Effective immediately, Pathlab phlebotomists are not able to provide instructions or facilities for the collection of rectal swabs, STI swabs or STI urine specimen, or genital swabs.
Accurate sample collection of these specimen types requires adherence to specific guidelines that does not form part of Pathlab phlebotomist training. To avoid the risk of patients receiving inaccurate guidance, potentially invalid test results, and Pathlab staff being put in a professionally vulnerable position, our phlebotomists cannot advise or enable rectal swabs, STI swabs or STI urine specimen, or genital swab collection. In addition, Pathlab building facilities are not designed or adequately setup to support the collection of such specimens.
Patients requiring rectal swabs, STI swabs or STI urine specimen, or genital swab collection will be referred to the requestor or healthcare professional who is appropriately trained to provide the necessary instructions, support, and facilities. Read more in this Pathlab clinical update.
Thank you for assisting Pathlab in continuing to provide your patients with the best possible care and diagnostic testing. Please send feedback to murray.robinson@pathlab.co.nz.
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