Respiratory Virus Community Testing
July 10, 2024
With the winter season upon us and the associated increase in respiratory virus circulation we would like to provide updated guidance on diagnostic testing. This is tempered by the fact that funding for this type of testing is limited and must be targeted at the most sick and vulnerable patient populations primarily those requiring hospitalisation. What this means in the community is that testing…
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Community Blood Culture bottle supply issue
June 24, 2024
Please be aware that due to manufacturing problems internationally, there is currently an issue with the supply of blood culture bottles. This is completely outside our control, but it may mean that we will receive marginally less than our normal allocation of bottles for distribution for at least the next three months. Consequently, it is important that good diagnostic stewardship is practiced…
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Optimal Use of the Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection
June 04, 2024
The microbiology laboratory at Pathlab receives on average 400 urine samples per day. This number has been steadily increasing over the past couple of years. In addition, the number of urine samples with no or insufficient clinical details has also increased. Please note the following with respect to optimal use of the microbiology laboratory for the diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI…
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Urinary Antigen Testing for Streptococcus pneumoniae
May 27, 2024
Please note that effective 4th June 2024 urinary antigen testing for Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen will only be available after discussion and approval from a Clinical Microbiologist or Infectious Disease specialist. This test, which has been increasingly used in the setting of community acquired pneumonia, has sub-optimal sensitivity, and has limited usefulness from an antimicrobial…
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Change to B12 and Folate
May 24, 2024
In June 2024 Pathlab will be changing the way we deal with Vitamin B12 and Folate requests. We will change from always treating the tests as a ‘pair’ to treating them as separate entities. This will allow GPs and Specialists to request the most appropriate investigation for their patients. Paper forms and electronic order forms will be amended to separate the B12 from Folate tick boxes. Please…
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