What is the Provincial Laboratory Formulary (PLF)?
The Provincial Laboratory Formulary (PLF) is a continuously updated database of laboratory tests available to be ordered by clinicians, any relevant information pertaining to these tests, as well as any processes for obtaining approval of laboratory tests as required. The PLF provides information on which tests are performed in province as well as those sent out to reference labs. The PFL is essentially the laboratory test menu with a supporting utilization management framework to help redirect clinicians away from suboptimal testing strategies and towards ones that are superior.
The purpose of the PLF is not to reduce the amount of testing, but to promote appropriate use of laboratory tests based on evidence and best practice standards.
Who can use the PLF?
The PLF is available to all health care professionals requiring up-to-date laboratory test information. It is especially useful to clinicians with laboratory test ordering privileges.
What are the benefits of using the PLF?
The PLF offers the most up-to-date laboratory test information and assists with appropriate utilization of laboratory tests. The PLF provides information to make decisions on the right test on the right specimen in the right patient at the right time. It eliminates obsolete tests, implements frequency limitations for certain tests, and supports physician ordering tiers. This, in turn, leads to cost-effective laboratory test utilization, and increases in patient safety and quality of care.
How can I access the PLF?
The PLF can be accessed through this web page.
What if I have limited or no internet access?
A downloadable PDF is available from the website and can be printed, however, because the PLF is continuously monitored and updated, only the PLF available on the government website will be considered to be current and, therefore, the most accurate version.
How do I search the PLF?
The PLF offers a searchable web page to find the laboratory test(s) you are looking for. There are two ways to search:
- Enter the test name and click “SEARCH”; or
- you can browse through the PLF entries by clicking on the numbered pages located at the bottom of the search page.
Who determines the content within the PLF?
The content within the PLF is determined by the Provincial Laboratory Formulary Advisory Council (PLFAC). Users may request changes to PLF content by completing and submitting the Application Form for Additions and Modifications to the Provincial Laboratory Formulary. The PLFAC gives final approval for all PLF content.
Who is responsible for maintaining the PLF?
The PLFAC is responsible for maintaining the PLF.
How often is the information updated?
The information within the PLF is continuously updated and subject to change at any time as user requests for changes are approved, or as the PLFAC database maintenance working group additions and changes are finalized.
How will clinicians know if there have been changes to the PLF?
Clinicians will be able to view any changes to the PLF on the PLF website. Changes will also be disseminated to stakeholders in the form of bulletins and newsletters through the PLFAC communications working group.
What happens a clinician does not comply with the PLF?
Clinicians failing to comply with the PLF, especially for rarely ordered tests, may experience obstacles and delays in processing requested laboratory tests.
What do I do if I have any questions or concerns about the information contained in the PLF?
For any questions or concerns, please see the Contact Information page on the website.
If a patient has concerns about not having access to a specific test, due to PLF guidelines, what are their options? Can they access the test and associated results through a private provider?
All tests listed in the PLF can only be ordered by clinicians with ordering privileges for the test(s) requested. These privileges come with accountability for appropriate usage of laboratory medicine testing resources. Information is provided with each test listing in the PLF that indicates how specific tests can be ordered.
How often does the PLFAC meet?
The PLFAC meets at least quarterly. It may be necessary to meet more often depending on the agenda. The PLFAC co-chairs make the final decisions regarding when meetings will take place and the number of meetings required. The co-chairs can call a meeting at any time.
What test information does the PLF offer?
For each test, the PLF provides information on its Aliases, Provincial Mnemonic, LOINC Test Code, Description and Primary Use, Reorder Interval, Turnaround Time (TAT), Test Cost, Tier, Ordering Requirements, Required Consultations, Algorithms and Guidelines, Special Patient Preparation, Special Collection/Transport/Processing Requirements, Criteria for Rejection, Laboratory Service Area, Performing Laboratory/Site, Date Added, and Last Updated.
Does the Formulary Involve any changes to test ordering procedures?
There will be no immediate changes in test ordering procedures. Nothing will change for physicians ordering tests in the short-term. Health care providers should always ensure they are using only the currently published requisitions to avoid delays or rejections.
Does the Formulary lead to additional requirements for documentation when ordering special authorization tests?
There will be no additional documentation required for ordering special authorization tests. The lab test special authorization form must be used as always.
Are there plans to further communicate the existence of the Formulary to all clinicians?
Multiple forms of communications using various media were initially conducted to help ensure the message was received by Health Care Providers provincially. Other communications from time to time will occur as new tests are added or if something significant changes.