Magnesium

Test Method
Chemical reaction
Specimen Required
Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Plasma, Serum
Spec Type Min
Serum 500uL
When Tested
On Request
Turnaround Time
same day / next day
Reference Ranges
0.62 – 1.03 mmol/L.
Units of Measurement
mmol/L.
Contact
Test performed by RMH Biochemistry (9342 7360)

Malaria for confirmation

Test Method
Microscopy
Specimen Required
Blood (EDTA), Slide, Smear
Spec Type Min
4.5mL
When Tested
On Request
Turnaround Time
Same Day / Next Day
Reference Ranges
neg
Related Tests
Malaria ICT, Malarial PCR
Contact
9342 9670

Malaria PCR

Test Method
TaqMan Real Time PCR assay
Specimen Required
Blood (EDTA)
Spec Type Min
200ul
When Tested
on request
Turnaround Time
same day / next day
Normal Ranges
n/a
Reference Ranges
n/a
Cut Off Lower
>39 ct-value
Units of Measurement
Ct-value
Related Tests
n/a
Billing Advice
Non-rebatable
Contact
9342 9670

Malarial examination

Test Method
Microscopy
Specimen Required
Blood (EDTA), Slide, Smear
Spec Type Min
4.5mL
When Tested
On Request
Turnaround Time
Same Day / Next Day
Reference Ranges
neg
Related Tests
Malaria PCR, Malaria ICT
Contact
9342 9670

Malarial immuno-chromatography test (ICT)

Test Method
Immunochromatography
Specimen Required
Blood (EDTA)
Spec Type Min
4.5mL
When Tested
On Request
Turnaround Time
Same Day / Next Day
Reference Ranges
neg
Contact
9342 9670

Marburg haemorrhagic fever virus PCR

Test Method
Real-time TaqMan PCR
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Blood (ACD), Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Bone Marrow, Bowel Contents, Brushings, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Culture Isolate, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Milk, Non-human specimen, Nucleic Acid Extract, Other, Paraffin embedded tissue, Plasma, Plasma (ACD), Plasma (EDTA), Saliva, Scraping, Semen, Serum, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Virus Isolate, Washings
Spec Type Min
200uL
When Tested
On request
Turnaround Time
same day / next day
Reference Ranges
3-45 Ct
Contact
9342 9628

Measles IgG Avidity

Test Method
EIA
Specimen Required
Blood (EDTA), Blood (Lithium Heparin), Blood (Whole), Plasma, Plasma (EDTA), Plasma (Lithium Heparin), Plasma (Sodium Citrate), Serum
Spec Type Min
200 uL
When Tested
On Request
Turnaround Time
Up to 7 Days
Contact
9342 9647 / 9342 9648

Measles virus Genotyping

Test Method
Conventional PCR/Sequencing/Analysis
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Blood (ACD), Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Bone Marrow, Bowel Contents, Brushings, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Culture Isolate, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Milk, Non-human specimen, Nucleic Acid Extract, Other, Paraffin embedded tissue, Plasma, Plasma (ACD), Plasma (EDTA), Saliva, Scraping, Semen, Serum, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Virus Isolate, Washings
Spec Type Min
200uL
When Tested
On request
Turnaround Time
7 Days
Reference Ranges
n/a
Contact
9342 9628

Measles virus Genotyping A (Vaccine Strain)

Test Method
Real-time TaqMan PCR/Conventional PCR, sequencing, analysis
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Blood (ACD), Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Bone Marrow, Bowel Contents, Brushings, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Culture Isolate, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Milk, Non-human specimen, Nucleic Acid Extract, Other, Paraffin embedded tissue, Plasma, Plasma (ACD), Plasma (EDTA), Saliva, Scraping, Semen, Serum, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Virus Isolate, Washings
Spec Type Min
200uL
When Tested
On Request
Turnaround Time
7 Days
Reference Ranges
3-45 Ct
Contact
9342 9628

Measles virus PCR

Test Method
Real-time TaqMan PCR targeting the measles virus nucleoprotein (N) gene.
Specimen Required
Optimal sampling timeframe:
Highest yield within 1-3 days of rash onset. Sensitivity diminishes after 10-14 days

May remain detectable at up to 21 days (urine)

Preferred specimens:

Dry flocked swab (nasopharyngeal/throat) , optimally in viral transport media (VTM)

Urine (first pass)

