Virology Unit

The Virology Unit  provides rapid diagnosis of respiratory viruses (Influenza A & B, parainfluenzaviruses -1, -2 & -3, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)).

A very rapid RSV diagnostic service operates during the annual winter RSV season. This facilitates bed management during times of high pressure on beds at the WCH.

Rapid diagnosis of herpes simplex viruses and varicella-zoster virus (and antibody) is also provided.

In conjunction with Serology and the Core Laboratory hepatitis serology (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV) and anti-HIV and anti-CMV testing is also provided.

How to access the service

Specialists and general practitioners can refer patients to this service.

Formal consultations can be arranged by telephoning Dr Goldwater ph (08) 8161 7432 or booking patients into the Infectious Diseases Clinic ph (08) 8161 6644.

A letter of referral is required. Patients for viral specimen collection may be sent with a completed Pathology Request Form to Central Specimen Collection, 4th Floor, Rieger Building.

Dr Goldwater is recognised by the Australian Society for HIV Medicine as a specialist in Paediatric HIV infection.

Rapid RSV Laboratory Diagnosis

Rapid testing for RSV (Becton Dickinson Directigen Rapid RSV test) in patients who may have an RSV infection, and who are to be admitted to the WCH commences in early May each year.

Specimen collection

During normal hours naso-pharyngeal secretion specimens are collected either by laboratory specimen collection staff or Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) nursing/medical staff and after hours by PED nursing staff.

Specimens collected after hours will be tested for RSV immediately, with a maximum turn around time of 1.5 hours from receipt of specimen in Microbiology or Core Lab/Blood transfusion.

The Laboratory Request form

Please indicate "Rapid RSV test" in the tests requested box or use the self-adhesive stickers provided by the Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Department. A positive result will be phoned. All specimens will also be subjected to immunofluorescent viral antigen detection (influenzaviruses A & B, parainfluenzaviruses 1,2,3, adenoviruses, & RSV) as part of the daily batch testing.

Resources/Publications

Rapid diagnosis of viral infection can usually be achieved by obtaining timely Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA's) specimens. 

Why, when and how to perform an NPA.

Research Activity

Research includes :

• investigation of possible relationship between antenatal viral infection and cerebral palsy
• immunotherapeutic trials in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Hours

Monday to Friday 830am - 6pm (after 6pm tests are performed in Core Laboratory or Blood Transfusion)

Saturday 830am - 4pm (after 4pm tests are performed in Core Laboratory or Blood Transfusion)

Sunday 830am - 12 noon tests are performed in Microbiology (after 12 noon tests are performed in Core Laboratory or Blood Transfusion)

Contact Information

Unit Head

Senior Consultant Clinical Microbiologist/Virologist /Infectious Diseases Physician
Dr Paul N. Goldwater FRACP, FRCPA

Location

5th Floor, Rieger Building

Mailing Address

Virology
Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Department
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide

South Australia 5006

Phone/Fax/Email

Phone (08) 8161 7432

Fax (08) 8161 6882

Email  paul.goldwater@cywhs.sa.gov.au

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