Point-of-care testing expanded to Assiniboia emergency department
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) expanded point-of-care testing to the Assiniboia Union Hospital Integrated Facility emergency department.
Point-of-care testing is a supplementary initiative that enables trained local health-care team members to rapidly conduct essential diagnostics on-site at facilities when laboratory professionals are unavailable. Several tests can be performed using point-of-care testing technology, including:
hemoglobin to evaluate anemia and blood loss;
white blood cell counts to determine the presence of infection;
urinalysis for assessing kidney function and detecting urinary tract infections; and,
cardiac markers to evaluate heart health.
When needed, these tools support timely clinical decision-making and ensure residents benefit from seamless access to their local emergency health services.
This care delivery initiative is already supporting residents in nine other rural communities across the province access emergency department services where and when they need it. Since 2023, point-of-care testing has prevented 253 potential service disruptions, as of December 12, 2025.
Laboratory services are one of several components required to keep emergency departments operational. The point-of-care testing program is part of an overall strategy to enhance access to rural and remote emergency departments. The SHA and Government of Saskatchewan are committed to recruiting staff to rural laboratories.
The SHA appreciates the health-care teams in rural and remote communities, who work to minimize service disruptions and ensure emergency department services remain available to residents in the communities they serve.
