Specimen Collection for Suspected COVID-19
July 24, 2020
Pathlab has been receiving many queries regarding the appropriate specimen to collect for COVID-19 following the release of the
recent MOH guidelines
on 14th July which states “either nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swabs are appropriate for the collection of specimens for COVID-19 testing.” Nasopharyngeal swab is still the preferred sample type A subsequent message released by Dr Ashley…
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Choosing Wisely Microbiology during COVID-19
June 23, 2020
There has been a significant surge in requests for COVID-19 testing over the past week. This has likely been triggered by the recent cases diagnosed in incoming travellers, and the re-establishment of rhinovirus circulation post-lockdown. As normal work volumes have recently returned to normal, this has put a lot of pressure on our scientific staff. To this end we request that requestors make…
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HbA1c included in 1st Antenatal Screen
June 20, 2020
In 2014 the Ministry of Health issued guidelines on ‘Screening, Diagnosis and Management of Gestational Diabetes in New Zealand’. The guidelines recommended the measurement of HbA1c as part of the 1st antenatal screen. The BOP, Lakes and Waikato DHBs had agreed that HbA1c will become part of the 1st Antenatal screen throughout the regions. The changes came into effect on Monday 16th May 201…
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COVID-19 Patient Services, Level 1
June 10, 2020
Pathlab Collection Facilities Re-opening With the move yesterday to Level 1, we are pleased to be able to advise of further collection facilities opening. Bay of Plenty Effective Thursday 11th June, ALL our Bay of Plenty collection rooms will be back to usual business hours. Waikato The last of the closed facilities in Waikato will be opening as follows: Victoria Central – opening Monday 15th June…
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Waikato COVID-19 Level 2 Update
May 14, 2020
Welcome Dr Gustavo Faulhaber Dr Gustavo Faulhaber is our new specialist haematologist. He had his training in Brazil, having a broad experience in both clinical and laboratory Haematology where he attained a Master and PhD degree in Medicine and worked as a university professor. Dr Faulhaber’s interests are in medical education and research in Haematology Pathology; he will be providing services…
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