News

Change in serum free light chain testing
August 11, 2020

As of the 1st September 2020, Pathlab will be changing the instrumentation in which kappa and lambda serum free light chains are performed. Historically these tests have been performed using the SPA Plus and analysed using freelite reagent, both supplied by The Binding Site. The Binding Site has recently released an upgraded instrument, the Optilite. This instrument uses the same freelite reagent…

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Vitamin B12 - Change to Reference Interval
August 11, 2020

We have undertaken an extensive review of the reference intervals for Vitamin B12 in use at Pathlab and intend to reduce our lower reference interval from 140pmol/L to 110pmol/L Feedback from GPs suggests a higher than expected number of patients with low or marginally Vitamin B12 levels. The method we use is known to produce lower results than other methods and our quoted reference intervals are…

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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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