See details on our website here.

Following a review of our processes, Awanui Labs has removed the “HIV opt-off” antenatal blood test option from the eOrder system, paper and pdf request forms. We also ask that if you create your own manual form within your PMS that you remove the HIV opt-off option from your antenatal panel.

This change is intended to prevent situations where “HIV opt-off” is selected inadvertently when a full antenatal screen is actually required.

If a patient genuinely wishes to opt off HIV testing, you can select the tests individually rather than as part of the antenatal panel.

Any questions or comments should be directed to
Dr Juliet Elvy (juliet.elvy@awanuilabs.co.nz),
Prof. James Ussher (james.ussher@awanuilabs.co.nz) or
Dr Aaron Keene (aaron.keene@awanuilabs.co.nz).

Due to reagent recall anti-TSHr antibodies are not available until further notice. The sample will be stored until new reagent is available. We apologise for the delay.

Awanui Labs has embarked on a nationwide harmonisation project to establish consistent reference intervals for biochemistry testing across all laboratories in its network. This initiative is a key quality improvement step, designed to ensure that patients, clinicians, and healthcare providers can rely on uniform and evidence-based reporting standards, regardless of which Awanui Labs facility is used.

The harmonisation project is being undertaken for several important reasons:

• Consistency across the Awanui network: Patients who have tests performed at different Awanui sites will receive results interpreted against the same reference intervals, reducing confusion and improving continuity of care.
• Alignment with best practice: Reference intervals are being reviewed against the latest evidence, guidelines, and peer-reviewed literature to ensure that Awanui Labs practices remain contemporary and scientifically sound.
• Improved patient care: Clinicians will be able to interpret results more confidently when managing patients who move between regions or who are seen by multiple providers.
• Age and sex specificity: Some analytes require distinct reference intervals based on age and/or sex, which were not previously incorporated. Introducing these refinements allows for more accurate clinical interpretation.
• National consistency between all Roche platform users: Patients who have tests performed in different regions, public and private, will receive results interpreted against the same reference intervals, reducing confusion and improving continuity of care.

 Work to date has focused on commonly requested and clinically significant analytes, including:

• Liver function tests (LFTs)
• Electrolytes
• Calcium, magnesium, and phosphate

This is an ongoing process, and further analytes will be reviewed and updated over the coming months. The final goal is to establish a harmonised set of reference intervals for all key biochemistry tests across the Awanui network. For the most current and authoritative reference intervals, please refer to your local Awanui Test Guide, available online.

For any questions, please contact your local laboratory or the chemical pathologist
 
Dr Melissa Yssel                                                       Dr Owen Wiese
Clinical Lead: Chemical Pathology                          Chemical Pathologist