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Regional Laboratory Department

What is it?

The Regional Laboratory Department analyses human biological specimens (most commonly, blood or urine samples) to help health care professionals diagnose and treat conditions and diseases. 

The laboratory manages all human blood products for treatment in Eeyou Istchee, as well as the products that are put in inventory in coastal communities.  

Who is it for?

Laboratory services benefit people who need an analysis of their body fluids to help the doctor in the diagnosis and treatment of their condition.

Where is it offered?

The Regional Laboratory is part of the Chisasibi Hospital. The Mistissini Laboratory is a satellite lab under the supervision of Regional team. 

How does it work?

If your doctor thinks a laboratory analysis of a bodily fluid (blood, urine, etc) will help in diagnosis or treatment, he or she will request a test and you will then provide a sample of the material to be tested. This will usually be done at your local CMC. 

The specimen will then be sent to the laboratory, which will analyse it. The results of this analysis are confirmed by a medical laboratory technologist. Then, the results are sent back to your doctor, who will interpret them and will follow up with you in whatever manner is necessary.  

How long does it last?

Your role involves giving a sample, and usually this is done quite quickly. Giving a blood sample takes only a few minutes, and typically involves having a needle and tube inserted into your arm, in order to take as much blood as necessary for the tests. The needle will prick, but is not very painful. This process takes only a few minutes. For urine samples, you will simply urinate into a cup. It takes only a minute to provide the sample. 

Once these samples are sent to the Laboratory, the length of time needed to get results will depend of the kind of specimens and the tests to be done. It can range from a few hours to a week or more. More complex analyses may need to be sent to another hospital, which can affect how long it takes to get the results. 

How can I get this service?

Your doctor will prescribe this service if you need it; you can receive this service through your local CMC or the Chisasibi Hospital. 

Where can I learn more?

To learn more about how laboratory analysis works, contact your local CMC or talk to your doctor. 

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The Cree Health Board is proud to acknowledge its dedicated Medical Laboratory teams in Chisasibi and Mistissini. They play a key role in the fight against COVID-19.

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