Aquatic disease test list

Additional information

For further information relating to aquatic diseases, management and biosecurity, please follow the links below:

Biosecurity Act 2015 Fact sheet - Aquatic PDF, 618.87 KB

AQUATIC TEST LIST A-Z

Click on + in the tables below for the list of tests, and for further information, either click on the hyperlinks to their respective disease pages or the link in pricing to the A-Z List

Code	Name	Samples required	Species	Turnaround time	Price (excl. GST)	Notes	Test days
16SRNA_PCR	16sRNA gene sequencing PCR	Culture	All species	5D	$109.35	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
OSHV_PCR	Ostreid Herpes Virus-1 Real–time PCR*	Whole fresh oyster	Aquatic	Up to 7D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
FUNG_ID	Fungi – Culture identification	From culture	All species	Up to 7D	$64.05	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
FUNG_CLT	Fungi – Selective culture	Tissue PM sample Swab	All species	7D	$82.10	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
ABVH1_PCR	Abalone (Hallotid) Herpesvirus 1 Real–time PCR*	Whole affected abalone: Live where possible Submit chilled in an insulated container on ice	Aquatic	Up to 7D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
AHPND_QPCR	Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease qPCR (Price Tier A: 1-90 samples)*	Prawn hepatopancreas or HP swab	Aquatic	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
AHPND_QPCR	Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease qPCR (Price Tier B: 91-179 samples)*	Prawn hepatopancreas or HP swab	Aquatic	5D	$85.85	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
AHPND_QPCR	Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease qPCR (Price Tier C: 180+ samples)*	Prawn hepatopancreas or HP swab	Aquatic	5D	$67.90	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
AER_CLT	Aerobic routine culture	Tissue, PM sample, swab	All species	3-5D	$55.20	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
AER_CLT_ID	Aerobic bacterial Identification	From culture	All species	Up to 7D	$17.15	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
ANAER_CLT	Anaerobic bacteria – Selective culture	Tissue, PM sample, swab	All species	7D	$82.10	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
SEN_N_GEN	Antibiotic Sensitivity - Gram Negative Organisms - General	From culture	All species	3D	$24.45	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
SEN_P_GEN	Antibiotic Sensitivity - Gram Positive Organisms - General	From culture	All species	3D	$24.45	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
OUTSOURCED TEST	Copper	SERUM 1ml serum collected in a red top tube submitted chilled PLASMA 1ml plasma collected in a Lith-hep Green top tube submitted chilled	Various	1-3D**	POA	** Working days exclude weekends, public holidays, as well as the duration required for courier services to transport samples to EMAI and subsequently to the external laboratory. All external lab TATs are estimates only and are outside of the departments control.
CYT_EXAM	Cytology Examination*	Fluids or smears	All species	Call Customer Service	$73.30	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
EM_IMMUNO	Electron Microscopy (EM) – Immunoelectron Microscopy*	Contact Customer Service	All species	Contact Customer Service	$179.10	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
EM_NSTAIN	Electron Microscopy (EM) – Negative Stain	Contact Customer Service	All species	Contact Customer Service	$179.10	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
EM_SECT_ID	Electron Microscopy (EM) – Section and Identification*	Contact Customer Service	All species	Contact Customer Service	$346.20	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
EHNV_PCR	Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus (EHNV) Real-Time PCR*	Fish (follow link for list of susceptible species)	Aquatic	2-4D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
FSH_ID	Fish genotyping (Bass/Estuary Perch)*	Fin clips from adults, fingerlings	Aquatic	POA	$81.15	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation.	Monday- Friday (Business days)
GRAM_MIC	Gram stain examination	All tissue	All species	1-2D	$34.25	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
HIST_HE1	Histopathology – Preparation & Examination	Fixed Tissues- General Fresh tissues immediately placed in formalin Tissue pieces should not be greater than 1cm cubed to ensure proper fixation Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue Fixed Tissues- Nervous tissues Submission of whole brain is required to ensure preservation of TSE target sites submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue Brains submitted for Nervous tissues are processed once a week, separate to general tissues to ensure consistent and reliable results. Urgent cases can be processed out of cycle if clearly marked on the Submission Form however this may reduce the quality of the brain histology results, so should only be requested in extremely urgent cases. Fresh Tissues Fresh tissues can be submitted following necropsy The quality of the tissues will be reduced due to the effects of autolysis so ideally fixed tissue should be submitted in neutral buffered formalin at a ratio of 10:1 formalin: tissue	All species	Up to 10D	$84.95	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday - Friday
