Medical labs in Ontario are understaffed, more in-lab educators needed, organization says | CBC News

"Of the labs in Ontario, 68 per cent are experiencing a shortage of medical lab technologists (MLTs), according to a recent survey by the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO). Those are the behind-the-scenes scientists that test medical samples like blood work or nasal swab tests. Their work is relied on in order to collect data on rates of certain illnesses, to investigate disease outbreaks and for doctors to accurately diagnose patients."

"For many labs, the staffing strain is causing delays and increasing return times for test results, the 2025 report suggests, which means patients are waiting longer to hear back about cancer diagnoses or STI tests than they would otherwise. Students in MLT programs are required to complete a clinical placement during their education, according to Michelle Hoad, CEO of the MLPAO."

Sixty-eight per cent of labs in Ontario are experiencing a shortage of medical lab technologists (MLTs). MLTs perform essential testing of medical samples such as blood work and nasal swabs that support disease surveillance and clinical diagnosis. Staffing shortages are causing delays and longer return times for test results, which can postpone cancer and STI diagnoses. MLT students must complete clinical placements, but many labs have waitlists because short-staffed facilities cannot host trainees. The association requests $6 million over three years to fund educator positions in labs to expand placement capacity. Without expanded placement capacity and funded educator roles, the pipeline of new MLTs will remain constrained and lab backlogs may worsen.

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