Mater Pathology announce innovative molecular microbiology testing

Mater Pathology’s Microbiology division is now performing respiratory virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Bordetella pertussis PCR onsite using the Qiagen Rotor-gene® Q.

The availability of these new tests will reduce turnaround times for results and provide referring doctors with a responsive and efficient testing service during influenza season.

Respiratory virus PCR performed at Mater Microbiology includes H1N1 influenza (swine flu) testing and Rhinovirus/ Enterovirus composite PCR as part of the testing profile.

Additional benefits of the PCR platform used are its capacity to test simultaneously for respiratory viruses and Bordetella pertussis streamlining results whenever both of these tests are requested on a patient.

A turnaround time of less than 24 hours can be expected on samples received by the laboratory Monday to Friday.

Doctors who request respiratory virus and Bordetella pertussis PCR, will receive results for the following:

Respiratory virus PCR report:

• Influenza A PCR
• Influenza A – Swine (H1N1)
• Influenza B PCR
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus PCR
• Rhinovirus/Enterovirus PCR
• Parainfluenza 1 PCR
• Parainfluenza 2 PCR
• Parainfluenza 3 PCR
• Adenovirus PCR
• Human Metapneumovirus PCR

Bordetella pertussis PCR report

Bordetella pertussis PCR

Mater Microbiology plans to bring more molecular diagnostic tests onsite in the near future.