Pathlab has reviewed Hepatitis B serology requesting. 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, Pathlab has put together some brief guidance.

Following a detection of cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza/HPAI (also commonly known as avian flu or bird flu) subtype H7N6 in chickens on a poultry farm in Otago, Te Whatu Ora has published a public health advisory with an update on the disease, the health response underway, and guidance for clinicians.

Effective immediately, 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.

Funding for Hiberix and Varivax will cease from 1 December 2024. The vaccines have been replaced by Act-HIB and Varilrix respectively. Practices should have stock of the new vaccines and should have already made the swap to these. If you have old stock remaining on 1 December, it needs to be returned to Propharma using usual processes.

Pathlab is seeing an increase in the volume of Histology requests in the lead up to Christmas. The turnaround time for results has increased as a result of this demand.

A measles case identified in Auckland had recently returned from Southeast Asia. Whilst infectious, the case visited three healthcare settings and a local Four Square on Waiheke Island, prior to being advised to isolate. All known close contacts have been contacted, and a small number are in quarantine. While the risk of transmission to the wider community is considered low, the National Public Health Service is asking healthcare professionals to please remain vigilant and take precautions.

Skin prick testing is a specialised test to detect specific IgE antibodies to a range of allergens. Due to the very low volume of skin prick tests processed at Pathlab Taupō, and in commitment to service quality, Pathlab has discontinued skin prick testing at this site. Patients will instead be booked for the same testing at a different site, the closest being Rotorua – OPD Department – Rotorua Hospital.

The recent PHO Services Agreement Amendment Protocol (PSAAP) meeting took place 31 October and focused on updates related to the Primary Health Organisation Services Agreement (PHOSA) and outputs from working groups. Three themes emerged at many points during the meeting.

Following the recent announcement of updates to the ACC definition regulations, paramedics will be recognised as ACC treatment providers from 19 December 2024. This change will enable paramedics to be funded for work in primary care and as PRIME responders.

Following a recent case, the Ministry of Health is clarifying the use of the Mental Health Act (1992) for frontline doctors and nurse practitioners. This concerns situations where someone may require compulsory assessment and treatment.

Furthermore, the Ministry recommends all frontline doctors and nurse practitioners in the community, rural hospitals and emergency departments, engage with training such as that available via Te Pou on the application of the Mental Health Act.