Dear Healthcare Provider,
We would like to inform you of a global shortage of a reagent for 24-hr urine oxalate testing.
Urine oxalate test is indicated for risk stratification for kidney stone formation, to monitor therapy for kidney stones, and to diagnose primary or secondary hyperoxaluria.
Measurement of urine oxalate is performed by an enzymatic assay. Due to a global supply shortage, the enzyme used for oxalate measurement is temporarily unavailable. No alternate methods are currently available.
LifeLabs has limited supply of the reagent and will suspend testing on September 28, 2023 in Ontario, and on October 5, 2023 in B.C. Our team is actively working with vendors to address this shortage. There is no present estimate for return to testing.
Until we have more clarity on the anticipated duration of this reagent shortage, we ask you to consider deferring requests for urine oxalate studies wherever possible.
For the purposes of kidney stone risk stratification and monitoring therapy for kidney stones, LifeLabs continues to offer urine tests such as: calcium, uric acid, citrate, pH, sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
If you have any questions, please contact LifeLabs Customer Care Center: (ON) 1-877-849-3637, (BC) 1-800-431-7206.
Thank you,
Romina Reyes MSc MD FRCPC
National Medical Director, Medical Microbiologist
LifeLabs | 3680 Gilmore Way | Burnaby, BC V5G 4V8
