Community lab services in three southern Alberta communities, including Lethbridge, have officially transitioned from Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) to DynaLIFE Medical Labs. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Community lab transition takes effect in southern Alberta

Feb 28, 2023 | 10:10 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Community lab services in three southern Alberta communities have officially transitioned from Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) to DynaLIFE Medical Labs.

The transition occurred in Lethbridge, Brooks, and Medicine Hat.

The change was first reported in November 2022 and Alberta Health Services (AHS) said it aims to improve overall lab services and generate savings.

READ MORE: Lab services change to allow greater focus on hospital patients in Lethbridge

The latest shift marks the second phase of a provincial transition of lab services. In December 2022, labs in the North, Edmonton, Central, and Calgary Health Zones of AHS transitioned to DynaLIFE.

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Health Minister Jason Copping said in a news release, “Contracting community lab services to DynaLIFE will ensure Albertans have timely access to high-quality community lab services, while generating cost savings and redirecting healthcare dollars into other important health services.”

Copping added, “DynaLIFE has a proven history of providing innovative lab services and Albertans can be assured they are getting the best care possible.”

Roughly 50 million tests per year are conducted in the community and will be delivered by DynaLIFE under contract to AHS. The contract includes operating community labs as well as mobile collection facilities in communities that have more than 25,000 collections per year.

AHS noted that in Lethbridge, Brooks and Medicine Hat, APL in-hospital laboratories will continue to serve patients who have a requisition generated at a hospital or urgent care site, either through inpatient, emergency or ambulatory clinics.

Mauro Chies, Interim President and CEO of AHS, said, “This expanded partnership with DynaLIFE will not only see investments in community lab facilities and technology, but will continue to drive and support the health innovation ecosystem in Alberta.”

Chies added that the transition of services to DynaLIFE “will ensure hospital labs, operated by APL, are able to focus on the emergency, inpatient and urgent needs of acute and ambulatory hospital patients.”

Hospital labs in rural areas of the AHS South Health Zone that do not have additional community labs will continue to service patients at the included rural community clinics.

In Lethbridge, two new community laboratories have opened at 1240 2A Avenue North and 405 Highlands Blvd West. More information about the changes are available at the DynaLIFE website.

Albertans can find their closest lab location and book an appointment online, or by calling the DynaLIFE booking line at 1-877-702-4486.