Auckland's district health boards have given notice to the firm that provides all community diagnostic medical testing for the region.
The Supreme Court recently cleared the way for the three district health boards to switch their $560 million, eight-year, contract for the work from the long-term provider to a new one.
Existing provider Diagnostic Medlab Ltd has been locked in a bitter feud over the contract with Lab Tests, now owned by Healthscope.
The district health boards announced on Friday they have told Diagnostic Medlab Ltd its $72 million annual interim contract will end on 7 September when Lab Tests takes over.
The DHBs say they have a detailed transition plan and will be closely monitoring Lab Tests' ability to get the 700 pathology, scientific, technical, blood testing and other staff it needs to run the service.
Lab Tests says it is pleased to have the go-ahead and will deliver on its commitments.
