Molecular Microbiology

The Molecular Microbiology service is an integrated section within Microbiology at both QEII and FSH. The QEII laboratory functions as the Public Health Network Laboratory for Western Australia and is a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza virus. The FSH laboratory provides quantitative virology and 24-hour testing of blood borne viruses to support transplant services.

A wide variety of viral, bacterial and fungal nucleic acid detection tests, viral isolation, molecular characterisation and sequencing are available.  Specialised services include detection, quantitation and genotyping of blood borne viruses, paediatric virology, rapid response to new, emerging infections and pandemic pathogens, and the detection of agents posing a high personal or public health risk including SARS-CoV-2.