Various	Histopathology – Special Stain	On Request	All species	Up to 5D	$54.20	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. A variety of special stains are maintained and can be performed on request. Refer to our Histology Special Stain Page for further information.	Monday - Friday
ISKNV_PCR	Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus RT-PCR (ISKNV RT PCR)*	Fresh Tissue (Contact Customer Service to confirm with the lab)	Aquatic	2-3D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
LIST_CULT	Listeria sp. - Selective culture	Fresh tissue Fresh brain, liver, spleen, and kidney Collect aseptically. Submit chilled. Fluid Cerebrospinal fluid collected aseptically from neurologically affected animals. Submit chilled. Aborted foetus Whole foetus and membranes Submit chilled.	All species	7D	$82.10	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday – Saturday Note: Prior approval of delivery and testing on Saturday is required. Please contact Customer Service on 1800 675 623 to seek approval.
Various	Microscopy Smear – Prepare and examine	All tissue	All species	1-2D	$34.25	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
NO3_NO2_AQ	Nitrate/Nitrite Strip Test (Aqueous Humour)*	Aqueous humour	All species	1D	$23.75	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
NODA_PCR	Nodavirus Real–time PCR	Fresh tissue, whole fish	Aquatic	Up to 7D	$109.35	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
ID_SIMP	Parasite Identification (simple single)	Whole parasite- Liver Fluke Snail, Tick, Other samples- contact Customer Service	All species	Up to 5D	$82.00	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Please Note: As per our Terms and Conditions, the report for this testing will be provided to the Local Land Service in your region.	Monday - Friday
ID_COMP	Parasite Identification (complex single)	Whole parasite- Liver Fluke Snail, Tick, Other samples- contact Customer Service	All species	Up to 10D	$96.00	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Please Note: As per our Terms and Conditions, the report for this testing will be provided to the Local Land Service in your region.	Monday - Friday
ID_5	Parasite Identification (up to 5 organisms)	Whole parasite- Liver Fluke Snail, Tick, Other samples- contact Customer Service	All species	Up to 10D	$120.00	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Please Note: As per our Terms and Conditions, the report for this testing will be provided to the Local Land Service in your region.	Monday - Friday
ID_10	Parasite Identification (up to 10 organisms)	Whole parasite- Liver Fluke Snail, Tick, Other samples- contact Customer Service	All species	Up to 10D	$160.00	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Please Note: As per our Terms and Conditions, the report for this testing will be provided to the Local Land Service in your region.	Monday - Friday
ID_MAX	Parasite Identification (multiple organisms)	Whole parasite- Liver Fluke Snail, Tick, Other samples- contact Customer Service	All species	Up to 10D	$205.00	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Please Note: As per our Terms and Conditions, the report for this testing will be provided to the Local Land Service in your region.	Monday - Friday
PERK_PCR	Perkinsus spp.qPCR	Abalone tissue PCR from culture	Aquatic- Abalone	5D	$109.35	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
PH_FLUIDS	pH at 25° Celsius (Fluids)*	Stomach content Water	All species	1D	$15.25	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
Various	Post Mortem – click for further information	Whole animal	All species	See Post Mortem info	Various- see PM Page	See Post Mortem info
QX_PCR	QX Disease - PCR for Marteilia sydneyi*	Oyster Tissue Fresh tissues removed at necropsy of whole oysters or Oyster digestive gland	Aquatic- Oysters	POA	POA	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Please contact Customer Service for pricing and test turnaround time	POA
SALM_CLT	Salmonella – Selective culture	Fresh tissue Portions of liver, kidney, lung, bile, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and small intestinal contents collected from dead animals. Submit chilled. Faeces Faecal samples can be submitted from live animals. Submit chilled. MINIMUM of 20 grams required per animal (ruminants) for export of health testing. Environmental samples	All species	3-7D¹	$82.10	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. ¹4 - 7 working days for export, health testing or environmental samples	Monday to Saturday¹
SER_PROT	Serum protein (Clinical refractometer)*	Lith-Hep (Green top)	All species	1D	$2.85	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday- Friday
S_INI_PCR	Streptococcus iniae PCR*	Culture, tissue, swab	Aquatic	5D	$109.35	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
GEN_VI	Virus Isolation (3 passes)	Contact Customer Service	Contact Customer Service	Contact Customer Service	$174.10	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
