For a majority of cases the retests were consistent with their initial diagnosis (file image). Photo: 123rf.com
Thousands of patients in the lower North Island have got new blood tests after some earlier results came back unexpectedly high.
This follows the big laboratory group Awanui changing to a new way of testing.
It unexpectedly lifted some people's results into a range between pre-diabetic and diabetic.
Awanui realised this several months ago so invited 13,000 people for a repeat test, and more than half had done that.
"It is important to clarify that there were no inaccurate or 'wrong' results, but some results were unexpectedly elevated, prompting our precautionary retesting programme," chief operations officer Nick Champness said in a statement to RNZ.
For a majority of cases the retests were consistent with their initial diagnosis.
In the other cases, it was working with GPs.
"We have worked closely with the supplier to fully understand any testing differences" compared to its previous type of testing, said Champness.
"Awanui can confirm that current results are accurate and testing is operating as expected."
The lab that did the tests recently underwent assessment and was OK to be re-accredited, he said.
"We sincerely apologise to patients for any concern caused."
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