Chemical Pathology

About Us

The Chemical Pathology Laboratory of LabPLUS is one of New Zealand's premier reference laboratories. The extensive range of analytes offered by the department provides its clients with a service that is focused and unique. 

The department consists of the following sections: Rapid Response, Specialist Testing (incorporating Endocrinology, Special Techniques and Trace Metals) and Chromatography (incorporating Toxicology, HPLC and Work place drug testing). The experience of its chemical pathologists, scientists and technical staff provides an in depth clinical interpretation of tests. 

Key contacts

• Technical Head Colleen Harvey
• Clinical Head Dr James Davidson 

Quick links to services

• General Chemistry
• Endocrinology
• Special Techniques
• Trace Metals
• Toxicology
• HPLC
• Work Place Drug Testing

General Chemistry

This fully automated Chemical Pathology Section uses a variety of computer interfaced, state of the art equipment to deliver quality results with quick turn around times. We offer up to 65 general and specialist chemistries, therapeutic drug analysis, and cardiac and tumour marker assays. By continually investigating new automated assays, we strive to improve our role as a modern quality health care provider.

The Rapid Response Section is proud to be the only New Zealand Laboratory taking part in the CDC Lipid Standardisation Programme. By being involved in clinical studies and by maintaining the expertise to manage non-routine testing, this section is able to keep abreast with changes and innovations.

Key contact

• Section Leader Sarah Sargon

Endocrinology

The Endocrinology Group offers both a hormone and tumour marker measurement service and a consultation service.

The Clinical Head welcomes enquiries about the tests provided and is available to make clinical comments on the results for both diagnosis and treatment. Enquiries are also welcomed regarding research studies using both current assays provided and development of new assays for clinical research.

The endocrinology group of Lab Plus measures over 30 hormones and tumour markers used in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients. These assays may be found in the LabPLUS Test Guide.

Key contact

• Section Leader Margie Matson

Special Techniques

The Special Techniques Section generally undertakes tests where the demand for them can be variable including but not limited to porphyrins, sweat tests, examination of renal calculi, blood and plasma cholinesterase, and faecal chymotrypsin. Although many assays are performed by traditional manual procedures, automated modern technology is used where possible. The evaluation of glucose meters is also provided here.

Key contact

• Scientific Officer Dr Roger Johnson

Trace Metals

The Trace Metals Section is supervised by a Scientific Officer and specialises in the measurement of trace elements by utilising inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technology. This technique allows measurements to be made on a range of sample types including whole blood, serum, plasma, urine and liver biopsy samples, where specimen requirements depend on the element to be analysed.

The measurement of non-essential trace elements, including lead and mercury, plays an important role in poisoning detection, as well as monitoring occupational exposure.

Participation in Australian based external survey programmes ensure that quality results to industry standards are provided. The continual review of new techniques and assays allow for improvement to the existing service.

Key contact

• Scientific Officer Barry Palmer

---

Toxicology

The Toxicology section untertakes tests concerning overdose screening and therapeutic drug quanification. This section consists of state of the art equipments and tests can be explicitly designed to suit demands or research programs.

Key contact

• Scientific Officer Dr Ron Couch

HPLC

HPLC section undertakes specialist testing using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) techniques. The tests performed in this section range from drugs to vitamins. Also this section is involved in several new tests developments to accommodate new therapeutic drugs in the medical field. 

Key contact

• Scientific Officer Dr Gerald Woollard