Immunology Laboratory

Phone:	(02) 9845 3323
Fax:	(02) 9845 0840
Email:	andrewwilliams1@health.nsw.gov.au
Location:	Pathology Department, level 2

Services

The Immunology Laboratory is located within the Pathology Department in the Children's Hospital at Westmead. The laboratory performs a variety of tests, concentrating on those of immunocompetence and immunodeficiency as well as the diagnosis of coeliac disease.

Tests

Immunocompetence testing:

• Pneumococcal IgG antibodies - 14 different serotypes
• Haemophilus influenzae B antibodies
• Tetanus antibodies
• Diphtheria antibodies

Autoimmunity:

• Tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies
• Deamidated gliadin IgG antibodies
• Anti-nuclear antibodies

Immunochemistry:

• Immunoglobulins GAM and E
• IgG subclasses
• Anti-streptolysin O titres
• Anti DNAse B antibodies
• Complement C3 and C4
• Serum Amyloid A

Flow based methods:

• T and B cell subsets
• Oncology immunophenotyping

Methods for detection of specific immunodeficiencies by flow:

• Perforin
• Regulatory T-cells (TREG) via CD127 expression 
• CD markers for diagnosis of Leucocyte Adhesion Defects
• Markers for diagnosis of Hyper IgM
• Dihydrorhodamine for Neutrophil defects

Gene Sequencing:

• Interleukin 7 receptor
• RAG1/RAG2
• FAS
• CYBB
• AICDA
• PRF1

Neutrophil function tests:

(must be booked with laboratory in advance)

• NBT
• Chemiluminescence
• Dihydrorhodamine (DHR)

Staff

• Head of Department, Allergy and Immunology - Alyson Kakakios MBBS FRACP
• Laboratory Director - Melanie Wong MBBS PhD FRACP FRCPA
• Principal Hospital Scientist - Andrew Williams PhD FFSc (RCPA) MAACB AIMM MAIMS
• Senior Hospital Scientist - Lou Gacis BSc
• Hospital Scientist - Reta Nambiar BSc
• Technical Assistants - Alvin Benig, Tina Hanlon