The transition from buffer-containing HPV swab tubes to dry tubes has been well received. To support continued best practice, please take note of the following important points about breaking the swab into the tube.
Always break the swab at the pink break line marked on the swab shaft. Do not cut the swab above this point. Cutting creates two risks: the swab can become lodged in the tube lid and drop inside the instrument, rendering it unsuitable for analysis; and scissors can introduce DNA contamination to the patient's specimen.
When breaking the swab, take care to keep the swab tip straight. A bent tip risks being accidentally pulled out of the tube by the instrument pipette during sampling, which will also make the swab unsuitable for analysis and may cause instrument contamination. Photographs illustrating correct technique are included on the Pathlab website. Thank you for supporting optimal swab collection and the best possible HPV results for patients.
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 morePathlab is changing its coeliac disease testing algorithm and will no longer perform upfront total IgA testing on all coeliac requests. From 11 November 2025, total IgA will only be added when results suggest possible IgA deficiency, with anti-DGP IgG continuing to be added automatically when IgA is <0.05 g/L. This updated approach aligns with published evidence and current practice at Canterbury Health Laboratories.
Read moreThe 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.