The Scope: February 2024
In this issue you will find: Please find the latest edition of our newsletter here >>
Labtests is now Awanui Labs
On 1 February we changed the name of our organisation from Labtests to Awanui Labs. Moving to become Awanui Labs is a significant milestone for our organisation and represents the nationwide network we are part of. Our new name brings all eight laboratory brands from in our network, from Northland to Southland, together under a […]
New Ranui collection centre
We are excited to announce the opening of our newly relocated Ranui collection centre. In response to the valuable feedback we’ve received from the community, we are dedicated to providing you with an improved and more convenient experience. To ensure we can serve you without delay, we have permanently relocated our Ranui Collection centre to […]
Upgrade to Laboratory information system
We are upgrading our Laboratory Information System and here is how it will affect referrers. From 17 February 2024, Awanui Labs – Auckland (Formerly Labtests) will be going live with upgrades to its Laboratory Information System (LIS). This is part of a nationwide initiative that will refresh our existing LIS. Not only does this upgrade […]
Waitangi day
Most of our collection centres will be closed on Tuesday 6 February for Waitangi Day. The open collection centres can be found here.
Auckland anniversary day
Most of our collection centres will be closed on Monday 29 January for the anniversary day public holiday. However, you can find details of the centres that will be open here. Enjoy the long weekend.
Expired viral swabs/tubes
Increasing numbers of expired viral swabs / tubes for SARS-CoV-2, HSV/VZV, and other molecular testing are being received by the laboratory. The use of expired materials has the potential to compromise results and testing on significantly out of date swabs / tubes will not be routinely performed. We ask practices to review and monitor their […]
Our name is changing – introducing Awanui Labs
We are communicating to provide notice of the upcoming name change of our organisation from Labtests to Awanui Labs. Moving to become Awanui Labs is a significant milestone for our organisation and represents the nationwide network we are part of. Our new name brings all eight laboratory brands from in our network, from Northland to […]
Changes to the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP): HPV Primary Testing
From 12 September 2023, the primary test for cervical screening will change to a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, with the option of self-testing. Further information about the change can be accessed via the National Screening Unit HPV primary screening webpage located here. There are two sample types that Awanui labs will be accepting for HPV […]
HPV primary screening – DELAYED
Labtests have been advised by the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) that the start date for the switch to primary HPV screening has been postponed until 12 September 2023. Further information is available from the NCSP by emailing HPVScreen@health.govt.nz. Until the programme change to primary HPV testing takes effect on 12 September 2023, SurePath vials […]