Throat Swabs
April 02, 2025
From culture to molecular testing Culture has been the mainstay for the detection of throat pathogens like Group A beta-haemolytic Streptococcus (GAS), Streptococcus pyogenes, for many decades, with other options like antigen testing lacking sensitivity. In recent years, molecular tests for GAS have become available but, in all cases, have lacked the ability to handle large volumes of specimens or…
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Sample Retention Period
March 20, 2025
Sample Storage Times We would like to inform you of an important update regarding the storage of blood samples at Pathlab. Due to workload increase and capacity constraints in our refrigerated stockyard, we are no longer able to store blood samples for the previous duration of seven days. Effective immediately: Serum samples will be stored for 4 days. EDTA samples will be stored for 2 days. We…
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Changes to B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) testing
December 23, 2024
BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) is a hormone produced by the heart, specifically the ventricles, in response to changes in pressure that occur when heart failure develops or worsens. BNP levels are elevated in patients with heart failure, making it a useful biomarker in diagnosing and monitoring the condition. The test can help distinguish between cardiac and non-cardiac causes of symptoms like…
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National Acceptance Criteria for Pertussis PCR Requests
December 13, 2024
(These criteria should apply during periods of high pertussis activity. For any local outbreaks, a testing strategy should be determined in conjunction with the local public health service.) Hospital People are considered to be a priority for pertussis testing if: They have an illness that is clinically compatible with pertussis, AND It is within 3 weeks of cough onset, AND They have been admitted…
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Hepatitis B Serology Requesting
December 03, 2024
We have reviewed Hepatitis B serology requesting at Pathlab. Due to the range of serological assays that can be requested for this infection, this can
be a potentially confusing area for both requestors and the laboratory receiving the requests. With this in mind, we have put together some brief guidance, as detailed below: In an immunocompetent patient, please request HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface…
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