Specimen Collection Material Ordering Update #2

To: Health Care Professionals in Niagara
From: Environmental Health and Clinical Services Divisions, Niagara Region Public Health
Reference: Specimen Collection Material Ordering Update #2
Date: April 9, 2026

The purpose of this memo is to share an update to Public Health Ontario’s (PHO) changes to specimen collection materials for laboratory testing. In response to feedback from system partners, PHO has adjusted their implementation plan regarding specimen collection material ordering.  

Extended Transition for Primary Care Clinics 

• Recognizing primary care practices require additional time to establish alternative arrangements for sourcing specimen collection materials, PHO will extend the transition period for current primary care clients if they have not been able to secure other supply options 
• PHO has mailed letters to primary care clients who ordered from PHO between June 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, outlining that they may continue to order routine specimen collection materials from PHO until September 30, 2026, if they have not yet secured alternative supply options 

Continued Provision for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes  

• Long-term care homes and retirement homes may continue to order specimen collection supplies directly from PHO for testing related to suspected or confirmed outbreaks to support timely and effective outbreak management 

Changes Effective April 1, 2026 

• PHO will proceed with discontinuing the direct provision of specimen collection supplies to hospitals and community laboratories effective April 1, 2026 
• The following specialized testing kits remain available to providers: 
  • Bordetella pertussis kits  
  • Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae NAAT kits  
  • Gastric lavage kits (for hospital clients only)  

More Information 

For questions or more information, please reach out to PHO’s Laboratory Customer Service Centre: 

• Phone – 1-877-604-4567  
  • Monday to Friday - 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 
  • Saturday - 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
• Email – customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca