Knowledge Hub

Respiratory Pathogen Statistics August 2026

This report is a summary of the results obtained from various molecular respiratory panels performed across PathCare laboratories during August 2026

Vitamin A & E testing now In-house

We are proud to announce that, from 1 September 2026, PathCare will perform Vitamin A (retinol) and Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) testing using HPLC-UV.

CKD Assessment Beyond Creatinine: The role of Cystatin C in the KDIGO CKD 2024 pathway

Cystatin C is a low-molecular-weight protein produced at a relatively constant rate by all nucleated cells. It is freely filtered by the glomeruli and then metabolised in the proximal tubules.

Blood Cancers Awareness Month

This Cancer Awareness Month, we highlight how one of the simplest and most affordable tests in medicine – the full blood count (FBC)- is often the very first clue to a haematological malignancy.

Respiratory Pathogen Statistics July 2026

This report is a summary of the results obtained from various molecular respiratory panels performed across PathCare laboratories during July 2026

Optimizing TB Diagnostics: Prioritizing Molecular Testing & Culture

The WHO now recommends rapid molecular tests, TB PCR (e.g. GeneXpert), as the initial diagnostic test for all individuals being evaluated for TB, offering improved sensitivity and specificity, rapid identification of MTB and the detection of rifampicin and/or isoniazid resistance.

PMOS: The new name for PCOS and what it means for laboratory assessments

The term PCOS is increasingly recognised as misleading because pathological ovarian cysts are not a defining feature. PMOS better reflects the multysystem endocrine and metabolic nature of the disorder.

Respiratory Pathogen Statistics June 2026

This report is a summary of the results obtained from various molecular respiratory panels performed across PathCare laboratories during June 2026

Testing for Hep B Virus: Information for renal units

Outbreaks of HBV in renal units are still reported, and often there is evidence that these have been caused by lapses in high standards of infection control practice. The most important method of prevention of transmission of blood borne viruses is the rigorous application of universal infection control precautions.

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With regard to Designated Service Provider (DSP) Contracts the following law is pertinent for service providers who are not a DSP:

In terms of Section 59 (2) of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 the medical scheme must pay valid invoices within 30 days of receipt thereof or advise both the member and service provider of reasons why the invoice is not valid and provide the opportunity to correct the invoice.
Where services are in respect of medical emergencies or involuntarily obtained services for PMB conditions, the scheme has to pay for the full cost of the services provided without deduction or co-payment or limiting the tariff amount. (Regulation 8 (1) of the Medical Schemes Act no. 131 of 1998.)
DOH notice 214 of 2021 requires that a scheme pays for services provided at the same rate and in terms of the same rules as they pay their DSPs in respect of services voluntarily obtained, whether they are PMBs or not.
The process followed in respect of appointing a DSP is required to be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost effective as required in terms of Notice 214 of the DOH.

In summary:

The law protects the patient’s choice to use their laboratory of choice, even if it is not a DSP, and the scheme is still obliged to reimburse us at the scheme rate for valid claims.
This is true for PMB conditions as well as non-PMB conditions.
The medical scheme must pay valid invoices within 30 days or advise both the member and service provider of reasons why the invoice is not valid and provide the opportunity to correct invoice.
A scheme must pay for the services provided at a tariff not less than what they would pay a DSP.
Should any patient have a valid claim rejected because we are not a DSP, we can assist.