Diagnostic services are an integral part of all Veterinary Schools. They function to provide a high quality service to UQ and external veterinary clinics and this enables us to capture the benefits of this case material for both teaching and research.

Diagnostic services is comprised of 4 laboratories.

Diagnostic Pathology

Services are focused towards providing an accurate and speedy diagnosis on all case material submitted. These services include: histopathology, cytology, histochemistry and necropsy services. More specialised services of immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy are also offered to researchers. Immunohistochemistry entails the visualisation of tissue antigens via several different labelling enzymes. Immunohistochemistry is helpful in the classification of disease manifestations such as neoplasms, including the classification of lymphomas. The laboratory is also involved with establishing the inter-species cross reactivity of antibodies.

Pathologists are available for consultation on both histological and cytological diagnostic cases. Sit down sessions at the multi-head microscope (THE OCTOPUS) with both staff and students are particularly welcome and are an important part of fifth year pathology rotations. Consultation about research problems are also encouraged.

Diagnostic Bacteriology

The Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory is central to both the teaching and research of infectious disease at The University of Queensland. Case material coming through the Laboratory forms the basis of case-based teaching of infectious disease courses to third year veterinary students. Publications and entire research projects often start as clinical samples presented to the laboratory. This was evidenced most recently with the multiple-drug resistant E. coli work.

The majority of this Laboratory's work involves routine culture and sensitivity requests, however we are always interested in the rare, the unusual and the difficult to grow. Exotic animal microbiology always presents a challenge, and the laboratory currently performs diagnostic work for aquaculture industries, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Seaworld and Dreamworld.

The Laboratory is highly experienced in processing milk samples, a tradition carrying over from Alan Frost's mastitis research program. In addition to culture and sensitivity, the Laboratory produces autogenous vaccines and media supplies and has recently expanded into rapid DNA detection.

Diagnostic Parasitology

The School has a small parasitology laboratory now offering routine diagnostic procedures such as faecal floats, faecal egg counts, larval culture and ID, and screening of faeces for Crypyosporidium and Giardia.

In veterinary practice, cryptosporidiosis is most commonly identified in young ruminants. However there are now several reports of diarrhoea in dogs, cats and horses that have been attributed to Cryptosporidium (usually in immunocompromised or young animals). It is unclear whether more widespread screening for this protozoan will reveal it to have greater significance in these species.

This Laboratory also offers a parasite identification service. Some of these specimens require referral to experts in particular fields and this may affect cost and turn-around time before a diagnosis is given.

Clinical Pathology

The lab focuses on providing a range of biochemical profiles, haematology and the examination of cells in body fluids.

Address:
Diagnostic Services
School of Veterinary Science
University of Queensland
St Lucia 4072

Ph: (07) 3365 3083
Fax: (07) 3365 1355