Pathlab introduced a new anti-MPO reagent for ANCA testing from Friday 17 October 2025. The manufacturer has improved the assay, resolving issues that occasionally affected laboratory processing (but not patient results).
This enhancement has resulted in a one-time downward shift in numerical values, which may be significant in some cases compared to results obtained with the previous reagent. The change may also reduce false positives, without affecting overall assay sensitivity.
To support comparison, Pathlab will run parallel testing for:
Both old and new results will be reported in a comment for these cases. Parallel testing will occur once only; all subsequent results will be based on the new reagent and will not be directly comparable to prior results.
Please send feedback to Andrew Soepnel, Pathlab service lead immunology.
See Anti-MPO Reagent Change (PDF).
This week the Pinnacle Incorporated Executive Committee has written to Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health and Labour MPs across the Midland region asking them to reconsider lowering the screening age for Māori and Pacific people.
Read moreFurther to Te Whatu Ora AIR update communication, please note the ‘Evolution Immunisation Update - April 2025’ does not apply retrospectively to historical records. Practices should continue to follow their usual processes for managing changes to historical immunisation records—for example, where appropriate updating PCV10 to PCV13.
The national AIR team currently has a programme of work underway to explore technical solutions to better support this in the future.
The B4 School Check (B4SC) is a universal, comprehensive check for all four-year-old’s that includes height and weight, vision and hearing, immunisations, oral health, and behavioral and developmental components.
View detailsNational Cervical Screening Programme screening updates.