We have had a busy and productive year at Clinical Labs, working on major projects to improve and grow the services we offer you and provide to your patients. We are pleased to share with you an overview of the key highlights from 2019. All of these changes have been made with both you, our referrers, and your patients at front of mind.
New Labs, Upgrades & Technology
Australian Capital Territory
In September, we opened our new state-of-the-art laboratory in Belconnen, with a fully accredited collection centre on site to; support our work as the exclusive pathology provider for the Australian Defence Force, service several large medical centres in the area and welcome local referrers.
New South Wales
In April this year, we cut the ribbon to re-open our Bella Vista lab after it underwent a major upgrade, with the installation of an Aptio track system, Siemens Atellica instrumentation and more. These new systems are the first of their kind in Australia and, in terms of the Aptio track connectivity, certainly one of the first in the world. This new technology has increased productivity in the lab by improving the utilisation of lab resources, efficiency and processing.
Late last year, Clinical Labs commenced a long-term contract to provide pathology services at the new Northern Beaches Hospital. Tests are performed on-site in a new, state-of-the-art lab, which operates 24 hours, 365 days per year.
South Australia
Earlier this year, we opened one of the most technologically advanced laboratories in South Australia, our Adelaide Airport lab. This high-tech facility featuresmarket-leading technology equipment, including an Aptio track system with Siemens Atellica instrumentation, as well as Sysmex Haematology and Coagulation analysers. The lab also features a purpose-built histology and cytology area, allowing for greater efficiencies and workflow, along with improved dictation and cutup facilities.
Victoria
This year we have made significant investments in our Clayton lab, with the introduction of new platforms and an increase in resources. In our Molecular department we have changed our HPV PCR testing to the Roche platform. In Microbiology we have introduced four new Urine Atellica analysers, which have led to greater reliability and accuracy, and made a large investment in additional resources. All of these changes at our Clayton lab will result in reduced turnaround times.
At the start of this year, we launched Clinical Labs Specialised Trials with a purpose-built lab in Port Melbourne, which is able to perform a broad range of tests. Specialised Trials was designed to offer a dedicated pathology approach to Phase I-V clinical trials, servicing clinical research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. Since its launch, 40 different trials have been completed.
Western Australia
Over the last 12 months our Osborne Park lab has seen several major improvements which have led to greater efficiencies and reduced turnaround times. The redesign of the lab layout across all departments has not only improved workflow, but created valuable space for the addition of new analysers, including the Panther Fusion system in Serology. This enabled in house testing of Respiratory PCR within 24hrs during the flu season. Two new Atellica urine analysers were also installed in Microbiology, as well as the Sysmex automation system in Haematology, enabling the upgrade of manual processes with the latest technology.
Also, at our Subiaco lab, we have changed our HPV testing to a new Roche platform. This has enabled the test to be performed in half the time.
New Pathologists
We have had eight new pathologists join the Clinical Labs team this year. The new pathologists, based in our Western Australian, New South Wales and Victorian laboratories, bring with them expert knowledge and experience in specialised fields of pathology, including haematology, anatomical pathology and oral and maxillofacial pathology. Our new pathologists will provide a great wealth of knowledge to the Clinical Labs team and expert insights for our referrers regarding their patients’ results.
New Tests
In 2019, we launched our new pre-pregnancy Comprehensive Carrier Screening test. The new test, which replaced Counsyl, includes more genes (up to 301) to cover more inherited genetic conditions than its predecessor, along with being less expensive and having a shorter turnaround time. Partner testing is also less expensive, and Genetic Counselling is offered by Clinical Labs for positive cases.
Clinical Labs is now offering the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) blood test, to be carried out between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation for early screening of pre-eclampsia (PE). The test is new to the pathology market after undergoing validation studies. Several studies have shown that women who subsequently develop PE have significantly lower maternal PlGF concentrations in the first trimester than those with normal pregnancies. A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that PlGF is superior to the other biomarkers for predicting PE. Serum PlGF biomarker can identify up to 75% of women who develop pre-term PE with delivery at <37 weeks’ gestation and 90% of those with early PE at <32 weeks, at a screen-positive rate of 10%.
New Digital Services
Our eOrders digital service has been upgraded, for MedicalDirector Clinical 3.18+. Ordering pathology tests has been simplified with a predictive search function, predicting your preferred test combinations, suggesting additional tests based on the latest recommendations and allowing you to easily create a ‘Favourites’ list. See clinicallabs.com.au/doctor/results/new-eorders for more information.
New Resources
In October, we launched our new Antenatal doctor and patient resource websites. The doctor site, antenatal.clinicallabs.com.au/doctor, features detailed information, brochures, articles, videos, request forms and pricing for our comprehensive Antenatal test offering, including Harmony NIPT.
We have also updated the Molecular Cancer Services information on our website, to provide you with detailed information including gene panels, brochures, videos, turnaround times, pricing and request forms for our lung, colorectal and breast cancer and melamona tests. clinicallabs.com.au/cancer-services
