Quick facts
- Effective April 1, 2026, Public Health Ontario (PHO) will no longer supply most specimen collection materials.
- Impacted healthcare providers should begin sourcing supplies from alternate vendors.
- For details on which providers are impacted, please reference the full announcement from PHO (external link).
Key messages for healthcare providers
Plan for new supply chains
- Healthcare providers who currently receive specimen collection materials from PHO should switch to independent procurement for these materials from alternate suppliers for specimen collection materials before April 1, 2026.
- The following specialized testing kits will remain available from PHO:
- Bordetella pertussis kits (Order #390052)
- Chlamydia trachomatis / Neisseria gonorrhoeae NAAT kits (Order #300316, #300317)
- Gastric lavage kits (hospital clients only, Order #390043)
- Providers should use the Requisition for Specimen Containers and Supplies (external PDF) to order these specialized kits. Be sure to download the latest version for each order. Printed requisitions will no longer be provided.
- PHO has shared a reference list of suppliers and vendors (external PDF) who offer specimen collection materials. PHO and Halton Public Health do not recommend, endorse, or guarantee any supplier, vendor or product.
Next steps for healthcare providers
- Review current inventory of swabs and collection kits.
- Contact a supply vendor to arrange ongoing orders.
- Update internal protocols to outline where materials can be obtained and how to place orders after April 1, 2026.
Additional resources
Visit PHO Test Information Index (external link) – for details on specimen requirements, collection kits, and handling instructions.