Respiratory Virus Testing
23 November 2023
Spring is coming to an end, the weather is warming up, and respiratory viruses are moving into their summer phase. What this means is influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) numbers are down to almost nothing and SARS-CoV-2 numbers remain stable and low. !Plots showing seasonal downward shift in respiratory virus testing positivity rate This means that from Monday 27th November we will mov…
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Funded and Non Funded Tests
17 November 2023
Pathlab is currently receiving a high number of queries regarding test requests that fall outside of the scope of our funding contracts and therefore require payment. The following criteria outlines the test requests that are predominately government funded and those that are not publicly funded - as determined by the Ministry of Health. Eligible for public funding: most tests that are required fo…
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HPV Request Forms and Dual Samples
15 September 2023
Please note the following in relation to HPV Swabs and SurePath LBC. Request Forms: There are multiple forms available to you for both HPV Swabbing and SurePath LBC screening, which are all accepted by Pathlab. - You have the option of using the eOrder Form (available to you from your local laboratory). - your PMS form (which will have recently been updated by your PMS Vendor). - NCSP forms (see l…
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Skin Prick Request Form Changes
11 September 2023
The Pathlab skin prick testing request form has been updated and is now an online form: https://www.pathlab.co.nz/skin-prick . Please use ONLY this form to request skin prick testing at Pathlab. Aeroallergens will always be performed as a panel, and only when clinically indicated due to allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis or asthma. A maximum of five foods can be selected, but please choose only thos…
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HPV Primary Screening (BOP, Waikato, Lakes)
07 September 2023
The new Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Primary Screening Program goes live from Tuesday 12th September. The HPV test can either be performed on the current liquid-based cytology (LBC) sample (SurePath) or utilising a self-collected or clinician collect vaginal swab. You must use the HPV specific swab and buffer tube. Cytology will still be utilised but as a reflex test for HPV positive patients or co…
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