Canterbury Health Laboratories - Canterbury District Health Board

Anatomical Pathology Department

	Cytology
	Histology
	Electron Microscopy

The Anatomical Pathology unit is situated in the Christchurch School of Medicine and has close links with the University's academic Department of Pathology. Consequently there is a pool of consultant staff who are specialists in a wide range of histological and cytopathological investigations. They are supported by technical staff with considerable experience in all areas of anatomical pathology. The expertise of this specialist facility is available for individual research projects and to assist with publications seeking histological opinions, specimen photography and photomicrography. Close liaison with the university department means that there is ready access to electron microscopy for both research and diagnostic purposes, while the surgical pathology (histology) group provides services related to in-patient and out-patient treatment in Canterbury and on referred specimens from other districts. Immunohistochemistry/cytochemistry is in routine use, for service and research work. There is a tissue banking facility and the application of microarray technology to diagnosis is being explored. In addition to routine diagnostic surgical pathology and cytology, the department offers a comprehensive consultative service on the use of anatomical pathology as a modality for investigating and monitoring disease processes.

Cytology

Cytopathology is the study of cells in disease. The Cytology section offers a full range of gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytology, with five registered Medical Laboratory Scientists and two qualified cytology screeners, most with over 15 years experience. This is complemented by three dedicated cytopathologists. The laboratory has pioneered the introduction of SurePath liquid based cytology in New Zealand and hosts the National Cervical Cytology Training Centre. It is accredited with International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) for all testing and with the Ministry of Health (MOH) for gynaecological cytology.

Histology

The Histology laboratory is responsible for the processing, sectioning and staining of tissue samples, in preparation for review and diagnosis by one of our eight pathologists, who will decide on an appropriate diagnoses.
We currently employ 16 technical and scientific staff members with excellent skills and extended experience in all the different fields. The laboratory offers a wide range of other specialised procedures, including Electron Microscopy, Immunohistochemistry, Large Specimen Preparation, Frozen tissue preparation and Histochemical staining.
We participate in external Quality assurance programs and are accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ). The laboratory operates during normal working hours and a call-out service is also available.

Electron Microscopy

This laboratory provides services for determining the ultrastuctural pathology of kidney, muscle biopsies, nasal brushings for cilia structural studies and a variety of tumours in addition to virus identification. The EM unit is also involved in research into Helicobacter Pylori and is IANZ accredited.