COVID-19 prompts rural AHS labs to implement appointment-only lab collections
EDMONTON, AB. — In an effort to control outpatient activity at rural healthcare facility labs, those needing to have lab work done, will now need to make an appointment.
The temporary measure will commence on Monday, May 4, at acute care and urgent care facilities to reduce the risk of virus transmission for those having to wait in small waiting areas.
The change will not affect lab work for hospital inpatients, and all patients requiring laboratory tests will continue to receive them. Appointment-only lab work will improve safety for rural patients at high risk for severe illness, such as those with compromised immune systems.
Patients are encouraged to discuss the urgency of their lab work with their physician before booking appointments, which can be made by providers or patients by phone or online.
