Our Services

Specialised Services

Our team at Environmental Pathogens have significant experience in the detection of pathogens, especially human enteric viruses, helminths and parasites, in a variety of environmental samples.

We offer specialised services in Environmental Virology, Parasitology & Microbiology including the detection of

• Human and Animal Viruses

• Parasites and Helminths

• Bacteriophage

as well as specialised techniques involving

• Shellfish & oyster analysis for human pathogens

• Electron microscopy

• Molecular biology and Nucleic acid amplification (PCR)

• Human and animal cell cultures

• Virucidal studies

• Efficacy studies on disinfecting processes

• Epidemiological studies & Human health

The company also offers consultancy services including risk assessment analysis and has the ability to undertake contract R & D projects.

Available Tests

Virology assays by cell culture to determine the presence/absence of Reoviruses, Adenoviruses and Enteroviruses including detection & enumeration of these viruses.

Nucleic acid detection (by PCR) for

• Noroviruses

• Hepatitis A virus

• Rotaviruses

• Reoviruses

• Adenoviruses

• Enteroviruses

• Polioviruses

• Caliciviruses

• Astroviruses

• Coronaviruses including COVID19.

Parasite detection in water and effluent samples, sludge, soil and sediment.

• Detection of Taenia sp., Ascaris sp. ova , giardia cysts and cryptosporidium oocysts by microscopy.

• Detection of giardia and cryptosporidium by immunofluorescent microscopy, nucleic acid amplification and magnetic bead techniques.

Electron Microscopy

The examination of samples by electron microscopy for the presence of viruses is offered as routine service.

Consultancy Services

Consulting services are available in all areas of virology and environmental microbiology and include epidemiology, design of sampling regimes and risk assessment studies.

Our Consultants and associates:

• Dr. Gary Grohmann, Director and Principal Consultant

• Ms. Lorraine Brown, Director and Manager

• RSM Canberra, Accountants

• O’Connor Harris & Co., Solicitors

Sampling recommendations

• Samples for virus & parasite analysis are to be collected in chemically sterilised or clean containers thoroughly rinsed in potable water.

• Shellfish, soil and sediments are to be placed into clean sealed containers.

• All samples are to be transported disposable eskies with a single ice brick.

• Samples must not be frozen.

Recommended volumes to be collected for analysis:

• Primary effluent 1L

• Secondary effluent 5L

• Recycled water & Tertiary effluents 10L

• Raw Water and swimming pool water 10L

• Storm water, Bore Water & Potable water 50L

• River & sea waters 50L

• Sediment, sludge, soil and shellfish 100g

Chain of Custody (COC) form

All samples must be accompanied with a COC form, taken from the requesting laboratory. Please ensure that it highlights the following key points:

• The tests required,

• Sample identification number,

• Collection date,

• Email for reporting and invoicing,

• Order number, and

• Any further notes on the sample or tests.

The form should also be emailed to pathogens@bigpond.com.  If a requesting laboratory does not have an in-house COC form, the following can be used…