Nasopharyngeal aspirate, saliva, endotracheal aspirate, bronchioalveolar lavage/washings

N.B. concurrent measles serology is advised

Accepted specimens:

Blood (ACD, EDTA, Gel Tube, Whole), plasma (ACD, EDTA)

Cerebrospinal fluid

Virus isolate, nucleic acid extract

Testing of less common specimen types (biopsied tissues, skin scrapings, paraffin embedded tissues, bone marrow, fluid, non-human specimens) should be discussed with the VIDRL registrar

Specimens NOT suitable

Swab of rash/skin

Swabs with transport media optimised for bacterial sampling (e.g. Stuart’s, Amies, charcoal)
Spec Type Min
200uL (VTM/UTM, blood)
When Tested
On request. Typical clinical indications - Suspicion of acute infection including Koplik spots, typical morbilliform rash, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis - Suspected measles vaccine breakthrough - Pneumonia, encephalitis, particularly with exposure history - Please note: requests for measles PCR should be discussed with the relevant public health unit at time of sampling
Turnaround Time
Next business day. Samples received and processed prior to 8am may be available on the same day - Urgent same day (business hours) testing for samples arriving later than 8am available upon discussion with local public health units, with subsequent contact to the VIDRL registrar or the Laboratory Manager On Call (LMOC) via the VIDRL switchboard on +61 3 9342 9379 - Urgent after hours testing may be requested by the Department of Health (central) for outbreak investigation with approval obtained by local public health units. This is available 24/7 upon contacting the LMOC on 0438 599 439 (calls only)
Reference Ranges
3-45 Ct
Units of Measurement
Ct
Related Tests
Other tests: measles vaccine real-time TaqMan PCR, measles genotyping , measles serology - see VIDRL Urgent Testing Instructions
Billing Advice
Non-rebatable
Contact
03 9342 9628 (Virus Identification laboratory)

Measles virus Serology (IgG, IgM)

Test Method
IgG IgM EIA
Specimen Required
Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Lithium Heparin), Blood (Sodium Citrate), Blood (Whole), Plasma, Plasma (EDTA), Plasma (Lithium Heparin), Plasma (Sodium Citrate), Serum, Cereberospinal Fluid
When Tested
Daily
Turnaround Time
Up to 5 Days
Reference Ranges
negative = 0.2, Liaison neg <0.9, 0.9 1.1
Units of Measurement
Optical density
Contact
9342 9647 / 9342 9648

Microsporidium detection

Test Method
Modified trichrome stain
Specimen Required
Faeces, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine
Spec Type Min
n/a
When Tested
On request
Turnaround Time
3 day
Normal Ranges
n/a
Reference Ranges
n/a
Cut Off Lower
n/a
Units of Measurement
n/a
Related Tests
FMCS, FM1
Billing Advice
Medicare rebatable
Contact
9342 9670

Molluscum contagiosum PCR

Test Method
Real-time TaqMan PCR
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Blood (ACD), Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Bone Marrow, Bowel Contents, Brushings, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Culture Isolate, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Milk, Non-human specimen, Nucleic Acid Extract, Other, Paraffin embedded tissue, Plasma, Plasma (ACD), Plasma (EDTA), Saliva, Scraping, Semen, Serum, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Virus Isolate, Washings
Spec Type Min
200uL
When Tested
On request
Turnaround Time
same day / next day
Reference Ranges
3-45 Ct
Units of Measurement
Ct
Billing Advice
Non-rebatable
Contact
9342 9628

Monkey Pox virus PCR

Test Method
Real-time TaqMan PCR
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Blood (ACD), Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Bone Marrow, Bowel Contents, Brushings, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Culture Isolate, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Milk, Non-human specimen, Nucleic Acid Extract, Other, Paraffin embedded tissue, Plasma, Plasma (ACD), Plasma (EDTA), Saliva, Scraping, Semen, Serum, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Virus Isolate, Washings
Spec Type Min
200uL
When Tested
On request
Turnaround Time
same day / next day
Reference Ranges
3-45 Ct
Units of Measurement
Ct
Billing Advice
Non-rebatable
Contact
9342 9628

Mumps virus PCR

Test Method
Real-time TaqMan PCR
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Blood (ACD), Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Bone Marrow, Bowel Contents, Brushings, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Culture Isolate, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Milk, Non-human specimen, Nucleic Acid Extract, Other, Paraffin embedded tissue, Plasma, Plasma (ACD), Plasma (EDTA), Saliva, Scraping, Semen, Serum, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Virus Isolate, Washings
Spec Type Min
200uL
When Tested
On request
Turnaround Time
same day / next day
Reference Ranges
3-45 Ct
Units of Measurement
Ct
Billing Advice
Non-rebatable
Contact
9342 9628

