Laboratory Services

We operate one of the largest public health laboratory systems in the world with 11 locations across Ontario. We are at the forefront of laboratory technology, testing and research.

We provide services to clinicians in primary care and hospitals as well as for Ontario’s public health units, including:

  • clinical and environmental testing
  • clinical consultation
  • technical and customer service support
  • education and training programs for laboratory professionals
  • evaluation of new laboratory technologies and methodologies

To prepare for and respond to emergencies, our team:

  • provides laboratory surveillance
  • tests for bioterrorism
  • investigates outbreaks
  • supports and contributes resources to incident management

Public Health Ontario’s laboratory at a Glance

272 tests available
11 locations
6 million tests per year
APPROX. 16,000 specimens per day

Look inside PHO’s laboratory

A Look Inside PHO's Laboratory

Provides a glimpse of the daily routine at Public Health Ontario's laboratory.

Duration: 1 min

Updated 22 June 2023