By Ryan Young Apr 30, 2021 | 4:22 PM According to CUPE Local 5430, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is cutting microbiology testing at the Yorkton lab and starting this Sunday, samples from Yorkton and area will be sent to Regina for processing. “Our Microbiology lab diagnoses critical illnesses such as staph infections, sepsis, meningitis, and post-op infections. The range of tests the government is cutting include microbial organism identification and sensitivity reporting, which is used to identify which treatment options should be given to patients to effectively counter infections,” said Linda Renkas, Regional Vice-President, CUPE 5430 in a news release. “If treatment or diagnosis is delayed, the consequences can be life threatening.”