Bacteriology

PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA provides a comprehensive clinical and diagnostic Bacteriology service. Routine and specialised investigations are performed for the isolation, identification and susceptibility testing of bacteria from clinical material.

Comprehensive bacteriology laboratories are located at QEII Medical Centre and Fiona Stanley Hospital.  Bacteriology is also performed in other metropolitan and regional laboratories throughout Western Australia.

Turnaround times vary from a few hours to several days for particularly complex tests. Gram stain results, allowing preliminary identification of bacteria, can be performed on appropriate material on the day of receipt in the laboratory. Culture results are often available 24 – 48 hours after, though some organisms require extended incubation for isolation.

Rapid detection methods are utilised where possible for optimal patient care. Our ability to conduct rapid testing is currently expanding through advances in technology and our collaboration with other sections within Microbiology.

Antibiotic susceptibility testing is conducted and reported where appropriate. A range of services are performed including molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance. Clinical microbiologists are available to discuss antibiotic treatment and give infection control advice. FSH Microbiology provides a 24/7 service. On call services are available after hours for laboratories not operating 24/7.