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Canadian Hospital Laboratory Services 2026 — Pathology, Point-of-Care & IQMH Guide
Complete guide to Canadian hospital laboratory services — pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, haematology, point-of-care testing, IQMH accreditation, provincial lab information systems (OLIS), and laboratory software.
IQMH accredits Canadian medical laboratories. OLIS provides provincial lab data sharing. POCT speeds clinical decisions. This guide covers Canadian laboratory services.
Lab Departments
| Department | Description | Key Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | Chemical analysis of blood/urine | Electrolytes, LFT, RFT, glucose |
| Haematology | Blood cell analysis | CBC, coagulation, blood smear |
| Microbiology | Culture and sensitivity | Blood culture, wound, urine, respiratory |
| Pathology | Tissue analysis | Histology, cytology, frozen section |
| Transfusion medicine | Blood bank | Type and cross, transfusion |
| Immunology | Immune system testing | Autoimmune, allergy, serology |
| Molecular | DNA/RNA testing | PCR, genetic testing, COVID-19 |
| Point-of-care | Bedside testing | Glucose, ABG, INR, troponin |
Lab Workflow
- Order: Doctor orders test via CPOE
- Collection: Phlebotomist collects sample (barcode label)
- Transport: Transport sample to lab (pneumatic tube or courier)
- Analysis: Lab analyser processes sample
- Validation: Medical lab technologist validates results
- Reporting: Results reported to EHR and OLIS
- Interpretation: Doctor interprets results
- Turnaround time: Track TAT (stat < 1 hour, routine < 4 hours)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is IQMH and what does it do?
- IQMH (Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare) is the Canadian laboratory accreditation body (Ontario-focused, used nationally). IQMH: 1) Accredits medical laboratories, 2. Sets quality standards, 3. Conducts proficiency testing, 4. Provides quality management education. IQMH accreditation is required for Ontario hospital labs. Other provinces have equivalent accreditation (e.g., CPA — Canadian Pathology Association).
- What is OLIS and how does it work?
- OLIS (Ontario Laboratory Information System) is Ontario's provincial lab data repository. All lab results from Ontario labs are submitted to OLIS. Healthcare providers can access OLIS to view patient lab results from any lab. Other provinces have similar systems (e.g., BC — PLIS). OLIS reduces duplicate testing and improves access to results. Hospitals should integrate with OLIS.
- What point-of-care testing is used in Canadian hospitals?
- Canadian hospital POCT: 1) Glucose (bedside), 2. ABG (ED/ICU), 3. INR (cardiac), 4. Troponin (ED), 5. COVID-19 (ED), 6. Influenza/RSV (ED), 7. Urinalysis (ED), 8. Pregnancy (ED). POCT must be quality-controlled and IQMH-accredited. POCT reduces turnaround time and speeds clinical decisions.