Pathology Handbook

Alternative names

Australian Tree Mix

Australian Tree Mix, Olive tree, Willow tree, White pine, Eucalyptus tree, Gum tree, Acacia tree, Malaleuca tree, Cajeput tree

Alternative names

Fish Mix allergy, Allergen to Seafood Mix, Seafood Mix allergy

Fish Mix allergy, Allergen to Seafood Mix, Seafood Mix allergy, Fish, Shrimp, Blue mussel, Tuna, Salmon

Alternative names

Grain Cereal Mix allergy

Grain Cereal Mix allergy, Wheat, Oat, Maize, Corn, Sesame seed, Buckwheat

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Request Group

TEST NO LONGER AVAILABLE

RLY

Alternative names

Allergy to Moulds, Mould Allergen.

Allergy to Moulds, Mould Allergen, Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Altemaria alternate

Alternative names

Nut Mix allergy

Nut Mix allergy, Peanut, Hazelnut, Brazil nut, Almond, Coconut

Alternative names

Spice Mix fx70 allergy, Allergy to spice mix 70

Spice Mix fx70 allergy, Allergy to spice mix 70, Tarragon, Marjoram, Thyme, Lovage

Alternative names

allergy to spice mix fx 71, spice mix fx71 allergy

allergy to spice mix fx 71, spice mix fx71 allergy, Caraway, Mace, Cardamom, Clove

Alternative names

Spice mix fx72 allergy, allergy to spice mix fx72

Spice mix fx72 allergy, allergy to spice mix fx72, Basil, Fennel seed, Ginger, Anise

Alternative names

Weed Mix

Weed Mix, Common ragweed, Mugwort, English plantain, Ragwort, Goosefoot, Lamb's quarters, Prickly saltwort, Russian thistle

Request Group

063

049

Request Group

ALR

127

Alternative names

Dust Mix allergy

Dust Mix allergy, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, House dust mite, HDM, Dermatophagoides farina, America dust mite, German cockroach

Alternative names

Food Mix allergy (Children's food)

Food Mix allergy (Children's food), Egg white, Milk, Fish, Wheat, Peanut, Soybean

Alternative names

Grass mix allergy, Pollen allergy, Allergy to Pollen

Grass mix allergy, Pollen allergy, Allergy to Pollen, Bermuda grass, Rye grass, Timothy grass, Meadow grass, Johnson grass, Bahia grass

Alternative names

Lamb allergen

Lamb allergen, Mutton

Alternative names

Meat Mix Allergy, Meat Allergy.

Meat Mix Allergy, Meat Allergy, Pork, Beef, Chicken

Alternative names

Melon allergen

Melon allergen, Rockmelon allergen, Allergy to rockmelon

Alternative names

Tree Mix allergen

Tree Mix allergen, Maple tree, Plane tree, Silver birch tree, Oak tree, Elm tree, Walnut tree

Assay name

Alzheimer

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) testing

Assay name

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) testing

Alzheimer

Alternative names

Cat dander

Cat dander, Dog dander, Horse dander, Cow dander

Alternative names

Cat dander

Alternative names

NT5C1A antibody, IBM antibody

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Alternative names

Thyroglobulin Antibodies, TgAb, Anti TG, Tg Ab

Thyroglobulin Antibodies, TgAb, Anti TG, Tg Ab, Thyroglobulin Ab

Alternative names

Thyroglobulin Antibodies, TgAb, Anti TG

Thyroglobulin Antibodies, TgAb, Anti TG, Tg Ab

Assay name

Anticardiolipin Antibodies (Sendaway Test)

Anticardiolipin Antibodies (Sendaway Test) - IgM subtype only

Alternative names

ACLA

ACL IgM, ACLA IgM

Request Group

CLA

AUP

Collection & Request Instructions

A separate container is required for this test.

