Mobile Collection Service

Mobile Collection Service (MCS) is available for patients who face significant medical challenges that prevent them from accessing Patient Service Centres / Community Collection Sites for blood collection.

Beginning December 5, 2022, DynaLIFE Medical Labs will begin taking responsibility for coordination of all requests for mobile collections in the North, Central, Edmonton, and Calgary Zones. In many cases, mobile collections will still be performed on site by APL collectors, but DynaLIFE will be responsible for receiving mobile collections requisitions, assessing feasibility and organizing the collection date at applicable locations in these Zones. The mobile collection requisition process for ordering providers at clinics and health facilities across the province will remain largely the same, except for where they are sent to.

Until February 28, 2023 APL will continue providing MCS to South Zone residents.

To Request Mobile Collection Services

1. Review Eligibility Criteria

Patients must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Patient must have had a recent hospitalization and/or surgery that temporarily restricts their travel outside the home. The service is available for a maximum of 4 weeks post-hospital discharge.
• Patient has an ongoing medical restriction and is unable to attend appointments or other activities outside the home.
• Patient resides in a secured or safe living environment (e.g. Dementia Unit).

A patient is not eligible for a mobile collection if:

• The patient is a resident in a supportive or assisted living facility and participates in group activities (for example: shopping and social outings).
• The patient’s mobility has improved such that the patient is able to participate in activities such as shopping or banking excursions or going for long walks.
• Patient arranges for transportation for activities such as shopping, banking, hair appointments.
• Patient has indicated they will be returning to work or have returned to work.
• Patient is able to drive a motor vehicle, or can arrange a ride.

Eligibility will be reviewed when an improvement in the patient’s condition is observed, or the patient no longer meets the eligibility requirements.

2. Complete the Mobile Collection Requisition

Fully complete the Mobile Collection Requisition including the Patient Eligibility Requirement section. Generate the correct requisition.

Not all tests are available through Mobile Collections due to specimen collection and processing requirements. Refer to the APL Test Directory or DynaLIFE Test Directory to determine if test can be collected by Mobile Collection Service.

3. Fax Completed Requisition Form

North, Central & Edmonton Zone:
Fax the completed Mobile Services Collection Requisition to (780) 452–5294. For more information about mobile collections, phone DynaLIFE at (780) 453–9440 ext. 3

Calgary Zone:
Fax the completed Mobile Services Collection Requisition to (403) 777–5222 (interim exception for Calgary). For more information about mobile collections, phone DynaLIFE at (403) 770–3351 (interim exception for Calgary).

Lethbridge & Area:
Fax the completed Mobile Services Collection Requisition to 403-388-6068. For specific Lethbridge and area assistance, phone Mobile Collections at 403-388-6057.

Medicine Hat & Area:
Fax the completed Mobile Services Collection Requisition to 403-502-8284. For specific Medicine Hat and area assistance, phone Mobile Collections at 403-502-8638 Extension #3.

All other South Zone communities: Phone the local lab directly.

Additional Information

When submitting a request to add a new patient, please allow for processing time before the first requested collection. Service dates are determined by patient location.

Mobile home collections may be requested only by authorized providers.

On the day of collection, the patient must be available at home between 6:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Service hours vary by regions and city. Please contact your local Mobile Collection Service office if the patient will be unavailable due to medical reasons on the scheduled collection day.

Stat collections are NOT available. Priority results are available for patients requiring an urgent report during regular business hours and should be available within 8 hours of collection. Mobile ECG availability varies by community, contact the laboratory.

Order Guidelines

Safety Guidelines

In accordance with AHS Workplace Health and Safety and provincial legislation any information regarding existing or potential safety risks should be identified by the Ordering Provider. This is to ensure the safety of the mobile collection staff and the patient. For example if any of the following conditions are known (but not limited to) this information should be disclosed and if encountered the collection may be refused or cancelled:

• Pest infestation is present (examples include: mice, bed bugs, scabies, lice or cockroaches).
• Unsafe areas (examples include: isolated area, poor lighting, area known for gang violence, no cell phone coverage).
• Unsecured weapons present.
• Internal and external home environment unsafe (physical hazards for examples include: sidewalks not shoveled, poor maintenance of home).
• Chemical or biological hazards are present (examples include: patient or others are not abstaining .from smoking during collection visit, animal feces, or illegal drugs present).

Mobile Collection Service will be cancelled if:

• The physician cancels or does not renew the order.
• Patient refuses to have specimen(s) drawn.
• Patient is not home on two consecutive occasions. Exceptions are made if the patient is at an Emergency Department or is in the hospital.
• Patient, caregiver or family member is physically or verbally abusive to lab staff.
• Location of service is assessed as unsafe for APL staff.
• Patient does not follow APL Pet Policy by securing pets while APL staff are in the residence.