Benefits

labnet was created to work to provide benefits to its members through seamless integration of their operations, access to economies of scale and mutual support through collaboration; while allowing them to remain as independent laboratories owned and operated by individual DHBs. labnet is designed to provide a collaborative structure and brand for New Zealand medical diagnostic laboratories, just as the Star Alliance does for the airline industry.

Canterbury Health Laboratories functions as a tertiary hub for labnet and offers a comprehensive reference testing service, expertise in a wide range of specialties and opportunities for joint research. Professional development programmes are actively managed by all partners and joint development shared amongst labnet for mutual gain.

labnet supports and integrates smaller pathology services by providing standardized infrastructure and processes, and a range of services including clinical and scientific education, pathologist supervision, cost savings, standardisation of equipment, business and financial management, as well as information technology and marketing support.

How is this achieved?

Through shared objectives and working together.

Key areas of collaboration currently are:

	Using the same LIS
	Standardising methods, reference ranges and report formats
	Combined purchasing of consumables
	Standard reporting under the individual laboratory brand

Future areas for collaboration:

	Common quality system, quality manual and benchmarking
	Process review, standardised equipment and reporting under the labnet brand (with acknowledgement of the individual laboratory)
	Strong brand and identity
	Exchange of ideas, expectations, initiatives and development projects
	Review process

Who can join labnet?

Any DHB that owns and operates its own laboratory service can seek a licensee to become a labnet participant. While labnet is looking to achieve its goals through collaboration it is not mandatory that participants have to meet all the goals at the time of joining. A DHB that has already made significant investment in its own equipment or LIS can still be considered for membership, but will need to commit to progressively moving towards full participation and compliance with all labnet standards and rules.

labnet members collectively employ 468 staff, including 42 pathologists and registrars plus 128 registered medical laboratory scientists.