Laboratory
Programs & Services

Laboratory

The Laboratory is staffed 24/7 to ensure care for the patients in our community. Our team consists of trained healthcare professionals who operate state of the art analyzers to provide timely results.

Overview

Our laboratory department provides diagnostic testing on specialized instruments to support physicians to diagnose, monitor and treat patient conditions.

Our Quality

The laboratory is committed to good professional practice, quality of examinations, and compliance with the quality management system in order to meet regulatory requirements and ensure continuous improvement of lab processes and practices. No section of the laboratory is exempt from the quality management system activities.


Contact Us

OSMH Laboratory
170 Colborne Street West
Orillia, ON L3V 2Z3

705-325-2201 ext. 3103


Our Services

The laboratory provides the following services:

  • Chemistry
  • Hematology
  • Coagulation
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Microbiology
  • Anatomic pathology
  • Cytology
  • Point of Care Testing
  • Phlebotomy
  • Specimen accessioning
  • Clerical/office support

Specimen Collection

Located in the basement of the Community Tower, the Specimen Collection department provides services for OSMH patients (inpatients, emergency, oncology, pre-operative, registered clinics). Specimen Collection is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. but closed for lunch between 12 and 1 p.m. (excluding holidays).

Chemistry

Common tests are glucose, electrolytes, cardiac markers, liver function, thyroid function, pregnancy hormones and blood gases. Drug screening for prescription monitoring and illicit use is also performed. Urinalysis is a special test that can detect diabetes, kidney or bladder diseases, and some blood disorders.

Haematology

Haematology is the study of blood cells (white, red and platelets). Blood is analyzed to provide accurate information for physicians who are diagnosing and monitoring patients. Other haematology tests are for mononucleosis and influenza.

Blood Transfusion

Our team provides sensitive testing methods to ensure the safest blood matches for patient transfusions. Pre-operative testing ensures compatible blood is on hand. The department works closely with Canadian Blood Services to maintain an adequate inventory for our community.

Microbiology

The laboratory identifies bacteria (collected from swabs, tissues and fluids) that invade the body and cause infection. Once the bacteria are identified it is tested for sensitivity to a variety of antibiotics in order to help the doctor select the best treatment. Screening for “super bugs” such as MRSA and VRE takes place and there is strong communication with the Infection Prevention & Control department.

Anatomic Pathology

Surgically removed body tissues are examined by a specially trained physician to find out if disease is present.

Autopsy Pathology

An autopsy is the post-mortem examination and dissection of human cadavers to determine the cause of death and disease processes. Out pathologists work in conjunction with the local coroners to provide autopsy services when indicated.

Cytology

Cytology plays an important role in diagnosing cancer at a cellular level. Specimens from body secretions and washings are prepared and analyzed to detect cancer before surgery or radiation/chemotherapy begins, often before any symptoms appear.


Useful Resources