Doctors asked to delay non-urgent blood tests as Alberta faces shortage of collection vials – CBC

Tests being conserved for urgent and acute care patients, AHS says

Feb 17, 2022

Alberta doctors are being asked to delay non-urgent blood testing due to a shortage of testing vials across the province.

Patients with outstanding lab tests should also consult with their doctors to determine if any non-urgent blood tests can be safely delayed until further notice, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said Wednesday in a statement.

“We are prioritizing our limited supplies for tests required for urgent and acute care purposes,” AHS said.

“Alberta physicians are requested to halt ordering non-urgent blood tests until further notice.”

It’s unclear exactly when Alberta’s supply will be restored but the current stock of vials will need to be conserved until inventory levels are replenished “in the coming weeks,” AHS said.

The shortage is widespread and caused by ongoing international supply chain issues, AHS said.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/ahs-blood-test-vial-shortage-alberta-1.6355056