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.
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.
Ordering Supplies
PHO provides specimen collection materials to support laboratory testing offered by its laboratory. Availability varies by material and client type.
Specialized testing kits: Available to all clients for specific PHO tests, including
- Bordetella pertussis kits (390052); Chlamydia trachomatis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae NAA testing kits (300316 and 300317)
- gastric lavage collection kits for hospital clients (390043)
Routine specimen collection materials: Available to public health units and PHU-operated clinics, northern nursing stations, correctional facilities, Indigenous-led clinics and organizations, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and long-term care or retirement homes with a suspected or confirmed outbreak. Other clients can consult the reference list of potential suppliers to identify sources for routine specimen collection materials.
How to order specimen collection materials from PHO:
Complete the Requisition for Specimen Containers and Supplies and submit it to your nearest PHO laboratory.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Order PPE separately through the PPE Supply Portal.
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.
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