Laboratory

Anatomical Pathology

Haematology

Assay name

Antiphospholipid Antibodies (CLA,LUP,B2A)

Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APM,LUP)

Request Group

CLA,LUP,B2A

APM,LUP

Request Group

ALR

APG

Request Group

SNP

AGP

Collection & Request Instructions

Specimens to be collected only on Monday to Friday up until 12pm (or 12pm on day before a weekday public holiday). Specimens more than 48 hours old cannot be tested and a recollection will be requested.

Please ensure that blood for molecular testing for BCRABL is collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube. Molecular specimens must NOT be put through any analysers. If unsure please call the Haematology laboratory.

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.   

Specimens to be collected only on weeksays, and up until 12pm on Fridays or day before a public holiday). Specimens more than 48 hours old cannot be tested and a recollection will be requested.

Please ensure that blood for molecular testing for BCRABL is collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube. Molecular specimens must NOT be put through any analysers. If unsure please call the Haematology laboratory.

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.   

MBS rebatable

No

Yes

Collection & Request Instructions

Specimens to be collected only on Monday to Thursday (Except for where a public holiday falls on the following day). Specimens more than 48 hours old cannot be tested and a recollection will be requested.

Please ensure that blood for molecular testing for BCRABL is collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube. Molecular specimens must NOT be put through any analysers. If unsure please call the Genetics and Molecular Pathology laboratory.

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.

Note, as this test is not covered by Medicare, non-Northern Health patients will be responsible for the cost incurred, and patient consent must be obtained.    

Specimens to be collected only on Monday to Friday up until 12pm (or 12pm on day before a weekday public holiday). Specimens more than 48 hours old cannot be tested and a recollection will be requested.

Please ensure that blood for molecular testing for BCRABL is collected in a separate dedicated sterile tube. Molecular specimens must NOT be put through any analysers. If unsure please call the Haematology laboratory.

Tube handling must be minimized to prevent contamination.   

Assay name

Beta D Glucan

Beta 1-3-D glucan

Assay name

Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies (Sendaway Test)

Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies (Sendaway Test) - IgM subtype only

Alternative names

Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies; Beta-2, B2GP1

Glycoprotein 1 IgM Antibodies, Beta-2 IgM, B2GP1 IgM

Request Group

B2A

AUP

Collection & Request Instructions

A separate container is required for this test.

Request Group

MDU

MEE

Frequency

Daily

Laboratory

Molecular

Haematology

Laboratory

Pathology Service

Molecular

Alternative names

Anti CCP Antibodies

Anti CCP Antibodies, ACPA, Anti-cyclic citrinullated peptide

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Laboratory

Molecular

Genetics

Collection & Request Instructions

Department Head authorisation required (except Neurology patients).

CJD lab performs test Monday mornings.

Send to Lab before 4pm.

Department Head authorisation required (except Neurology patients).

CJD lab performs test Monday mornings.

Laboratory

Molecular

Genetics

Request Group

CYS

TAS

Assay name

Cytology - Urine Cytology Specimens (Sendaway Test)

Cytology - Urine Cytology Specimens

Request Group

CYT

CY

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Assay name

EBV Viral Load (Sendaway Test)

EBV PCR / Viral Load (Sendaway Test)

Alternative names

Epstein-Barr Virus Viral Load

EBV PCR, Epstein-Barr PCR, Epstein-Barr Virus Viral Load, EBV viral load

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Alternative names

FMR1 gene

Preferred Container Type

See Detailed Information

Plain 70mL pot

Collection & Request Instructions

See Information in under Histology - Frozen Sections

Frozen Sections

Frozen sections can only be performed on fresh unfixed tissue

The Anatomical Pathology Unit should be given 24 hours notice of a frozen section to ensure a Consultant Pathologist will be available when the frozen section arrives (telephone 9485 9333).

A frozen section must not be sent to the laboratory unannounced

Infectious Specimens: If there is a danger of infection (eg tuberculosis, hepatitis, CJD etc) please contact a pathologist before the procedure to discuss alternate methods for  rapid diagnosis.

