Our Services

Diagnostic Services

9496-5285
M-F: 0830–1700
On call service out of hours

Anatomical Pathology incorporate the Histopathology, Cytopathology and postmortem services. Areas of expertise include liver/GI, renal, neuropathology, gynaecologic pathology, cytology (gynaecological and non-gynaecological), transplantation pathology, breast, skin, lung oncology, lymphoma, melanoma and uro-oncology. The laboratory performs an extensive range of Immunohistochemistry, including immunofluorescence and in-situ hybridisation to complement diagnosis, prognosis and patient treatment. A comprehensive range of molecular testing on solid tumours is also performed in conjunction with the Molecular Diagnostics Service.

Expert Opinion Expert opinion on external cases can be provided by our anatomical pathologists. To request a consult on your case, please complete a request form and forward your slides to the Department of Anatomical Pathology.

A fee may be charged for non-MBS billable patients.

Expert Second Opinion Request Form

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) performance and attendance 9496 5590

FNA can be used to sample both superficial and deep mass lesions, the latter usually under CT or ultrasound guidance. Pathologists are available to perform FNAs on superficial lesions, not requiring any radiological guidance. Contact the laboratory to make a booking. A pathology request form should be completed, with relevant clinical information and the patient must present to Pathology outpatients collection rooms on Level 3, Harold Stokes Building at a time arranged by the laboratory.

Experienced Cytologists are available to attend EBUS and EUS aspirates to prepare material and assess adequacy of the sample during the procedure. Contact the laboratory giving adequate notice of the booking, preferably 24hrs notice.

Intraoperative and After-Hours Consultation Service Frozen Sections - 9496 5583

To avoid delays, cases requiring frozen section assessment should be scheduled in advance by calling the laboratory during business hours. Elective/routine cases should be completed during business hours (until 6pm).

A rostered pathologist is on call after hours (after 6pm), and on weekends and public holidays, for emergency/urgent cases. All after-hours clinical matters should contact Austin Switchboard on 9496-5000 and ask to be paged through to the on-call Anatomical Pathologist.
9496 3953
24/7

Biochemistry provides expertise across a wide scope of testing including urgent and routine biochemistry, hormones, tumour markers, therapeutic drug monitoring, blood gas analysis, infectious diseases serology, drugs of abuse screening and confirmation, and trace metal analysis. The Biochemistry laboratory also manages all Point of Care testing and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week utilising robotic automation.
9496 3220
M-F: 0830-1700
On-call service out of hours

The Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics laboratory offers specialist chromatographic analysis of drugs, hormones and biomarkers using HPLC, LCMS and GCMS methods. Current accredited chemical pathology testing services include analysis of biogenic amines (metanephrine, normetanephrine, 3-methoxytyramine, adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine in plasma and urine) and selected theraputic drug monitoring services (Clozapine, Perhexiline, Mycophenolic acid including estimated area under the curve using limited sampling).

In addition to chemical pathology testing, expertise in pharmacokinetic studies, clinical trial support and pharmacy forumlation stability studies is also offered. The unit maintains active research collaborations and an ongoing interest in the development of new test methods.

The wider department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics offers expertise in design and evaluation of clinical trials, creation and implementation of regulatory guidelines for drug use, and assessment of drug utilization on local and global scales. Clinical staff work directly with patients providing expert evaluation and advice in clinical pharmacology and toxicology and investigate adverse reactions and interactions of therapeutics.
9496 3292
9496 5409
24/7

The Haematology laboratory provides a fast turnaround service for routine testing such as full blood count and coagulation profile operating 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. We provide more complex testing during routine hours unless urgent results are needed. Our morphology service provides interpretive film comments, and performs and reports bone biopsies for the diagnosis of haematological conditions. Other services provided include complex coagulation testing such as coagulation factor levels, warfarin dosing service, flow cytometry, blood and stem cell transfusion service (Autologous and Allogeneic), and a bone marrow transplant processing laboratory. A range of molecular haematology tests including next generation sequencing are also performed in conjunction with the Molecular Diagnostics service.

