Changes to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Confirmation and Reporting 

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What’s new: Cadham Provincial Laboratory (CPL) has updated the provincial HCV laboratory screening protocol. 

The goal: This new process simplifies the diagnosis of active Hepatitis C for clinicians and public health practitioners. 

How it works:

• Screen positive results for HCV antibody (HCV Ab) will be confirmed by nucleic acid testing (NAT) to detect circulating HCV RNA. 
• For those who have previously cleared or been previously treated for HCV and achieved SVR (sustained viral response), HCV RNA detection will be the only reliable method remaining to diagnose reinfection. 
• HCV RNA to assess for reinfection should only be requested in high risk cases with suggestive laboratory or clinical findings. 

Why it matters: This streamlined process simplifies HCV diagnosis and supports earlier treatment for Manitobans. 

Learn more: View Shared Health’s memo to health care providers here and find Manitoba’s Hepatitis C protocol here.

Call for Volunteers: 2026 Manitoba Winter Games

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Why it matters: The 2026 Manitoba Winter Games is calling on medical professionals to join its volunteer medical team. Your expertise will help ensure a safe, healthy, and successful Games experience for athletes and spectators alike from March 1 – 7, 2026 in Thompson.

The opportunity:

• Practicing members from across Manitoba are invited to contribute for part of the week or the full duration. 
• Volunteers play a vital role in athlete care and event safety. 
• Transportation, lodging, and meals can be provided. 

Bottom line: Physicians and other medical professionals are essential to keeping the Games healthy and strong. Your skills can make a real difference. Sign up today!

Canadian Patient Safety Week 

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What’s new: It’s Canadian Patient Safety Week, and Shared Health is encouraging physicians to extend resources to patients that help foster a collaborative and safe space for their questions. 

It’s safe to ask: This year’s It’s Safe to Ask campaign highlights how health literacy, experience with trauma, systemic racism and/​or stigma may affect a patient’s comfort level in asking their health care provider questions. New videos offer a roadmap for patients and providers to navigate these challenges. 

Why it matters:

• Including patients, families, and communities helps identify risks that might otherwise be missed. 
• Collaboration strengthens trust and accountability across the system. 
• Safer care grows from shared understanding and open communication. 

Learn more: Explore Healthcare Excellence Canada’s Spotlight Series and take the survey to share your voice in shaping safer care.

Phenomenal Physicians

Congratulations to Dr. Christina Raimondi whose outstanding contributions to the field of women’s reproductive health are being honoured with the Federation of Medical Women in Canada’s Reproductive Health Award! ​“We celebrate Dr. Raimondi’s commitment to advancing care, education, and advocacy that support women’s health across Canada and beyond,” FMWC Canada said in an announcement. Their enthusiasm is shared by Dr. Raimondi’s colleagues at the FMWC Manitoba branch! 

If you would like to highlight a Phenomenal Physician, email us at general@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca