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. ...
Testing for respiratory pathogens using comprehensive multiplex molecular panels has become a valuable diagnostic tool to assist in early identification of causative organisms. Appropriate use supports timely and directed antimicrobial therapy, especially for...
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases declared the start of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season in week 7 (week ending 20 February) and the positivity rate has continued to increase through March and April.Circulation of adenovirus, parainfluenza...
Enteric fever includes typhoid fever (an infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi) and paratyphoid fever (infections caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotypes Paratyphi A, B or rarely, C) Paratyphoid fever isclinically indistinguishable...