LabPLUS News
Newsletters
You can view the latest LabPLUS newsletters here:
LabPLUS newsletter - September 2011 (PDF - 660 KB)
Other news
Cut-it-up in the City - Pathology Dissection Workshop
This workshop, with Carol Turnbull and Gordon McNair, will be held at LabPLUS March 2nd and 3rd 2012.
Workshop details and registration form (PDF - 90KB)
LabPLUS Test Guide
You can now sign up for email alert of changes made to the Test Guide. This will include addition of new tests, changes in collection tubes, collection and packaging instructions, turnaround time and clinical use. To subscribe, just open Test Guide from the quick link on our home page, left click on 'Main' (top left hand corner) and choose 'Subscribe to Mailing List' from the drop down list. Should you wish to unsubscribe, just click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email alert sent.
Haematology
Haematology FBC reports will include Immature Granulocytes. The Immature Granulocyte is an analyser derived parameter reported as an absolute count outside of the white cell differential that combines promyelocytes, myelocytes and metamyelocytes. Where possible this count will now be reported automatically and if no other significant white cell abnormalities are present a manual differential count may not be performed. Band neutrophils are not included in the immature granulocyte count. Where an automated differential is reported low numbers of band neutrophils will be included in the neutrophil count, however if they number > 5% a manual differential will be performed. For areas where a Left shift index is reported there will be no change to current protocol.
Diagnostic Genetics- Cytogenetics FISH test for neonates
We are pleased offer a “rapid” FISH test for neonates with a suspicion of trisomy. This test will be available within 1-2 working days if urgent and will replace the previous 48 hour culture. This will be followed by the detailed full karyotype result 3 – 4 days later.
Rapid FISH is also offered for 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome.
Please refer to the test guide for more information
Pathologist approval required for laboratory tests: Vitamin D, Insulin, DHEAS, Homocysteine and Lipoprotein(a)
Please see our information sheet for details of this policy. (PDF - 90KB)
Price list review
We have completed a price review for some Diagnostic Genetics and Biochemical Genetic tests.
Details on price changes from 1 July 2011.
Change in reporting format for RAST testing
There will be a new RAST testing reporting format introduced on 16 May 2011. Testing methodology will be unchanged. For more information please see the letter sent to LabPLUS customers (Doc - 66 KB).
Change in charging for referred Mycology specimens
As from 12 January 2011, any test request sent to the LabPLUS Mycology Reference laboratory will be charged to the requesting community or District Health Board Laboratory Service. For more information please see the ESR letter sent to all Laboratory Managers (PDF - 332 KB)
Last Updated 18:19 09-12-2011