Site Map |
FAQ |
Glossary |
Health Links |
Contact
 |
 |
| CANTERBURY HEALTH LABORATORIES |
Automated Biochemistry
Immunology
Molecular Pathology
Protein Chemistry
Specialist Biochemistry
Steroid and Immunobiochemistry
Toxicology
The biochemistry unit of Canterbury Health Laboratories offers one of the most extensive testing services in New Zealand. Analyses of vitamins, hormones, trace metals, lipids, tumour markers, drugs and poisons are provided for local requestors, as well as those from other districts. The expertise in these specialised fields is considerable. Referrals are accepted from the wider community as well as health care providers. The test repertoire includes analyses appropriate for the investigation of inborn errors of metabolism, protein, genetic and chromosomal abnormalities. This service has particular application to general medical, cardiology, oncology, paediatric and obstetric practice, as well as the specialised investigation of endocrine and thyroid or genetic disorders.
The Core Biochemistry section operates a 24 hour, 7 day a week service using high throughput biochemistry analysers. The majority of testing is referred by clinicians at Canterbury DHB hospitals, with additional testing received from general practitioners, trials and studies. Testing covers a wide variety of analytes including metabolites, lipids, enzymes and proteins. The section provides both urgent and routine testing, with results available form between 30 minutes and three hours of receipt, depending on the test.
The Immunology section provides a co-ordinated diagnostic service for clinicians. It is unique in that it is the only stand-alone immunology unit in the region. It provides routine and specialist testing in the areas of autoimmune disease, immune deficiency and allergy. The full utilisation of laboratory facilities enables a competitive pricing structure to be maintained in the long term. Diagnostic services are provided by experienced and highly qualified staff and constructive interpretation of diagnostic tests by a Clinical Immunologist is available.
The section participates in both national and international quality assurance programmes including Immunology QAP of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the NEQAS (Immunology)QAP based in Sheffield, England.
The section fosters an environment of continuous quality improvement ensuring clinically relevant new diagnostic tests are developed expeditiously. Close links with
and direct contributions to research undertaken in the Christchurch School of Medicine ensures technical skills are maintained. Regular attendance at international meetings by members
of the section helps to maintain links with international colleagues.
The Molecular Pathology Laboratory of Canterbury Health Laboratories operates a comprehensive molecular diagnostic service based on PCR, mutation detection technologies and protein mass spectrometry. The lab accepts samples from around NZ, Australia and further abroad for diagnostic protein, DNA and RNA testing. Collaboration with similar laboratories encourages the regular exchange of samples and QC material.
The genetic testing group within Molecular Pathology cooperates closely with the Central and Southern Regional Genetic Services to provide a comprehensive clinical and molecular genetics service to patients and clinicians over the South Island and lower North Island of New Zealand.
The molecular haematology/oncology group of Molecular Pathology is dedicated to the provision of molecular tests for adult and paediatric oncology services including clinical haematology. A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of leukaemias, lymphomas, sarcomas, and neuroblastomas, and subsequent monitoring, is achieved through close collaboration with the Cytogenetics and Surface Markers sections.
Laboratory scientists are always available to discuss the development of new molecular tests with other clinical departments. The laboratory offers molecular diagnostic services including, but not limited to the following:
A long standing research interest within the laboratory has been the characterisation of abnormal human proteins that are associated with disease. Using both protein chemistry and molecular biology methods, the structural variant that leads to the pathology is identified and used as a tool to probe the functioning of the normal protein.
The laboratory is well equipped and staffed with scientists, technicians, medical technologists, and a number of PhD students. Interested candidates should contact us for details of possible opportunities.
Information on the Retinoblastoma Gene Testing Service may be found at: http://www.chmeds.ac.nz/research/retinoblastoma/index.htm.
Protein identification and quantitation are valuable tools for enhancing diagnosis and monitoring disease activity. More and more clinicians are discovering the power of protein analyses to assist in the diagnosis and management of diseases.
The Protein Chemistry section acts as a national reference laboratory, where experienced and qualified laboratory staff provide a professional, efficient and cost effective service. The section assists in the investigation of inflammatory conditions, nutritional status, immune competency, neurological disorders and renal disorders by providing the following services:
Staff can also provide technical assistance in the techniques of electrophoresis, immunofixation, immuno-electrophoresis, silver staining, rate nephelometry, isoelectrofocusing,
radial immunodiffusion and densitometry scanning.
Specialist Biochemistry offers a wide range of diverse biochemical including:
The technology available includes atomic absorption spectroscopy, GC/MS, HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, automated immunoassay, ELISA, colorimetry, fluorimetry, isotope ratio mass spectrometery, NMR and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy.
The laboratory prides itself on rapid turnaround of results at competitive prices.
Steroid and Immunobiochemistry
The overiding concept which governs testing within the Steroid and Immunobiochemistry section is that we provide a high quality analytical service to physicians, with an
extremely broad menu. This is the pre eminent hormone assay laboratory within New Zealand, and acts as a reference laboratory. Although our main task is the analysis of body
fluids for steroid hormones the laboratory is also engaged in the generation of custom monoclonal antibodies and the development of in-house ELISA assays. A number of steroids
are analysed on a research basis (batch mode) for which prior discussion with the section head is required.
The Toxicology laboratory provides a wide range of analytical services covering clinical toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring. We have access to a broad range of analytical techniques including GC, GCMS, HPLC, CE and automated immunoassay analysers. We provide therapeutic monitoring for a significant number of antibiotic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, cardiac, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs. We also provide drug screening services to a wide range of clinical, residential and more recently, workplace clients. This laboratory has recently attained the AS/NZS-4308 accreditation for Workplace Drug testing making it the only Hospital-based laboratory to have done so. We have a close working relationship with the Clinical Pharmacology Department of Christchurch Hospital that incorporates a strong research component. This has produced a number of new methods in recent times especially in the area of monitoring azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine therapy.