Five years ago the Auckland pathologist was at the centre of a vicious smear campaign over Auckland's lab testing contract, but he has recovered with an innovative new business.

A leading public health doctor says increasing numbers of immigrants have driven up cases of  extremely multi-drug resistant TB  and the cost of treating them - some of which could be incurable.

Critically ill heart failure patients could have access to new technology that transmits daily readings to hospital without them having to leave home, if the Auckland District Health Board approves the trial.

Auckland District Health Board is keeping a lid on any questions before its announcement tomorrow morning on its plagued community laboratory testing contract.

A joint arrangement could see Diagnostic Medlab win back some laboratory testing work from rival, Labtests, which won the $560 million contract for community laboratory testing in February.