For a frozen section the fresh tissue is sent to the Anatomical Pathology Unit in a labelled container with an accompanying request form https://northernpath.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Frozen-Section-Booking-Form-blank-p6-003.pdf . The request form should note the clinical and operative findings.

Request Group

AP

Assay name

Frozen Sections (Sendaway Test)

Frozen Sections

Request Group

SE

AP

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Volume (Adults)

2 mL

4 mL

Collection & Request Instructions

Must be discussed with a Laboratory Haematologist

Collection & Request Instructions

A separate container is required for this test.

Collection & Request Instructions

A separate container is required for this test.

Collection & Request Instructions

Test only performed on Hepatitis B surface antigen POSITIVE patients unless authorised by Microbiology Registrar.

If specifically requested to be sent to The Alfred use test code HBL

A dedicated SST is required to perform this test.

Test only performed on Hepatitis B surface antigen POSITIVE patients unless authorised by Microbiology Registrar.

If specifically requested to be sent to The Alfred use test code HBL

Volume (Adults)

6.0 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume

6.0 mL

Collection & Request Instructions

Two (2x) collection tubes required

Collection & Request Instructions

Collect 2 x 6 ml lithium heparin tues and rubber band the tubes together.  Freeze BOTH the WHOLE TUBES IMMEDIATELY.  DO NOT spin or separate.  For paediatric collections it is acceptable to only collect one tube.

Request Group

HISTAMINE

MPS

MBS rebatable

No

Yes

Collection & Request Instructions

This test is not recommended because it does not provide information on mast cell proliferation and rarely can be collected within 10 minuites of a acute anaphylactic episode.

Assay name

Histology - Frozen Section (Sendaway Test)

Histology - Frozen Section

Preferred Container Type

CSF Tube 3

CSF Micro-tubes

Preferred Container Type

CSF Micro-tubes

CSF Tube 3

Preferred Container Type

CSF tube

CSF Micro-tubes

Preferred Container Type

CSF Tube 3

CSF tube

Optional Container Type

CSF tube

Assay name

HIV Viral Load (Sendaway Test)

HIV Viral Load (CSF sendaway test)

Preferred Container Type

EDTA 10 mL

CSF Tube 3

Optional Container Type

CSF Tube 3

CSF tube

Volume (Adults)

10 mL

2.0 mL

Preferred Specimen Type

EDTA

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Optional Specimen Type

Cerebrospinal Fluid
Serum

Optional Container Type

CSF Tube 3
SST

CSF Tube 3

Request Group

VTI

HCH

Collection & Request Instructions

All solid tumour molecular test requests must be discussed directly with Prof Catriona McLean (ph 907 63153) prior to testing being performed

Request Group

OXF

RBW

Minimum/Paediatric Volume

2 mL

0.5 mL

Frequency

Fortnightly

Assay name

Inhibition Level Factor 8 Porcine (Sendaway Test)

Inhibition Level Factor 8 (Sendaway Test)

Request Group

LGI

LGI (SST) LGC (CSF)

Laboratory

Haematology

Genetics

Collection & Request Instructions

This requst must be approved by the haematology registrar prior to sending

Collection & Request Instructions

Muscle Biopsy

Muscle biopsy for neurodegenerative and metabolic studies are processed by the Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service (VNLS) which is located within the Anatomical Pathology Department of AlfredHealth.

Important Note To Clinicians: The Neuromuscular laboratory must receive samples BEFORE 4pm Monday to Friday to enable optimal handling and processing to occur.  Clinicians must allow sufficient transport time when scheduling procedures.

Muscle biopsy Kits are unavailable from VNLS.

Muscle Biopsie Procedure.

Correct handling of a muscle biopsy is important for interpretation of the specimen.

• Please deliver speciment to NPV lab by 11:00am.
• Please do not freeze the specimen.
• Do not immerse the specimen in any fluid.
• Do not use any diathermy instrument on the muscle specimen.
• do not infuse the muscle with local anesthetic.

