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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Non-collection of Rectal Swabs, STI Swabs & STI Urine Specimens and Genital Swabs
November 28, 2024
Please be advised that Pathlab phlebotomists are not able to provide instructions or facilities for the collection of rectal swabs, STI swabs or STI urine specimen, or genital swabs, effective immediately. Accurate sample collection of these specimen types requires adherence to specific guidelines that does not form part of Pathlab phlebotomist training. To avoid the risk of patients receiving…
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Indications for Sputum Culture in the Community Setting
November 25, 2024
Sputum culture is in general a low value microbiology test, where the vast majority of results do not change patient management. We analysed 3200 sputum samples between July 2023 and June 2024. The results are illustrated in the pie chart below. In summary, only 6% of the total samples grew a respiratory pathogen that was resistant to amoxycillin. Only 0.7% of the sample cohort grew a respiratory…
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