Urinary Antigen Testing for Streptococcus pneumoniae
May 27, 2024
Please note that effective 4th June 2024 urinary antigen testing for Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen will only be available after discussion and approval from a Clinical Microbiologist or Infectious Disease specialist. This test, which has been increasingly used in the setting of community acquired pneumonia, has sub-optimal sensitivity, and has limited usefulness from an antimicrobial…
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Change to B12 and Folate
May 24, 2024
In June 2024 Pathlab will be changing the way we deal with Vitamin B12 and Folate requests. We will change from always treating the tests as a ‘pair’ to treating them as separate entities. This will allow GPs and Specialists to request the most appropriate investigation for their patients. Paper forms and electronic order forms will be amended to separate the B12 from Folate tick boxes. Please…
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Change in Total PSA Assay
May 01, 2024
On 6th May Pathlab will be changing the method for Total PSA testing. This change is necessary due to an upgrade of the analysers used to perform testing. PSA results will decrease by approximately 10% from this date. This change will bring the PSA results we report closer to those of other laboratories in New Zealand. A comment will be appended to all reports using the new method of testing, for…
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Blood Bank Request Form / Transfusion Record Form Changes
April 30, 2024
Effective 6th May 2024, Pathlab will be moving to using the nationalised standard pre transfusion Blood Bank Request Form and Transfusion Record Form. These forms replace the local forms currently used in Rotorua and Taupo Hospitals. This standardisation will make it easier for clinical staff as they move between hospitals. This has become urgent due to NZBS adopting the ISBT numbering system for…
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Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS)
April 29, 2024
Pathlab is pleased to report the increased uptake of the Illumiscreen -Non-Invasive Blood Screen (NIPS) pathway which is tested within Aotearoa New Zealand. The Illumiscreen is a safe and reliable genetic screen that is available from as early as 10 weeks pregnancy. Three common conditions that can be detected by Illumiscreen are Down Syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau…
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