Interim laboratory testing guidance for the detection of non-tuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) infections in post-operative patients exposed to heater-cooler units.

The advice contained in this document should be read in conjunction with relevant federal, provincial, territorial and local legislation, regulations, and policies. Recommended measures should not be regarded as rigid standards, but principles and recommendations to inform the development of guidance. This advice is based on currently available scientific evidence and adopts a precautionary approach where the evidence is lacking or inconclusive. It was approved for publication on December 5, 2016. It is subject to review and change as new information becomes available. The main changes to this version include additions to: Case load reported to date, Sarcoidosis-like disease as an Indicator, Whole Genome Sequencing effort, links to Provincial and Territorial Lab Services and Health Canada reporting.