Influenza A positivity rates declined steadily during July but remained above 10% throughout the month. A shift in the proportion of influenza A subtypes was noted, with increased circulation of H3N2 as compared to May/June. Influenza B detection increased slightly...
This report summarises respiratory virus PCR panel results for specimens submitted for testing to the private pathology practices that form part of the NPG from April to June 2022. A variety of multiplex PCR panels are used across NPG-associated practices. For data...
The influenza season continued during June, with influenza A positivity rates remaining above 25% throughout the month despite a gradual weekly decline. Influenza B detection rates remained below 5%. Influenza A positive samples were mostly H1N1 strains, although H3N2...
Limited multiplex PCR panels are useful when multiple organisms causing similar clinical presentations are in circulation. Rates of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have increased across all provinces in recent weeks while SARS-CoV-2 rates have also increased....
PathCare has recently set up an efficient send away service for neuropathology molecular requests. This is to improve our test menu for this rapidly growing and specialised field as well as to improve the turn around time of tests such as MGMT promoter methylation. A...
Rapid advances in the understanding of solid tumours has lead to exponential growth in the developement of molecularly-targeted therapies. Patients with tumours harbouring specific mutations may be candidates for specific therapies. Additionally, molecular testing...
The PathCare molecular laboratory is pleased to announce a new in-house NGS assay designed to have specific relevance in targeted therapy for ovarian, breast, prostate and pancreatic carcinoma. This assay is named the BRCAPlus assay and is designed to sequence the...
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases declared the start of the influenza season in week 17 (week ending 1 May) and influenza A positivity rates have continued to increase during May 2022, reaching 36.1% during week 22 nationally (week ending 5 June)....
With the identification of cases of monkeypox in various non-endemic countries since early May 2022, heightened vigilance is required in order to contain the spread of this virus. Monkeypox virus is transmitted by contact with infected animals or humans, or other...
There is currently a global stock shortage of Betanoid (betamethasone) tablets. Betanoid is used in the Dexamethasone Suppression Test for screening of Cushing’s Syndrome. PathCare will, until further notice, be unable to supply patients with Betanoid tablets. ...