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The New Zealand Laboratory Schedule and Test Guidelines

Note: Article series are online compilations of previously published articles, links will open in a new window to the original article.

What does it mean for general practice?

In October, 2013, a new laboratory test schedule and accompanying referral guidelines were completed and are now available online. It is anticipated that clinicians will become more aware of these guidelines over time as District Health Boards (DHBs) begin to adopt the recommendations.

Best Tests, November 2013

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Biochemistry tests

A new laboratory test schedule and accompanying referral guidelines have been developed for health care professionals in New Zealand. The Schedule and Guidelines were released to District Health Boards (DHBs) in October, 2013 and are also available online. The aim was to develop a consistent list of tests that are available and funded across DHBs. An article in Best Tests, Nov, 2013, introduced the new Test Schedule and explained how they have been developed.

Best Tests, February 2014

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Microbiological and Serological Tests

In October, 2013, the New Zealand Laboratory Test Schedule was published to provide consistent guidance and ensure uniform availability of tests across all District Health Boards (DHBs). The new Schedule divides tests into Tier 1 and Tier 2 to indicate whether all referrers can order the test, i.e. Tier 1, or whether a test must be ordered in conjunction with another health professional with a particular area of expertise, i.e. Tier 2. In this third article of an ongoing series we focus on the new Laboratory Schedule and Guidelines in relation to microbiological and serological tests for infectious diseases.

Best Tests, May 2014

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Haematology tests

The New Zealand Laboratory Schedule has been created to provide consistent guidance and ensure uniform availability of tests across all District Health Boards (DHBs). The new Schedule divides tests into Tier 1 and Tier 2 to indicate whether all referrers can order the test, i.e. Tier 1, or whether a test must be ordered in conjunction with another health professional with a particular area of expertise, i.e. Tier 2. In addition, clinical guidelines are provided on the use of some tests. In this article we focus on the haematology tests in the schedule.

Best Tests, August 2014

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Genetic tests

The New Zealand Laboratory Schedule provides clinicians with consistent guidance when considering requesting laboratory tests. It will ensure the uniform availability of tests across District Health Boards (DHBs) in the future. Tests are divided into Tier 1, which all referrers can order, and Tier 2, meaning that the test must be ordered in conjunction with another health professional with a particular area of expertise. In addition, clinical guidance is provided on the use of some tests. In this article, with the assistance of Dr Joanne Dixon (leader of the Laboratory Schedule genetic subgroup), we focus on the genetic tests in the Schedule.

Best Tests, November 2014

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Anatomic Pathology Tests

The New Zealand Laboratory Schedule provides clinicians with consistent guidance when considering requesting laboratory tests. It will ensure the uniform availability of tests across District Health Boards (DHBs) in the future. Tests are divided into Tier 1, which all referrers can order, and Tier 2, meaning that the test must be ordered in conjunction with another health professional with a particular area of expertise. In addition, clinical guidance is provided on the use of some tests. In this article, with the assistance of Dr Cynric Temple-Camp (Chair of the Laboratory Schedule Anatomic Pathology subgroup), we focus on the anatomic pathology tests in the Schedule.

Best Tests, April 2015

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