Intended implementation date: 5 October 2026. Proposal To increase the urine white blood cell (WBC) threshold used for routine urine culture from 10 x106/L WBC to 40 x106/L WBC for females age 12 years or older. Process Under the proposed process: Background The change will bring our Awanui Te Waipounamu laboratories more closely into line […]
Awanui Labs has introduced a Bowel Cancer Screening FIT Test through BODYiQ, providing a new private bowel screening option in New Zealand for people who want to take a proactive approach to their bowel health. Designed for people without bowel symptoms, the test provides another option for people who are not currently eligible for New Zealand’s National Bowel Screening Programme, as well as […]
Awanui Labs are currently experiencing instrumentation issues which may cause delayed results for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Trichomonas STI results. Engineers are urgently attending to these issues, and while delays in testing may occur, Aptima samples remain stable during testing delays. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Awanui Labs has introduced a new Aeroallergen Sensitivity Blood IgE Test, available directly to the public through BODYiQ, Awanui’s self-request health testing service. The test checks for allergy-related antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies can indicate whether your immune system is sensitive to common airborne allergens, including house dust mites, cats, dogs, grass […]
Our collection centres will all be closed on Friday 10 July for the Matariki public holiday.
All of our collection centres will be closed on Monday June 1 for the King’s birthday public holiday.
Liver autoantibodies (including anti-smooth muscle and -mitochondrial antibodies) play a central role in the diagnosis of autoimmune liver disease, including autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis. However, at low titres, these tests may be non-specific and result in an inappropriate testing and referral cascade. Liver Function Test (LFT) derangements are often transient, so screening for […]
The Diabetes National Clinical Network has issued updated HbA1c diagnostic thresholds to align HbA1c reporting in New Zealand with international best practice guidelines (WHO, ADA). These changes aim to support earlier detection and intervention, reduce inequities, and improve patient outcomes, particularly in younger patients and high-risk population groups. Awanui Labs will implement these changes on […]
Our collection centres will be closed on Monday 27 April for the ANZAC day public holiday.
As part of our ongoing commitment to clinical best practice and consistency across the Awanui laboratory network, we are updating and harmonising our approach to allergy testing. Effective 13 April 2026, skin prick testing protocols will be standardised across your region. To support appropriate utilisation, I would like to clarify the clinical indications for skin prick […]