Service Updates

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 to 20 to 30% (PMID: 39172977). Broader and more comprehensive hereditary pancreatitis testing is available internationally through other providers. These include: Canterbury Health Laboratories (NZ) – PRSS1, SPINK1, CFTR, CELA3B ARUP Laboratories (USA) – CFTR, CTRC, PRSS1, SPINK1 Prevention Genetics (USA) – CASR, CFTR, CPA1, CTRC, PRSS1, SPINK1, TRPV6 Blueprint Genetics (USA) – APOA5, APOC2, CFTR, CPA1, CTRC, GPIHBP1, PRSS1, SPINK1, UBR1 We ap...

Discontinuation of specific IgE testing to food allergen mixes 31 March 2025 Testing for specific IgE (previously known as RAST testing) to individual food allergens can support a diagnosis of food allergy in patients with clinical history suggestive of an immediate (IgE-mediated) allergic reaction. Specific IgE testing to food allergens is not recommended as a screening test for food allergies in the absence of a history of allergic reactions to those foods, or in patient...

Sendaway Testing for Neuronal Antibodies 14 March 2025 PathWest wishes to advise that the process for send away testing for neuronal antibodies require discussion with, and approval by, an immunopathologist. If the testing is thought to be clinically appropriate, and where relevant first tier testing is negative, testing will be organised and the costs covered by PathWest laboratory. For testing that is deemed to be required, but is discorda...