Service Updates

PathWest transitions to updated AS/NZS 4308:2023 standard 10 November 2025 PathWest transitions to updated AS/NZS 4308:2023 standard PathWest has now fully transitioned to the updated Australian Standard AS/NZS 4308:2023 – Procedures for specimen collection, testing and the quantification of drugs in urine. The new standard introduces revised cut-off thresholds for several drug classes and updated reporting formats for amphetamine-type substances and benzodiazepines to enhance clarity and compliance. For full details on the changes and updated thresholds, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section on the PathWest website or contact the PathWest Toxicology team at toxi@health.wa.gov.au or (08) 6383 4121.

Hereditary Alpha-Tryptasaemia (HaT) Testing 22 September 2025 Hereditary Alpha-Tryptasaemia (HaT) Testing PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA is pleased to offer Australia’s first NATA-accredited test for Hereditary Alpha-Tryptasaemia (HαT). Benefits of HαT testing HaT is an important differential to Mastocytosis where there is elevated mast cell tryptase. In this setting early identification can: Avoid invasive bone marrow biopsies ...

Plasma Uracil for DPD Deficiency Screening 28 August 2025 PathWest is proud to introducePlasma Uracil Testing Plasma Uracil Testing This test is designed to identify, prior to initiation of therapy, patients who are at increased risk of early, severe toxicity from fluoropyrimidine (FP) chemotherapy compounds, such as 5-Fluorouracil and capecitabine. Patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency have a reduced ability to metabo...

PathWest Introduces Dermatophyte PCR Testing For Faster Results 25 July 2025 PathWest Introduces Dermatophyte PCR Testing For Faster Results PathWest is pleased to announce the implementation of Dermatomycosis PCR testing directly on clinical specimens. This PCR test will partially replace traditional dermatophyte culture methods for appropriate samples. Testing is now available at Fiona Stanley Hospital, with QEII testing to commence shortly. This advancement will signifi...

Discontinuation of Genetic Testing for Chronic Idiopathic Pancreatitis 30 May 2025 Following a recent review, PathWest will discontinue genetic testing for chronic idiopathic pancreatitis (CIP) from 03 June 2025. This decision follows a clinical and operational review which identified: CIP testing is not supported by Medicare. Current CIP testing has limited clinical utility in comparison to the international benchmark: Low diagnostic yield of less than 10% compared...