Thousands of patients in the lower North Island have had repeat blood tests following unexpectedly high results from Awanui, one of the country’s major laboratory groups, RNZ reported.
According to RNZ, the unusual results came after Awanui introduced a new testing method, which for some people pushed their readings into the pre-diabetic or diabetic range. To address this, the lab invited 13,000 patients to return for follow-up testing, with more than half completing the retests.
Nick Champness, Awanui’s chief operations officer, stressed that the original tests were not inaccurate. “Some results were unexpectedly elevated, prompting our precautionary retesting programme,” he said, as reported by RNZ.
Most retests confirmed the initial results, while in other cases, Awanui worked closely with patients’ GPs to ensure proper care. The lab has also reviewed the new testing process with its supplier and confirmed that current results are accurate and testing is operating as expected.
Champness added that the lab recently passed a formal assessment and was re-accredited. “We sincerely apologise to patients for any concern caused,” he said, RNZ reported.