Our Foods and Waters laboratory tests for a wide
range of micro-organisms of public health interest,
using a variety of state-of-the-art techniques.
As part of our NATA assessment in November 2001
to ISO/IEC 17025 standards, the detection of Salmonella
and Listeria monocytogenes by PCR was added to
our registration and we were the first food-testing
laboratory in the State to gain accreditation for
PCR detection of pathogens. The laboratory is regularly
involved in outbreak investigations in association
with the State Health Department of Environmental
Health and Communicable Diseases. Apart from screening
for pathogens, samples such as milk are examined
for antibiotic residues.
The Waters Laboratory plays a vital role in
ensuring the quality of WA's potable water. It
participates in the national Co-operative Research
Centre for Water Quality and Treatment, as well
as other proficiency programs, has led to performance
at a level acceptable for NATA accreditation.
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