What’s New
Please note that this information was current at time of publication. Updates, whenever available, will be issued as soon as possible. ICL will continue issuing memos and updates via email and fax; updates may be available on this page and/or in posted memos prior to your receipt of the information via our email lists or fax transmission lists. To be added to the list (s) please contact Client Care at (416) 422-3000 Ext. 300 or info@iclabs.ca.
8 April 2020, 4:00 p.m. EST:
Hospital & Laboratory Services:
- April 8: Memo 2020-031 describes ICL referral of COVID RT PCR diagnostic testing to Shared Hospital Laboratory. Clients wanting the convenience of consolidating COVID-19 with other send-out testing should contact ICL.
(To view posted memos: On any web page at iclabs.ca, move your cursor to ‘Resources’ in the header near the top right of the webpage, then from the dropdown list select ‘Hospital & Laboratory Services’ and then select the ‘Memos’ tab. Please note that the memo at the top of the list will always be the cumulative update memo).
3 April 2020, 8:00 a.m. EST:
Hospital & Laboratory Services:
- April 3: Memo 2020-029 includes some test service revisions
(To view posted memos: On any web page at iclabs.ca, move your cursor to ‘Resources’ in the header near the top right of the webpage, then from the dropdown list select ‘Hospital & Laboratory Services’ and then select the ‘Memos’ tab. Please note that the memo at the top of the list will always be the cumulative update memo).
1 April 2020, 8:00 a.m. EST:
Integrative Laboratory Services:
- April 1: Based on manufacturer recommendations, SIBO breath testing services will be suspended effective immediately until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential risk of respiratory cross-contamination during this testing.
Please inform your patients to not collect or submit specimens at this time. If patients’ kits expire prior to resumption of testing please return to ICL and a new kit will be supplied free of charge.
Please note that any specimens already collected and submitted will not be tested at this time.
A replacement kit will be supplied free of charge for the patient to repeat the testing post COVID.
25 March 2020, 3:00 p.m. EST:
Hospital & Laboratory Services:
- March 25: Memo 2020-027 includes some test service revisions
- March 25: Memo 2020-026 describes our communications schemes
(To view posted memos: On any web page at iclabs.ca, move your cursor to ‘Resources’ in the header near the top right of the webpage, then from the dropdown list select ‘Hospital & Laboratory Services’ and then select the ‘Memos’ tab. Please note that the memo at the top of the list will always be the cumulative update memo).
23 March 2020, 6:00 p.m. EST:
Hospital & Laboratory Services:
- March 23: Memo 2020-025 lists tests that have been delayed due to manufacturer’s issues or because of temporary disruption of testing lab resources. ICL can access alternate testing labs upon request for tests deemed urgent.
- March 23: Memos 2020-023 (for ICL clients) and 2020-024 (for ICL testing labs) describes how ICL can help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on provision of referral lab testing services.
(To view posted memos: On any web page at iclabs.ca, move your cursor to ‘Resources’ in the header near the top right of the webpage, then from the dropdown list select ‘Hospital & Laboratory Services’ and then select the ‘Memos’ tab. Please note that the memo at the top of the list will always be the cumulative update memo).
18 March 2020, 11:00 a.m. EST:
Integrative Laboratory Services:
- March 18: Direct delivery service of collection kits to patients was expanded (free delivery in Ontario and reduced fees outside Ontario) to facilitate telephone consultation and avoidance of in-person clinic visits.
What services are not affected?
- ICL is a Ministry-licensed medical laboratory (Licence # 5800) and will continue operations as an essential service; the Ontario order for closure of non-essential services will likely not be applicable to ICL.
- ICL is processing orders/specimens received from all clients, including hospital, research and naturopathic clients, and referring them for testing.
- ICL’s testing labs are performing most tests and reporting them but turnaround time is delayed for some tests. However, some other tests have been temporarily interrupted – see below.
- None of the specialty labs providing services for ICL’s Integrative Laboratory Services have reported testing delays or interruptions.
- Commercial courier companies have implemented their emergency plans and are providing specimen pick-up and delivery services. ICL will monitor their provision of services and assist in alternate arrangements if necessary.
- Canada Post is delivering mail to ICL.
- Specimen collection service (by appointment only) is available at our Head Office location (57 Gervais Dr., North York) and at ICL’s Oakville Patient Service Centre. Please call our Client Care team at 416-422-3000 Ext. 300 to book your appointment. COVID-19 screening will be conducted and service availability may be curtailed if mandated by the provincial government.
- ICL Client Care is available to assist you during this challenging period. All requests will be considered. We are monitoring all turnaround times and responding to all service queries including searching for test sites.
What services are affected?
Please refer to the current “Cumulative Update of Services” memo (COVID19-Cumulative-03Apr2020)
Availability of some tests has been affected by reagent supply chain issues. Many reagent manufacturers around the world are affected, in China, Italy or other drastically affected nations, and others elsewhere are dependent on merchandise presently in short supply.
Some ICL hospital testing labs are temporarily halting some test services deemed non-urgent. However, service for urgent cases may be available upon consultation. Please contact Client Care.
Some testing is temporarily interrupted due to safety issues related to the assay technology for specific specimen types that might present a risk of viral dissemination.
ICL will find alternate testing labs for these temporarily interrupted services on your request or if a temporary delay becomes an indefinite delay.