One (1) specimen is required.

A 20 x 10 x 10mm rectangular piece of muscle is collected from the patient and placed in a dry sterile container (70ml Yellow top container).

Place this specimen in an esky with ice cubes and send immediately to NPV lab.

Specimen Dispatch

Muscle biopsies and completed paperwork should be directed to Anatomical Pathology via Central Specimen Processing.

Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service– General Information

Muscle Biopsy

Muscle biopsy for neurodegenerative and metabolic studies are processed by the Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service (VNLS) which is located within the Anatomical Pathology Department of AlfredHealth.

Important Note To Clinicians: The Neuromuscular laboratory must receive samples BEFORE 4pm Monday to Friday to enable optimal handling and processing to occur.  Clinicians must allow sufficient transport time when scheduling procedures.

Muscle biopsy Kits are unavailable from VNLS.

Muscle Biopsie Procedure.

Correct handling of a muscle biopsy is important for interpretation of the specimen.

• Please deliver speciment to NPV lab by 11:00am.
• Please do not freeze the specimen.
• Do not immerse the specimen in any fluid.
• Do not use any diathermy instrument on the muscle specimen.
• do not infuse the muscle with local anesthetic.

One (1) specimen is required.

A 20 x 10 x 10mm rectangular piece of muscle is collected from the patient and placed in a dry sterile container (70ml Yellow top container).

Place this specimen in an esky with ice cubes and send immediately to NPV lab.

Specimen Dispatch

Muscle biopsies and completed paperwork should be directed to Anatomical Pathology via Central Specimen Processing.

Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service– General Information

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Alternative names

DMPK gene

Preferred Container Type

ACD
EDTA

ACD and EDTA

Preferred Container Type

Lithium Heparin (without Gel)

ACD
EDTA

Preferred Specimen Type

Blood

Blood gas syringe

Collection & Request Instructions

All samples must be received by the laboratory within 30 minutes post collection (at room temperature) or 1 hour if transported on an ice slurry.

The sample must be delivered to the laboratory in person.

Must be collected via arterial collection, venous gas not accepted.  

All samples must be received by the laboratory within 30 minutes post collection (at room temperature) or 1 hour if transported on an ice slurry.

The sample must be delivered to the laboratory in person.

Laboratory

Haematology

Immunology

Alternative names

Platelet function test, PFA

Platelet function test, PFA, platelet function screen

Collection & Request Instructions

Patients should be provided with the patient information sheet.

Patients should be provided with the patient information sheet. Collectors, please record patient medication on request slip or the collection staff checklist.

This test can only be collected at Northern Pathology Victoria Epping (TNH) collection rooms and performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays (between 9am to 3pm). Outside of these days, please discuss with Laboratory Haematology 8405 8369.

Volume (Adults)

10 mL

20 mL

Preferred Container Type

EDTA 4 mL

EDTA 10 mL

Collection & Request Instructions

Need 9mL of Blood or 1-2mL of Bone Marrow (EDTA).

Specimens must be kept at room temperature and must be less than 24hours old - DO NOT FREEZE. Samples must be received in RPAH lab within 48 hours of collection.

Specimens should be collected on alternate Tuesdays, to be sent to the RPAH lab on the next day Wednesday interstate courier. Liase with the Haematology Registrar before collecting.

Need 2x 9mL of Blood or 1-2mL of Bone Marrow (EDTA).

Specimens must be kept at room temperature and must be less than 24hours old - DO NOT FREEZE. Samples must be received in RPAH lab within 48 hours of collection.

Specimens should be collected on alternate Tuesdays, to be sent to the RPAH lab on the next day Wednesday interstate courier. Liase with the Haematology Registrar before collecting.