The department also includes a Blood Transfusion service which provides compatible blood and blood products which is available at all times, including products for our maternal outpatients during pregnancy.

In addition to diagnostic services, the consultant haematologists provide consultative phone advice for complex diagnostic and transfusion related problems.
9496 5295
M-F: 0630-2330
Sat and Sun: 0730-1700
On call service out of hours

Microbiology tests for the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses in patient specimens. We house state-of-the-art automation including BD Kiestra™ WCA which, when combined with VITEK® MS MALDI-TOF and VITEK® 2 which, allows for fast and accurate identification of pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility results to be produced. Combined with our practice of antimicrobial stewardship, the flow-on benefits continue with the increased potential for the patient to recover faster.

The laboratory also provides important support for the Infection Control service with our expertise in surveillance of MRSA, VRE and other organisms that are resistant to multiple antibiotics.
9496 5657
M-F: 0600-2300
Sat: 0800-2300

The Molecular Diagnostic service offers an extensive range of molecular tests to help in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease. Our testing menu spans from the simple to complex and includes the areas of molecular microbiology, inherited and somatic haematological disorders and solid tumour molecular diagnostics.

Our molecular diagnostic service includes expert interpretation and clinical consultation with our Microbiologists, Haematologists and Anatomical Pathologists.

Molecular microbiology testing is available to identify a wide range of bacteria and viruses by PCR including:
  • SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
  • Flu and other respiratory viruses including Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis
  • Atypical pneumonia including Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
  • Viral load monitoring for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and CMV
  • Chlamydia and gonorrhoeae
  • HPV detection and genotyping
Inherited and somatic haematological disorders testing including:
  • Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin and MTHFR gene mutation detection
  • Jak2 exon 14 (V617F) mutation detection
  • Jak2 exon 12 mutation detection
  • BCR-ABL major (p210) and minor (p190) translocations by molecular methods
  • Myeloid molecular profiling by massively parallel sequencing and other molecular methods including FLT3 mutation (ITD).
Solid tumour molecular profiling by massively parallel sequencing ideally suitable for molecular profiling of lung, melanoma and gastric malignancies.
Protein and Allergy - 9496 5254
Autoimmune Serology - 9496 5276
M-F: 0800-1700 (excludes all Public Holidays)
On call service out of hours

The Immunology department offers a comprehensive range of tests for patients with autoimmune disorders, plasma cell dyscrasias, and allergic diseases.

Autoimmune testing includes diagnostic assays for systemic lupus erythematosus, ANCA and GBM vasculitides, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, autoimmune hepatitis, pernicious anaemia, and coeliac disease.

Allergy testing covers a broad range of common environmental, drug, and individual food allergens, as well as specific testing for component resolved allergens, such as those found in severe peanut allergy or in exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

The Immunology laboratory specialises in serum free light chain and immunoglobulin testing, protein electrophoresis and immunofixation. Testing for IgG4, cryoglobulin and cryofibrinogen, CSF oligoclonal bands, and beta-2 transferrin are also offered.
9496 5658
M-F: 0800-1630

In general a post mortem examination should be requested on every deceased patient (except coroner's cases), as unsuspected findings will frequently throw light on puzzling or obscure clinical findings. A high post mortem index is a yardstick of good quality medical care. To discuss a post mortem request with pathologist or pathology registrar contact the department.

Consent for Post Mortem Form
Post-mortem Risk Assessment

The department also has expertise in perinatal pathology and is one of three laboratories in Victoria that support the Victorian Perinatal Autopsy Service (VPAS). Further information including consent forms and information for funeral directors can be found on their website here.

Autopsy Service Expert autopsy examination service is provided for adults (non-coronial) and perinates. The latter includes membership of the Victorian Perinatal Autopsy Service. Referrals are accepted from external sites, on discussion with the Director of Anatomical Pathology.

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