Kit and Test Ordering Instructions
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, test ordering and instructions on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
Specimen Collection Material Ordering Update
As of April 1, 2026, PHO will no longer provides routine specimen collection materials to most health care providers. Some specialized kits are still available to all clients, and a small number of exempt organizations will continue to receive supplies from PHO.
For full details on what this means for your organization, visit: PHO News – Specimen Collection Material Ordering Update.
This page provides instructions for using specimen collection kits and how to order routine specimen collection materials for laboratory tests performed by Public Health Ontario (PHO). This information is for use by qualified health care providers only.
Specimen Collection Instructions
The following pages provide instructions on how to properly collect, package and transport a sample for laboratory testing. See the Test Information Index for a full list of tests.
Ordering Supplies
To order Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), please access the PPE Supply Portal.
Public Health Ontario (PHO) no longer provides specimen collection materials for routine clinical laboratory testing to most health care providers, including clinics, and laboratories. A reference list is available to help you identify potential sources for these or similar materials.
PHO does supply the following specialized testing kits to all clients:
- Bordetella pertussis kits (390052)
- Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae NAA testing kits (300316 and 300317)
- Gastric lavage collection kits (hospital clients only) (390043)
To order a specialized testing kit, complete all fields in the Requisition for Specimen Containers and Supplies and submit it to your nearest PHO laboratory.
Some exempt clients are eligible to order specimen collection materials directly from PHO. These exemptions support outbreak response, remote communities, and specialized services. Exempt organizations include:
- Public health units and PHU‑operated clinics
- Northern nursing stations
- Correctional facilities
- Indigenous‑led clinics and organizations (e.g., Indigenous Health Authorities, Indigenous-led elder care organizations)
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service
- Long‑term care or retirement homes with a suspected or confirmed outbreak
If you are an exempted client and wish to order specimen collection materials from PHO, please complete all the fields in the Requisition for Specimen Containers and Supplies and submit it to your nearest PHO laboratory.
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