COVID-19 Update

For the latest information on Alberta’s response to COVID-19, please visit the AHS COVID-19 Website.

The safety of our patients and employees is our priority at Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alberta Precision Laboratories has implemented some changes to help limit the risk of exposure for our patients and staff while still providing safe, high quality laboratory services within the community. Some collection sites have been closed or have reduced hours due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19. Please check our website for information on locations currently open and their hours of operation.

• We have reduced the number of chairs within the waiting rooms to provide the proper distancing.
• We have marked safe distances on the floors or walls as a guide for patients when line ups may occur. Where feasible, patients are being escorted directly to their collection space for service after checking in at the lab.
• In addition to routine cleaning and hand hygiene practices, we are frequently disinfecting any high-touch surfaces in public areas.
• We have taken steps to reduce our patient volume to allow for proper social distancing by encouraging physicians to only order medically necessary testing at this time.
• We are screening all staff prior to their shift each day to ensure they are not ill.
• We are screening patients who present at our collection facilities for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors.
• We recognize that some of our patients have symptoms caused by seasonal allergies, asthma and other conditions which are the same as COVID-19 symptoms. Patients experiencing symptoms for any reason are provided a mask to wear for the duration of their visit.
• We have made arrangements for patients undergoing mandatory self-isolation to have access to lab services. If you are currently under mandatory self-isolation and require blood work please contact your healthcare provider to determine if your bloodwork can be delayed until after your self-isolation period. If your bloodwork cannot be delayed, please have your physician contact the local laboratory to make arrangements for the collection to be performed.
• Lab staff performing screening of patients and those performing services for patients with symptoms are wearing personal protective equipment while performing these tasks. This is in alignment with AHS policies.
• Lab collection sites do not collect specimens for COVID-19 testing. Visit ahs.ca/covid for more information about COVID-19. You can complete the online self-assessment tool to determine if you require testing and receive information about arranging an appointment for testing.