WHAT WE OFFER

The laboratory at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) conducts laboratory specimen analysis and electrocardiogram (ECG) tests efficiently and quickly to assist physicians in diagnosing patients’ conditions. Our full-service laboratory collects and provides results for approximately 2.3 million tests annually to support inpatients, the Emergency Department and hospital clinics in the following areas:

Biochemistry provides routine, urgent and emergency analysis of patient blood and body fluids. Sophisticated equipment is used for the analysis. Medical Laboratory Technologists review patient test results and perform additional tests on the equipment to help ensure that accurate, timely patient test results are available to the doctor.

Cytotechnologists are mainly responsible for receiving, preparing and examining specimens for malignant cells. This includes pap smear screening and also processing specimens from many other body sites such as lung, bladder, liver, and breast.

Most of the procedures for obtaining specimens for cytology are relatively non-invasive and well tolerated by the patient. A cytological diagnosis of malignancy can help the treating physician better plan a course of treatment prior to surgery.

The Laboratory Technicians perform blood specimen collection and electrocardiograms on our outpatients and inpatients. A properly collected and handled specimen is very important in order to produce accurate Laboratory test results. An electrocardiogram is one of the diagnostic tools used to test the functioning of the heart.

The Medical Laboratory Technologists in Hematology examine the patient blood cells under the microscope. They also use sophisticated analytic equipment to perform cell counts and blood clotting tests.

Medical Laboratory Technologists review patient test results and perform additional tests on the equipment to help ensure that accurate, timely patient test results are available to the doctor.

Microbiology is staffed by Medical Laboratory Technologists and Laboratory Technicians. They test patient specimens to determine the possible cause of suspected infections and the medication that will be most effective to treat the infection.

The Laboratory Technicians perform blood specimen collection and electrocardiograms on our outpatients and inpatients. A properly collected and handled specimen is very important in order to produce accurate Laboratory test results.

Pathologist Assistants and Medical Laboratory Technologists assist the Pathologists by preparing tissue specimens for their examination. The tissue specimens are processed using specialized equipment; the prepared tissue is examined under the microscope in order to diagnose the presence or absence of cancer.

The Pathologists examine over 14,000 tissue Surgical Pathology specimens a year. In many cases they are examining biopsies of body sites like skin, gastrointestinal tract and breast. In some cases they are examining a whole organ that is removed at surgery, e.g. a kidney removed because of a tumour.

Often the examination is to determine what disease process is present, e.g. does the tissue contain cancer, or not. Many examinations are to determine the extent of disease, and hence the outlook for the patient.

The Laboratory does not perform autopsies. When such examinations are required they are referred to other institutions that specialize in the work.

The Medical Laboratory Technologists in Transfusion Medicine are responsible for the testing, preparation and issuing of blood and blood products for transfusion to patients. Close links are maintained with the Canadian Blood Services who provide the blood and blood products for our use.

Our menu of tests is available to healthcare providers, along with information on how to order tests and collect specimens for the testing required. Our team of medical laboratory professionals are here to support and assist in answering questions on our examination methods or interpretation of results.

If your healthcare provider has ordered laboratory testing for you or a family member, you will be visiting our designated areas to have your bloodwork collected or to drop off your specimen. Our hospital has signage to help you find us within the hospital when you arrive.

Patients accessing services at PRHC can sign up for MyChart, which provides access to laboratory results online.

Patients may be asked if they wish to participate in patient experience feedback opportunities.

WHO WE ARE

The Laboratory team is made of a series of interprofessional staff members including:

  • Laboratory Technicians

  • Medical Laboratory Technologists

  • Pathologist Assistants

  • Pathologists

Our laboratory service is committed to the principles of people-centred care, ensuring that patients, families, clients, and healthcare providers are respected, informed, included, and engaged in a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The four principles of people-centred care are:

  • Integrity and Relevance
    We value meaningful partnerships and endeavor to ensure that decisions, services, and improvements reflect the needs and experiences of those we serve. The laboratory welcomes volunteers through PRHC’s Experience Partners program.
  • Privacy, Communication and Trust
    We foster open and respectful communication to build trust and strengthen relationships with patients, families, clients, and healthcare partners. The laboratory acknowledges their role in PRHC’s Partnership Pledge and is committed to providing the best possible experience for patients and families.
  • Inclusion and Preparation
    We actively engage stakeholders in planning, decision-making, and improvement initiatives, ensuring they have the information and support needed to participate effectively. The laboratory is an engaged participant in PRHC’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Framework.
  • Humility and Learning
    We listen, learn, and continuously improve by valuing diverse perspectives, feedback, and lived experiences. The laboratory welcomes feedback through electronic patient surveys and reporting through PRHC Patient Relations.

SEEKING CARE

Patients accessing care at PRHC may require specimen collection and/or ECG be completed prior to their appointment. The specimen collection laboratory does not accept requisitions from community physicians or healthcare practitioners.

Frequently-Asked Questions

What are the hours that I can have my blood collected or have an ECG?
The Specimen Collection Laboratory is open for patients from the various hospital clinics Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (except statutory holidays). An appointment is not necessary.

How long will it take to receive my results?
Depending on the type of test(s) performed, it may take anywhere from 24 hours (as is the case for throat swabs) to seven (7) days to get results. Some tests may take longer.

What is meant by “fasting” for my test?
If the test you are having requires fasting, that means that you may not have food or beverages other than water for 12 hours prior to your visit. If you are taking any medication(s), please speak to your physician for specific instructions.

Does the PRHC Laboratory have a license?
Yes, the PRHC Laboratory holds a licence from the Ministry of Health- Laboratory Inspection and Licensing Information – Laboratories and Genetics Branch.

What tests does the PRHC Laboratory perform?

The PRHC Laboratory performs these tests – PRHC Licenced Tests 

Is the PRHC Laboratory accredited?
Yes, the PRHC Laboratory is accredited with the Accreditation Canada – Diagnostics and ISO 15189 Plus.

Does PRHC have Choosing Wisely Canada – Using Blood Wisely designation?  
PRHC is designated as a Using Blood Wisely hospital. PRHC has met benchmarks in red blood cell stewardship and have demonstrated their commitment to reducing unnecessary red blood cell transfusions at their hospital. In achieving this designation, PRHC is among a select group of hospitals that is making a difference for patients, donors, and Canada’s blood supply.