To ensure the accuracy and quality of urine cytology testing, we would like to remind all requesting clinicians of the minimum specimen requirements.

For urine cytology, a minimum urine volume of 35–50 mL is required to provide an adequate sample for analysis. Smaller volumes have reduced cellularity, which increases the risk of a false negative result and may lead to clinically significant lesions being missed.

Please note:

• Urine specimens collected in 10 mL urine tubes are not suitable for urine cytology.
• Where possible, please collect and send 35–50 mL of urine in an appropriate sterile specimen container.
• Samples with insufficient volume may not provide reliable results.

To maintain the quality and reliability of our testing service, urine cytology specimens that do not meet the minimum volume requirements may be rejected and not processed in the future.

We appreciate your assistance in ensuring specimens meet these requirements to help provide the most accurate results for your patients.

If you have any questions regarding urine cytology specimen collection, please email wlg.contact@awanuilabs.co.nz

We would like to remind all requesters of the importance of ensuring that the correct laboratory request accompanies specimens submitted for testing.

Where an electronic laboratory order is generated, a printed copy of that electronic request must accompany the specimen when it is sent to the laboratory.

We have recently identified instances where a specimen was submitted with a handwritten paper request form, while a separate electronic order had also been created. Because the electronic request did not accompany the specimen, laboratory staff were unaware that it existed and therefore could not access the additional clinical information contained within it. As a result, testing decisions were made based only on the information available on the paper request form.

To avoid this situation:

• Generate only one request for each specimen whenever possible.
• If an electronic request is generated, print and submit it with the specimen.
• If both a paper request and an electronic request are created, all associated request forms must accompany the specimen.

Please note that laboratory staff cannot action an electronic request if they are unaware it has been generated. If a specimen arrives with only a handwritten request form, staff will process the specimen based on the information available on that form.

Thank you for your assistance in helping us ensure that complete clinical information is available to support appropriate testing and optimal patient care.

Illumiscreen: Supporting Prenatal Screening Conversations

Illumiscreen, the prenatal screening service provided by Awanui Labs, is committed to supporting healthcare professionals with reliable prenatal screening and access to expert clinical support throughout the testing journey.

Whether you provide early pregnancy care, ongoing antenatal management, or specialist consultation, we want to ensure you have access to clear, up-to-date information and resources to support conversations about prenatal screening when appropriate.

Illumiscreen supports both you and your patients through: 

We also have a range of resources available to support conversations in clinic and help patients make informed decisions. 

Request an information pack

If you’d like us to send an Illumiscreen information pack for you or your practice, you’re welcome to simply send an email to enquiries@illumiscreen.co.nz with your name & address, and we’ll send a pack directly to you.