Mumps virus Serology

Test Method
IgG,IgM EIA
Specimen Required
Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Lithium Heparin), Blood (Sodium Citrate), Blood (Whole), Plasma, Plasma (EDTA), Plasma (Lithium Heparin), Plasma (Sodium Citrate), Serum
When Tested
2x Weekly
Turnaround Time
Up to 7 Days
Reference Ranges
cutoff control value = 0.100
equiv = 0.1-0.2
low pos = 0.2-0.399
pos ³0.400
Units of Measurement
Optical density
Contact
9342 9647 / 9342 9648

Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVE) PCR

Test Method
Conventional PCR, real-time PCR
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Blood (ACD), Blood (EDTA), Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Bone Marrow, Bowel Contents, Brushings, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Culture Isolate, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Milk, Non-human specimen, Nucleic Acid Extract, Other, Paraffin embedded tissue, Plasma, Plasma (ACD), Plasma (EDTA), Saliva, Scraping, Semen, Serum, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Virus Isolate, Washings
Spec Type Min
200uL
When Tested
On Request
Turnaround Time
7 Days
Reference Ranges
3-45 Ct
Contact
9342 9628

Murray Valley encephalitis virus Serology

Test Method
EIA blocking assay, Total Ab
Specimen Required
Blood (Gel Tube), Blood (Whole), Cerebrospinal Fluid, Serum
When Tested
1-2x Weekly
Turnaround Time
Up to 7 Days
Reference Ranges
pos >50% inhibition
neg <50% inhibition
equiv = 45-55% inhibition
Contact
9342 9647 / 9342 9648

Mycobacterial culture, detection, identification +/- susceptibility testing of primary specimens

Test Method
Culture on solid media and in broth culture
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Blood (Whole), Bone Marrow, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Washings
When Tested
On Request
Turnaround Time
Up to 12 weeks, dependant on growth characteristics
Related Tests
See text (MRL section) for further details
Billing Advice
Medicare rebatable
Contact
9342 9617

Mycobacterial identification and sensitivity testing on a referred pure isolate

Test Method
Identification- Phenotypic & molecular depending on isolate identification. Various culture methods for drug susceptibility testing
Specimen Required
Culture Isolate
When Tested
M-F
Turnaround Time
Dependant on growth on subculture
Normal Ranges
n/a
Reference Ranges
n/a
Cut Off Lower
n/a
Units of Measurement
n/a
Related Tests
See text (MRL section) for further details
Billing Advice
Reference function, not billed.
Contact
9342 9617

Mycobacterium leprae DNA by PCR

Test Method
Real-time PCR
Specimen Required
Biopsy, Other, Paraffin embedded tissue, Swab, Tissue
When Tested
On request
Reference Ranges
Ct <40
Cut Off Lower
Ct value </= 40
Units of Measurement
Ct
Contact
9342 9617

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA by PCR

Test Method
Real-time PCR
Specimen Required
Aspirate, Biopsy, Bone Marrow, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Faeces, Fluid, Lavage, Paraffin embedded tissue, Sputum, Swab, Tissue, Urine, Washings
Spec Type Min
1 ml for CSF
When Tested
On request when GeneXpert MTB/RIF-Ultra unavailable
Turnaround Time
24-48 hours
Reference Ranges
Ct <40
Cut Off Lower
Ct value </= 40
Units of Measurement
Ct
Related Tests
See text (MRL section) for further details. Contact laboratory for suitability of specimens. Current method: TaqMan real-time PCR (IS6110 – based target).
Billing Advice
Medicare Rebatable
Contact
9342 9617

Mycobacterium ulcerans PCR

Test Method
Real-time PCR
Specimen Required
Biopsy, Paraffin embedded tissue, Swab, Tissue
Spec Type Min
6 PET sections, 10-20um thick
When Tested
3x weekly
Turnaround Time
1-2 working days
Normal Ranges
n/a
Reference Ranges
Ct value <35
Cut Off Lower
Ct value </=35
Units of Measurement
Ct
Related Tests
n/a
Billing Advice
Medicare Rebatable
Contact
9342 9617