Portfolio / Te Whatu Ora Waikato Molecular Laboratory

Te Whatu Ora Waikato required a significant upgrade to its laboratory to co-locate lab services for the Molecular Biology department to join the main lab floor. Additional lab support spaces were also updated. These changes will ensure a fit-for-purpose environment that makes the best use of the latest technology, aligns with current accreditation standards, and enhances the laboratory’s capacity to respond swiftly during future outbreaks.

The $9.8 million upgrade started in March 2023 and was completed in early July 2024.

Molecular biology is a field that has grown exponentially. Increases in test volumes due to COVID-19 and the recent VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci) outbreak put extra pressure on the old facility.

Molecular Biology, a technology for medical laboratory diagnostics, involves processes which isolate, extract and amplify DNA or RNA to identify disease states.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to be prepared for future outbreaks. During COVID-19 peak times the laboratory processed over 4000 tests a day. The larger facility will ensure the laboratory can quickly scale up operations when needed in the future. The new molecular lab was designed and built to comply with PC2 lab compliance. Four air lobbies were introduced at the other lab entrance points.

The upgrade also includes a revamp of the reception and administration areas, staff facilities and the addition of a new Point of Care Testing Laboratory where the staff facilitate the analysis of clinical specimens outside the laboratory, near or at the site of patient care.