabs order form, as shown below:

2. The Public Health Ontario Virus Test requisition must be completed, and can be found here through this link.
3. To fill in the requisition, please indicate that Nasopharyngeal swab is collected, choose the combo test COVID+Flu and indicate that the patient is symptomatic, as shown below:

3. Please send us an appropriately-collected nasopharyngeal swab in the proper collection device. Samples other than Nasopharyngeal swabs collected by health care providers, cannot be accepted (e.g., saliva, anterior nasal, or buccal swabs).
4. Collected specimens should then be packaged in an Inner Leak Proof Poly Bag with an absorbent pad or paper towel, and given to a LifeLabs courier at regularly-scheduled courier pickups, for delivery to a LifeLabs testing facility.
5. If you are not currently a LifeLabs client but would like to explore having LifeLabs as a service provider, please contact us at: ONlocationopp@lifelabs.com

If you would like more information, please refer to our website Notifications & Alerts – LifeLabs.

Thank you,

LifeLabs