Health Care Providers Advisory                                                                          

March 17, 2026

Specimen Collection Materials from Public Health Ontario

 

Key Updates:

 

Effective April 1, 2026, Public Health Ontario (PHO) will no longer supply specimen collection materials for clinical laboratory testing to physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, long-term care homes, and laboratories.

 

For full details, please refer to the PHO Specimen Collection Material Ordering Update .

Required Actions for Facilities

Facilities that currently receive specimen collection materials from PHO should begin sourcing them from alternative suppliers to ensure continuity of operations.

PHO has prepared a List of Suppliers and Vendors for Specimen Collection Materials to support this transition.

Contact Information

Region of Waterloo Public Health
Infectious Disease & Tuberculosis Control Program
Phone: 519-575-4400 ext. 5275
TTY: 519-575-4608