Lab reg to email diagnostic report (including PML::RARA breakpoint) and date to SLHD-RPAMolecularHaematology@health.nsw.gov.au

Preferred Specimen Type

Blood

Blood
Cerebrospinal Fluid

Preferred Container Type

EDTA 4 mL

EDTA 4 mL
CSF tube

Collection & Request Instructions

3 x SST, 1x EDTA, 1 x Lithium Heparin (gel)

Collection to be performed at the Epping collection room from Monday to Friday only and no later than 11:00.

3 x SST, 1x EDTA, 1 x Lithium Heparin (gel)

Collection & Request Instructions

Test cost $60

FREEZE the serum/plasma within 24 hours of collection and send TWO (2) serum aliquots (min 100uL) to RCH FROZEN.

Test cost $70

FREEZE the serum/plasma within 24 hours of collection and send TWO (2) serum aliquots (min 100uL) to RCH FROZEN.

Laboratory

Haematology

Genetics

Request Group

TME

TME, FBE

Preferred Container Type

EDTA 6 mL

EDTA 6ml and EDTA 4ml

Alternative names

TPMT, Thiopurine Methyltransferase, TPMT Phenotype

TPMT, Thiopurine Methyltransferase, TPMT Phenotype, NUDT15

Collection & Request Instructions

This test is only performed on samples less than 6 hours old. CSR staff are to register all specimens and consult microbiology staff before rejecting the test.  After hours store specimen in the microbiology overnight specimen fridge.

The test is best performed on fresh urine samples.  After hours, store specimen in the microbiology overnight specimen fridge.  Add on requests are permitted if the sample is less than 24 hours old and has been refrigerated.  CSR staff to register all specimens and consult microbiology staff before rejecting the test.

Assay name

Ristocetin Cofactor

von Willebrand factor Antigen

Alternative names

RiCoF, von Willebrand activity, vWF activity

vWF antigen

Request Group

VWR

VWA

Collection & Request Instructions

Usually ordered as part of von Willebrand factor (vWF) studies, which include von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag), FVIII and Ristocetin (RicoF).

If no other tests in vWF studies are ordered, contact request doctor to confirm that no other tests are required.

Usually ordered as part of von Willebrand factor (vWF) studies, which include von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag), FVIII, vWF collagen binding assay (CBA) and Ristocetin (RicoF).

If no other tests in vWF studies are ordered, contact request doctor to confirm that no other tests are required.

Assay name

Von Willebrand Factor Antigen

Von Willebrand studies

Alternative names

von Willebrand factor, vWF Ag, von Willebrand factor studies

von Willebrand factor, vWF Ag, von Willebrand factor studies, von Willebrand factor activity, Ristocetin activity, collagen binding assay

Request Group

VWA, VWR, F8

VWR, F8

MBS rebatable

No

Yes

Collection & Request Instructions

2 CITRATE REQUIRED. Usually ordered as part of von Willebrand factor (vWF) studies, which include von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag), FVIII and Ristocetin (RicoF).

If no other tests in vWF studies are ordered, contact request doctor to confirm that no other tests are required.

2 CITRATE REQUIRED. Usually ordered as part of von Willebrand factor (vWF) studies, which include von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag), FVIII, collagen binding factor and Ristocetin (RicoF).

If no other tests in vWF studies are ordered, contact request doctor to confirm that no other tests are required.

Preferred Container Type

Sodium Citrate

Sodium Citrate x 2

Preferred Container Type

Sodium Citrate x 4

Sodium Citrate

Collection & Request Instructions

4 CITRATE REQUIRED. Usually ordered as part of von Willebrand factor (vWF) studies, which include von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag), FVIII and Ristocetin (RicoF).

If no other tests in vWF studies are ordered, contact request doctor to confirm that no other tests are required.

2 CITRATE REQUIRED. Usually ordered as part of von Willebrand factor (vWF) studies, which include von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag), FVIII and Ristocetin (RicoF).

If no other tests in vWF studies are ordered, contact request doctor to confirm that no other tests are required.

Request Group

WNV

MVE