Microbiology Laboratory

All microbiology testing for Eastern Health is centralised at Box Hill Hospital
P: 9895 3475

Routine 7am to 10:30pm.

Urgent samples after hours – Scientist available, contact 9982 2008.

Urgent clinical enquiries – contact Clinical Microbiologist via EH switch

 

The Microbiology laboratory is responsible for testing samples for the presence of pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. For bacterial cultures, we also issue susceptibility results to help guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Most culture results are ready within 24-48 hours, however for susceptibility testing, this can add an extra day. Some pathogens can take longer to grow, so culture results can take up to 14 days in some cases, or up to 6 weeks for Mycobacterial cultures.

The Molecular Microbiology lab performs PCR testing for a wide array of bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, RSV, STIs, and Herpes viruses. Some testing is batched, so can take up to 3 days.

The laboratory also refers samples for less common tests to a variety of reference laboratories. These can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a result.

Please feel free to contact the laboratory to discuss specimen requirements, results, or to arrange any urgent testing.

Specimen Collection

Swabs for bacterial culture, Herpes PCR, STI PCR, and blood culture bottles are available from Pathology Central Specimen Reception (building B, level 4). Sterile collection pots (for urine, faeces etc) and respiratory viral swabs are available from stores.

For a comprehensive list of tests available and the specimens required, please refer to the Pathology Handbook. And the swab collection guide available in the handbook also

Microbiology Test Ordering & Specimen Collection Guidelines

General Principles

  • Obtain specimens ideally before starting antimicrobial therapy – do not delay therapy if clinically indicated
  • Use strict aseptic technique
  • Collect an adequate volume of specimen: fresh tissue (not in formalin) or fluid is preferable to a swab; urine at least 2mL (refer to the Handbook for details)
  • Label all specimen containers with: patient name, date of birth, UR No or Medicare number and specimen source / site
  • Give relevant clinical information
  • Notify the laboratory in advance if special tests are requested or unusual pathogens suspected
  • If a highly contagious disease is suspected, discuss with Infectious Diseases; do not use the pathology specimen chute
  • Do not send any specimen with a needle attached; for skin scrapings do not send the scalpel blade
  • Deliver specimens promptly (within 1-2 hours of collection) to the laboratory

Specimens which are unsuitable for culture

  • Vomitus
  • Colostomy discharge
  • Foley catheter tip

For a comprehensive list of tests available and the specimens required, please refer to the  Pathology Handbook.