Monash Pathology Microbiology is one of the first laboratories in Australia to acquire an instrument for total laboratory automation and is currently involved in research assessing the impact of this innovative new technology on clinically relevant outcomes and laboratory workflow. Research is also in progress assessing the optimisation of combining this latest technology with the other main instrumentation that has revolutionised the Clinical Microbiology laboratory – MALDI-TOF. Current evaluations of new technology also include the use of multiplex PCR in respiratory and faecal specimens.
Monash Pathology Microbiology has a close relationship with Monash Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and several recent and current research projects involve collaboration between these Departments.