The Government has called for Labtests to improve its service in Auckland.

Bosses of Auckland's district health boards met with Labtests yesterday to discuss the number of complaints it has received since it launched five weeks ago. They are taking over aspects of the quality and safety of the service in a bid to address the issues swiftly.

Prime Minister John Key says at the moment, Labtests' service is unacceptable.

"The people of Auckland rely on this service. This is a $500 million contract, they've had a couple of years to get themselves organised."

Mr Key is confident Labtests can fix the issues if it really focuses, but if it does not it will regret it.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says initially people were happy to cut Labtests some slack for having a few teething problems.

"But their slackness in dealing with those concerns, I think, has led the DHBs to taking the action that they have."

Mr Ryall says the DHBs are incredibly frustrated at the situation.

"The Government has been keeping the pressure on district health boards to make sure that this transition goes well. These are teething problems that are serious and should have been fixed early on."