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Primary Care Alberta Clinical Updates - July 24, 2025
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CPSA: Procedures for chest and breast pumps and lactation support equipment
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) has identified that physicians and clinic staff could benefit from additional information regarding the proper use of chest and breast pumps, and lactation support equipment. To ensure your practice follows the correct procedures for using, disinfecting and sterilizing this equipment, please review the FAQ and guidance document here. Visit the CPSA website for other regularly updated guidance.
Lab bulletin: Anaplasma Phagocytophilum process change
As of July 21, the acceptance criteria for serology and molecular (PCR/NAT) testing for Anaplasma phagocytophilum has changed. Please see full details on the new testing process in the APL lab bulletin. The bulletin helps providers determine whether to test the patient, and how to assess if both molecular and serology testing are required.
Lab bulletin: Updated Transfusion Medicine resources
Please note that revised Transfusion Medicine resources are now available at: Transfusion Medicine | Alberta Health Services. Providers are asked to review the most current version of the applicable Blood Component or Product Information/Monograph before transfusion.
Lab bulletin for Edmonton Zone: Changed hours for post-vasectomy sample drop-offs
Effective September 15, the Edmonton Base Lab drop-off hours for post-vasectomy samples will change to: - Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Please ensure patients are aware of the new hours.
Lab bulletin: UTM and VTM collection process changes
As of August 1, all samples submitted to labs in expired universal transport medium (UTM) or viral transport medium (VTM) will not be processed. Please check the expiry date before using UTM/VTM for sample collection. The date can be found on the manufacturer’s label on the tube.
Lab bulletin for Calgary and South Zones: Outpatient test result delays
Due to an instrumentation upgrade, there is a delay in lab test result reporting for Calgary Zone and South Zone. If possible, please have patients present for outpatient blood work at least 48 hours before results are needed. The delay is expected to last until September 2025.
Lab bulletin for Edmonton Zone and non-acute sites in Central and North Zones: Testing update for C. difficile
As of July 22, the Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) testing algorithm performed in the Edmonton APL Base Lab will be modified from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based to a glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) chemiluminescent immunoassay-based screening algorithm with similar analytical performance. Please refer to the lab bulletin for new details on the collection and testing process.
Ovarian cancer prevention clinical guidelines
Submitted by Ovarian Cancer Canada.
The Ovarian Cancer Prevention Taskforce (OCPTF) is engaging primary care providers across Canada to ensure they are aware of their important role in the prevention of ovarian cancer. To educate key audiences, the OCPTF has designed clinical guidelines that can be downloaded or ordered online free of charge.
Prevention provides the best chance of saving lives from ovarian cancer, which is the most fatal women’s cancer. One in two women diagnosed do not live to see another five years. There is no screening or diagnostic test; there is no vaccine; and the pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer.
Reminder: Measles resources
Health Link texting service
When Alberta patients text “measles” to 88111, they’ll receive measles information from Health Link, including details on causes, immunization and treatments. Government of Alberta resources
The Alberta government has provided several public-facing resources as part of its “Don’t get measles. Get immunized.” campaign, including: The Government of Alberta also provides analytics on measles immunization at the following sites: |
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