Blog
Enteric pathogen testing changing to PCR
From Monday 2nd October 2023 Awanui Labs will be replacing routine faecal culture and Giardia/ Cryptosporidium EIA testing with a single multiplex faecal PCR test. PCR is more sensitive than culture and EIA testing, and this new method will improve detection of enteric pathogens with a similar or superior turnaround time. This is in keeping […]
Changes to National Cervical Screening: HPV testing
From 12 September 2023, the primary test for cervical screening will change to a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, with the option of self-testing. Further information about the change can be accessed via the National Screening Unit HPV primary screening webpage located here. There is a change to the sample types required for HPV testing. Please […]
HPV primary screening – DELAYED
Awanui Labs have been advised by the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) that the start date for the switch to primary HPV screening has been postponed until 12 September 2023. Further information is available from the NCSP by emailing HPVScreen@health.govt.nz. Any orders already received for the new HPV swabs will be cancelled, with orders reopening […]
Our name is changing – introducing Awanui Labs
We are proud to announce, after 12 years in the community, Canterbury SCL will be changing its name and brand to Awanui Labs. Moving to become Awanui Labs is a significant milestone for our organisation. Many may not be aware that Awanui Labs is part of a nationwide network of eight laboratory brands that span […]
National cervical screening change
From 10 June 2023, cervical cytology screening services for Canterbury, Ashburton, West Coast and Kaikoura regions will be provided via Canterbury Southern Community Laboratories (CSCL). CSCL is part of the Awanui group, who currently provides >50% of the NCSP services nationally. Please review the following information to ensure continuity of supplies and result reporting. Smear […]
Referrer update: eOrders
Thank you to all Canterbury referrers who are using eOrders to electronically request your laboratory tests. Currently over 40% of daily laboratory requests at CSCL are via an eOrder, we hope Canterbury eOrder requests will soon match that of other districts in our region who have up to 80% of all daily requests made via […]
COVID-19 swabs expiring
Please check the expiry date of your COVID-19 swab supplies as some transport media tubes are now expiring. If you require replacement stock, please email your order to labInfo@cdhb.health.nz
The next generation of prenatal screening now in NZ
We’re excited to announce the next generation of non-invasive prenatal screening, Illumiscreen, is now available in Aotearoa New Zealand from across the APHG laboratory network. Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), sometimes known as NIPT, has been available for quite some time to screen fetal DNA for trisomy 21 (Down), 18 (Edward), 13 (Patau). We now have the latest […]
Upgrade to MLS Timaru Laboratory Information System
We’re upgrading our Laboratory Information Systems. Here is how it will affect referrers. From September 6th, Medlab South Timaru will be going live with upgrades to its Laboratory Information System (LIS). This is part of a nationwide initiative that will refresh our existing LIS. Not only does this upgrade make for a more robust system, […]
Summary of changes for female genital swab testing
Summary of changes for female genital swab testing, beginning this coming Monday 25th July. The aim of this intervention is to improve the quality of testing on female genital swabs. All female genital swabs will require clinical details to guide which tests are required. If it is unclear which tests are required on a specimen, […]