Proposed addition of syphilis re-screening to routine third trimester antenatal blood tests in the Northern Region Laboratory consultation: Te Whatu Ora Northern Region Laboratories, Labtests, and Northland Pathology Executive summary Congenital syphilis rates are increasing in the Northern Region, almost exclusively affecting Māori and Pacific people. We are proposing additional syphilis screening for women in […]
Due to the severe weather from the cyclone, all of our collection centres are currently CLOSED in Northland as of Monday 13 February 2023. Our Rust Avenue Collection Centre will be the only location available to visit tomorrow Tuesday 14 February. We understand this is an inconvenience for people, however the safety of the community […]
We’re excited to announce the next generation of non-invasive prenatal screening, Illumiscreen, is now available in Aotearoa New Zealand from across the APHG laboratory network. Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), sometimes known as NIPT, has been available for quite some time to screen fetal DNA for trisomy 21 (Down), 18 (Edward), 13 (Patau). We now have the latest […]
Changes to HIV testing in pregnancy in the Northern Region, 1st September 2022 As of 1st September 2022, the first antenatal blood panel will include HIV testing. Up until now, universal HIV testing has been recommended at the first antenatal visit but has required a specific request, which has led to sub-optimal testing rates. Following a […]
At Northland Pathology we have undergone an upgrade to our analysers. We are still utilising the Roche platform, but have upgraded to Cobas Pro analysers. These have the same excellent performance parameters whilst providing us with the opportunity to increase our throughput capacity, improve equipment reliability and take advantage of newer technology . . . […]
LabPLUS are in the process of reviewing their test menu for infectious serology and several antibody tests will be discontinued. Read more>>
Swabs are not taken by phlebotomy staff at Northland Pathology collection centres. However, certain swab types can be self-collected. Appropriate swabs for self-collection include: Swabs from wounds, eyes, and ears should not be self-collected as site preparation and sampling are important for generating valid results. Where self-collection (from an appropriate site) is desired, supply the […]