The Haematology/Biochemistry Laboratory provides a diagnostic
pathology service to a group of medical clinics (including the
Melbourne Sexual health clinic) with special expertise in HIV/AIDS,
sexually transmitted diseases and travel medicine.
Malaria
The Haematology Laboratory provides a 24hr/7 days a week advisory,
confirmatory/speciation service on the diagnosis of malaria and
other blood borne parasites (eg filariasis, leishmaniasis and
trypanosomiasis ) for the state of Victoria.
Malaria ICT test and PCR assay (both generic and species specific)
are available on request.
The laboratory retains an indexed reference collection of stained
and unstained positive malaria blood films for quality assurance
programs and educational purposes. Blood in which malaria parasites
have been identified is retained for research and development.
Malaria positive control material is provided to laboratories
and teaching institutions on request.
Laboratory staff are active in programs of continuing education
relating to tropical parasitology. Visiting scientific, medical
and paramedical staff spend time in the laboratory to receive
training in the laboratory diagnosis and speciation of malaria
parasites.
All malaria positive specimens are notified to the Department
of Human Services, Victoria.
