Awanui Labs is transitioning from Siemens to Stago technology for Coagulation testing, with implementation in Canterbury planned for 27 October 2026. This change represents a significant investment in the quality, reliability and sustainability of our Coagulation service and will align our testing platform with other Health New Zealand laboratories.
The current Siemens platform uses optical clot detection technology, which can be affected by factors such as haemolysis, lipaemia and certain medications. These interferences can impact result interpretation and may occasionally contribute to delays in reporting.
The Stago platform uses a mechanical clot detection system, which is less susceptible to these interferences and is widely regarded as the gold standard for routine Coagulation testing. The new platform is expected to improve the robustness and reliability of testing while supporting timely result delivery.
Additional benefits of the Stago platform include:
- Access to an expanded range of Coagulation assays
- Evidence-based onboard algorithms and decision-support tools
- Enhanced middleware functionality, including improved support for peripheral laboratories
- Greater alignment with Coagulation testing platforms used across Health New Zealand laboratories, supporting future harmonisation initiatives
This is a quality improvement measure. The Stago platform will enhance operational efficiency and support the ongoing delivery of accurate and timely results within a sustainable, patient-centred service model.
Expected changes
The transition to the Stago platform involves significant changes to both instrumentation and reagents. A comprehensive verification and commissioning programme is currently underway within our Central region laboratories, and this will help guide our South Island implementation processes.
While further information will be provided closer to implementation, stakeholders should be aware of the following anticipated changes:
- Reference ranges are expected to change for a number of routine coagulation tests
- Small differences in INR results may be observed due to the use of different thromboplastin reagents
- Reporting formats and interpretive comments may be updated
- INR’s will be reported in line with the coagulation screens within the hospital éclair system
- During the initial implementation period there may be a temporary impact on turnaround times while staff become familiar with the new system
- Age adjusted D-dimer reference ranges will be implemented which will bring us into line with all Awanui laboratories (please see below and attached for details).
Further information, including detailed guidance on changes to testing, reference ranges and result interpretation, will be provided closer to the implementation date.
We will continue to keep stakeholders informed throughout the project and provide supporting educational material as required.