GEN_4P_VI	Virus Isolation (4 passes)	Contact Customer Service	Contact Customer Service	Contact Customer Service	$265.70	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
GEN_5P_VI	Virus Isolation (5 passes)	Contact Customer Service	Contact Customer Service	Contact Customer Service	$357.15	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
N/A	Virus Isolation – Cell Culture (Additional Passes)	Contact Customer Service	Contact Customer Service	Contact Customer Service	$91.50	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
WSSV_PCR	White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) Real–time PCR	Whole frozen prawns	Aquatic	Up to 7D	$128.45	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
YHV_PCR	Yellow Head Virus (YHV) Real–time PCR	Whole frozen prawns	Aquatic	Up to 7D	$128.45	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
PM_SFISH	Post Mortem Fish (small bulk)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Aquatic- Fish	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$41.05	Bulk small fish. Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_MFISH	Post Mortem Fish (medium)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Aquatic- Fish	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$76.95	Medium sized fish. Price for 1 fish. Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_LFISH	Post Mortem Fish (large)	Whole Animal Animals must be recently euthanised or freshly dead. Submit chilled in an insulated container. Freezing animals for post mortem is not recommended, as it interferes with diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture and histology). Animals may be frozen if the interval between euthanasia and post mortem will be greater than 24 hours, however further diagnostic testing will be limited.	Aquatic- Fish	Necropsy reports are issued up to 14D after completion of necropsy.	$115.45	Large sized fish. Price for 1 fish. Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_OYSTER	Post Mortem Oyster (1 batch of 12)	Fresh Oysters Whole oysters. Submit live representative affected oysters, collected from amongst the oysters showing the greatest mortality, in an insulated container with ice or a cool brick.	Aquatic- Oyster	Same Day	$128.30	1 batch of 12 oysters Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
PM_OYSTER2	Post Mortem Oyster (2 or more batches (12 per batch))	Fresh Oysters Whole oysters Submit live representative affected oysters, collected from amongst the oysters showing the greatest mortality, in an insulated container with ice or a cool brick.	Aquatic- Oyster	Same day	$115.45	2 or more batches of 12 oysters in each Final selection of the appropriate post mortem type is at the discretion of the pathologist performing the necropsy. Post mortem charges do not include additional diagnostic testing (e.g. bacterial culture, or histopathology). Animals for post mortem examination must be packaged and labelled appropriately, and accompanied by a completed submission form. Contact the laboratory to ensure the correct samples are collected, and further testing is performed as requested. Please contact Customer Service to discuss a diagnostic plan. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	According to demand
OYSTER_NEC	Oyster Necropsy	Contact Customer Service	Aquatic- Oyster	Contact Customer Service	POA- Contact Customer Service	D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.
SLIDE_SCAN	Histopathology Slide Digital Scanning	POA*	All species	Up to 10 days	POA	(*) This process can be requested following processing of fixed tissues and routine H&E staining on submitted glass slides. Details on inquiry.	Monday- Friday
BRUGEN_PCR	Brucella genus qPCR*	Fresh tissues Swabs PCR from culture	Bovine, Ovine, Caprine, Porcine, Canine and Aquatic (Marine Mammals)	5D	$101.25	* Denotes analyses not covered by the NATA scope of accreditation. D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays.	Monday-Friday

Additional Information

Customer Service

Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.

NSW DPIRD's laboratories are committed to continual improvement of services. If you would like to provide feedback, please fill in and submit the online feedback form.

CONTACT DETAILS
Phone	1800 675 623
Email	laboratory.services@dpird.nsw.gov.au
Operating Hours	8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only)
Postal Address	Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567

Submission Forms

Veterinary Specimen Advice Form

Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpird.nsw.gov.au) for more information.

Courier Services and specimen delivery

For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.

For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.

Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the APHL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.

Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).

Sample Type	Laboratory	Street Address
Animal (including aquatic animals)	NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL)	EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568