Website:
Supranational TB Reference Laboratory in Adelaide, Australia
Address:
Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory
SA Pathology - Frome Road Site
Frome Road
Adelaide, 5000, AUSTRALIA
Description
The MRL is the South Australian diagnostic and reference laboratory for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM). The MRL is the only public laboratory for diagnostic mycobacterial testing in SA and receives isolates from private pathology providers for identification and drug susceptibility testing. The laboratory is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and is compliant with AS/NZ standards to PC3 biosafety level.
As an SRL, the laboratory provides support to the National Reference Laboratories (NRL) in the following countries; Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Vietnam and Indonesia. It also provides support to the Western Pacific Regional Office as required.
Structure and organization
The Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory (MRL) at SA Pathology is located at the Frome Road campus, offsite to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The MRL is part of the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Directorate providing a wide range of pathology services to all public hospitals within South Australia. The MRL is supervised by a Clinical Microbiologist and a Chief Scientist. SA Pathology is part of the Central Adelaide Health Network (CAHLN).
Services provided by the SRL
Acid fast microscopy (ZN and FM)
Mycobacterium cultures
GeneXpert MTB NAT
Mycobacterial identification by MALDI-TOF and Molecular methods
Drug Susceptibility for TB and selected NTMs
External Quality assurance activities
Technical support for NRLs
Whole Genome Sequencing (research use)
Current links and partnerships outside of SRLN
Richard Lumb holds an emeritus position with SA Pathology and is able to provide consultancy support through SA Pathology.