Using Labs Wisely: Introducing a New National Program

Sep 15, 2022 - News

Over 100 hospitals signed up to tackle low-value lab testing in Canada.

Using Labs Wisely: Introducing a New National Program

Sep 15, 2022 - News

Over 100 hospitals signed up to tackle low-value lab testing in Canada.

In May 2022, Choosing Wisely Canada invited hospitals to join Using Labs Wisely, a national consortium that aims to make a measurable impact on reducing low-value lab testing. To date, 114 hospitals across Canada have signed up to start the program this September.

Low-value lab testing occurs when a test is ordered for the wrong reason or at the wrong time. These tests consume finite hospital resources, and can quickly snowball into a cascade of unwarranted investigations or treatments, potentially exposing patients to harm.

According to Dr. Adina Weinerman, co-lead of Using Labs Wisely and a general internist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the program is launching at a critical time as health care systems are stretched beyond capacity.

“With the incredible pressure on our health care systems, we hope Using Labs Wisely can reduce redundant testing and free up finite resources, so they are available when needed most,” she says. “We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from over 100 hospitals across Canada willing to tackle this longstanding problem.”

Participating hospitals identify areas where they’d like to make improvements, share data, and learn with others in the consortium. As the program expands, hospitals will contribute to the creation of a national reporting system for appropriate lab utilization in Canada.

Participating Using Labs Wisely Hospitals:

  • Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone)
  • Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre
  • Mackenzie Health
  • Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
  • Bluewater Health
  • Georgian Bay General Hospital
  • Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
  • The Hospital for Sick Children
  • Unity Health Toronto
  • Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto East Health Network
  • Brant Community Healthcare System
  • CHU de Québec-Université Laval
  • Halton Healthcare
  • Eastern Health
  • Montfort Hospital
  • CHEO
  • Trillium Health Partners
  • Hamilton Health Sciences
  • Kingston Health Sciences Centre
  • London Health Sciences Centre
  • North York General Hospital
  • Sault Area Hospital
  • Sinai Health
  • Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  • William Osler Health System
  • Windsor Regional Hospital
  • Alberta Health Services (Central Zone)
  • Cité-de-la-Santé de Laval
  • Island Health
  • Carleton Place
  • Cornwall Community Hospital
  • Niagara Health System
  • IWK Health Centre
  • Glengarry Memorial Hospital
  • Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Applications for the program’s September 2022 start are now closed. Hospitals interested in being part of the 2023 program can join our mailing list for Using Lab Wisely updates and notifications.