Sydney Local Health District Concord Repatriation General Hospital
Concord Repatriation General Hospital
Pathology Department
Concord Repatriation General Hospital
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Diagnostic Pathology


About Us

The Diagnostic Pathology Unit is the largest laboratory at Concord Hospital and provides rapid turn-around-time blood results for the management of critically ill patients and those needing immediate results. The unit is an integrated multi-disciplinary laboratory integrating Biochemistry (Chemical Pathology), Haematology and Blood Bank services and is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days per week. More than 2 million blood tests are performed by this laboratory each year.

Our Services

Central Specimen Reception

The Central Specimen Reception Area is important to the cohesion, cost effectiveness and efficiency of the Diagnostic Pathology Unit. This purpose designed facility now handles over 80% of all pathology specimens received at Concord Hospital. In addition to the data entry and specimen processing of samples received, the CSR provides a central point for all laboratory results and enquiries for both our Hospital and external referees.

Biochemistry & Immunoassay

Biochemistry
The Biochemistry division of the Diagnostic Pathology Unit performs a comprehensive range of chemical pathology tests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The unit services the needs of a large in-patient population and in addition performs many referred tests for external clients.

A statewide service for the assay of Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) - a biological marker used in the assessment of excessive alcohol intake - is performed by this laboratory.

Other areas of specialized testing include calculus analysis, urinary citrate estimations, urinary ETG testing and drugs of abuse screening.

Immunoassay
This single multi-disciplinary section of Biochemistry provides integrated Immunoassay services across a range of specialized assays traditionally associated with a number of medical departments. Endocrinology hormone testing, tumour markers, vitamin B12 and folate, Vitamin 25-D, Vitamin 125-D, specialized drug assays and microbiology serology testing of Hepatitis and HIV are all performed in this section of the DPU.

The co-location of immunoassay instrumentation has enhanced service delivery of these more esoteric tests and proven to be a highly successful model in ensuring high quality results are delivered in a cost-effective, efficient and timely manner.

Key personnel

Dr Margaret Janu, Head of Department and Director of Biochemistry

Maryann Lupscha Senior Hospital Scientist, Automated Chemistry
Dorothy Kouzios Senior Hospital Scientist, Special Chemistry/Immunoassay

Haematology, Blood Bank & Flow Cytometry

Haematology
The Haematology division of the Diagnostic Pathology Unit is the laboratory component of the Haematology Unit at Concord Hospital. Along with Biochemistry, this laboratory provides a major input to the vital 24-hour service with blood counts, coagulation results, peripheral blood and bone marrow morphology in conjunction with clinical consultation. A wide range of special tests are carried out in the areas of malignant haematology, platelet disorders and coagulopathies, malaria and haemolytic anaemias. Consultative services and specialized tests are also provided for external laboratories.

Blood Bank
The Blood Bank in the Diagnostic Pathology Unit provides the services of blood grouping and screening, antibody detection, investigation and resolution. In keeping with modern laboratory practice blood is issued after a computer crossmatch (where appropriate). Electronic release of blood has improved efficiency and blood wastage via outdating is negligible.

The Blood Bank also provides many other blood products in use for support of patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia and coagulopathies and also blood components for chemotherapy patients.

Flow Cytometry Laboratory
The Flow Cytometry Laboratory is part of the NSW Bone Marrow Transplant Network, established to co-ordinate stem cell transplantation services in NSW.

The Flow Cytometry laboratory provides support to the autologous stem cell transplantation services in Concord Hospital, and also supports the comprehensive haemato-oncology service at Concord by providing comprehensive haematology immunophenotyping services appropriate for a tertiary teaching hospital.

Key personnel

Dr Alessandra Bianchi

Senior Staff Specialist in Charge, Laboratory Haematology

A/Prof Ilona Cunningham

Head of Department, Clinical Haematology

Prof Judith Trotman

Senior Staff Specialist, Haematology

Dr Jane Estell  

Senior Staff Specialist, Haematology

Dr Emma Verner

Staff Specialist, Haematology

Dr Vivien Chen

Staff Specialist, Haematology

Dr Robin Gasiorowski

Staff Specialist, Haematology

Dr Nicole Wong Doo

Staff Specialist, Haematology

Jillian Joss

Senior Hospital Scientist, Haematology

Maria Konda

Senior Hospital Scientist, Coagulation

Mathew Powell

Senior Hospital Scientist, Flow Cytometry

Research & Quality Projects

In addition to routine analyses, the DPU provides laboratory support and collaborations for many hospital departments. Some examples include:

  • The Centre for Education and Research on Ageing (CERA)
  • ANZAC Research Institute including Andrology, Bone Biology and Biogerontology
  • Haematology Clinical Trials
  • Department of Cardiology
  • Department of Gastroenterology
  • Department of Rheumatology
  • Department of Neurology
  • Department of Endocrinology
  • Emergency Department

Contact Us

Head of Department, Diagnostic Pathology Unit
Dr Margaret Janu
T: 61 2 9767 6661
F: 61 2 9767 6969
E: margaret.janu@health.nsw.gov.au

Staff Specialist, Laboratory Haematology
Dr Alessandra Bianchi
T: 61 2 9767 6648
F: 61 2 9767 6250
E: alessandra.bianchi@health.nsw.gov.au

Laboratory Manager, DPU
Mr Peter Forrest
T: 61 2 9767 6960
F: 61 2 9767 6969
E: peter.forrest@health.nsw.gov.au

Diagnostic Pathology Unit
Ground West, Multi Building
Concord Hospital
Hospital Road
Concord NSW 2139

All enquires, including results:
Phone: 02 9767 6663
Fax: 02 9767 8302

Blood Bank: 02 9767 6686



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Page Last Updated: 08 March, 2022