Transgender people now included in Whanganui DHB lab test software

Medlab Central principal scientist Darrell Monk (left) and Whanganui DHB funding and contracts manager Steve Carey with an analyser which can do about 50 different tests on one sample.

Whanganui District Health Board has changed its computer software for laboratory test procedures to include transgender people.

Medlab Central, which provides testing for the Whanganui DHB, has changed software which dictated tests, including cervical smears, prostate markers and pregnancy tests, for specific genders.

Trans men and women could previously be referred for tests but in order to actually have them done, their GP would have to change their gender marker beforehand and then change it back afterwards.

"There are now no gender constraints on ordering tests," Medlab Central chief executive Dr Cynric Temple-Camp said.

Clinicians could now select the appropriate gender group based on their knowledge of each patient's personal circumstances.

The initiative came from Whanganui DHB's funding and contracts manager, Steve Carey.

"Now the gender diverse community has access to the testing they need, when they need it, regardless of how they identify," Carey said.

"Not only does this enable better healthcare for those individuals, but it empowers them to be a participant in their own healthcare journey."

Pride Whanganui's Christina Emery, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, welcomed the move.

"When I read about the changes I was surprised this was even an issue - that we were being dictated to by a computer programme rather than using common sense," Emery said.

"But I am more than elated to know someone has flagged this and, more importantly, that an outcome has been reached.

"Any barrier for the transgender community is a barrier too many, so this is a step in the right direction. No one should feel they have to fight for basic healthcare based on who they are."