STI Collection Kit Change - Update
November 09, 2022
The new STI swab and urine collection kits/tubes have been available since September and many requestors have already transitioned to them. We would like to remind you to use up your existing stock, but you MUST transition to the new STI kits/tubes by Friday 18th November. Any of the old black cap STI tubes received from Monday the 21st November will result in a recollect request as the old Viper…
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Skin Prick Testing Changes
October 20, 2022
The Pathlab skin prick testing request form has been updated and is available to download: https://www.pathlab.co.nz/providers#forms As before, the form is electronically fillable, but the patient consent portion will now be provided by Pathlab and completed at the time of testing. Aeroallergens will now always be performed as a panel, and only when clinically indicated due to allergic rhinitis…
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Transfusion Samples Labelling Process
October 19, 2022
New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) are updating their sample labelling for group & hold (transfusion) samples, as per below. Pathlab will also be moving to the same criteria effective Monday 7th November 2022 to ensure we can continue to refer samples to NZBS. Please circulate this updated process to any staff who may collect samples. New criteria – label it correctly or re-collect From Monday…
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Respiratory Virus Testing
September 20, 2022
Spring is well and truly upon us; the weather is warming up and respiratory viruses are moving into their summer phase. Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) numbers are down to almost nothing and SARS-CoV-2 numbers remain low. This means that effective Monday 3rd October we will stop routinely performing the SARS-CoV-2/Influenza A+B/RSV multiplex molecular assay on all respiratory virus…
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STI Collection Kit Change
August 29, 2022
Pathlab is excited to announce the implementation of a new BD COR high throughput molecular analyser to perform several tests including the STI panels (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas). This is only the second instrument of its type commissioned in the world and offers improvements over the existing assay and instruments. Dual target self-confirming gonorrhoea test meaning reduced turnaround…
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