Over recent weeks, we have received several enquiries regarding how community patients can access Short Synacthen Testing across Pathlab’s main regions.
Please see below the referral and booking requirements for each region:
Tauranga:
- Bookings are essential and can be made through the Pathlab Contact Centre – 07 578 7073.
- Testing is only available at Pathlab Cameron Road, Tauranga Hospital Campus.
- The requesting clinician must provide a prescription for Synacthen 0.25mg. The patient is responsible for collecting the medication from their pharmacy and bringing it to their appointment.
Hamilton:
- Bookings are essential and can be made through the Pathlab Contact Centre – 07 858 0795.
- Testing is only available at Pathlab Tristram Street, 58 Tristram Street, Hamilton.
- The requesting clinician must provide a prescription for Synacthen 0.25mg. The patient is responsible for collecting the medication from their pharmacy and bringing it to their appointment.
Whakatāne
- Referrals must be submitted via Best Practice (BPAC) or through the Day Stay Scheduler, Tauranga Hospital (Ext. 5865).
- The Day Stay Scheduler will liaise with the Whakatāne Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) to:
- Arrange the patient’s appointment.
- Source the Synacthen.
- Administer the Synacthen.
Rotorua
- Referrals should be made to the Chemo Day Stay Unit, Rotorua Hospital (Ext. 7989).
- The Day Stay Unit will:
- Arrange the patient’s appointment.
- Source the Synacthen.
- Administer the Synacthen.
Taupo
- The GP must submit a referral via BPAC to the appropriate service (e.g. General Medicine).
- Referrals are triaged by the General Medicine Consultant. If accepted, they will prescribe the Synacthen and complete the laboratory request.
- Once received, the Infusion Clinic will contact the patient to arrange an appointment.
- Taupō Hospital Infusion Clinics are held on Fridays only (excluding public holidays) and this service is in high demand.
If you have any questions regarding the referral process, please contact the relevant site directly.