Laboratory Haematology provides the following services
- Haematology Services
- Coagulation Studies
- Blood Bank Services
- Bone Marrow Biopsy
The haematology test profile is comprehensive from routine haematology to highly specialised tests including extensive haemolysis and haemoglobinopathy investigations. The routine haematology laboratory uses total laboratory automation which ensures high quality and a uniform testing procedure to ensure results are available to referrers with the shortest turnaround time on a 24/7 basis.
The coagulation test repertoire is comprehensive from routine coagulation screening to highly specialised tests. Our coagulation laboratory can test for factor deficiencies and inhibitors, thrombophilia, lupus anticoagulant testing as well as testing for warfarin monitoring and dosing. A limited finger-prick point of care service is also available for INR testing at the Monash (Clayton and Dandenong campuses). The laboratory provides expert testing for platelet function, Von Willebrands’ disease; heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibody (HITS) testing, testing for ADAMTS 13 levels in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and testing for fibrinolytic markers. Molecular testing is also available for thrombophilia.
The laboratory provides monitoring for the direct thrombin inhibitors (e.g. dabigatran), direct anti factor Xa inhibitors (e.g. rivaroxaban, apixiban) as well as heparin levels. The laboratory is well positioned to take on further testing for newer anticoagulants as they become available.
The blood bank / transfusion laboratory provides a comprehensive service for paediatric, adult and obstetric patients across Monash Health. Red cell serological testing for blood group and antibody screening support routine and urgent provision of compatible blood components. The transfusion laboratory provides specialised support for the Thalassaemia Service and paediatric and adult haematology. The laboratory also provides monitoring of allo-immunised pregnancies and provision of blood for intra-uterine transfusions as well as antibody titres for ABO incompatible renal transplants. A comprehensive inventory of blood components and fractionated plasma products is held on site.
For those patients who require bone marrow biopsies (for staging for haematological malignancies or assessment of anaemia) these are performed at the Clayton and Dandenong sites. All samples are assessed morphologically and routine access to molecular testing, cytogenetics and flow cytometric analysis is available.