Platelet and Neutrophil Reference Service

The Platelet and Neutrophil Reference Laboratory is based in Brisbane:

BrisbaneQLD Platelet and Neutrophil Reference ServicesPNR

Labelling requirements for all tests

Request forms and sample labels must be completed accurately and have legible handwriting. Alternatively, the request form can be filled out online or a hospital label can be used.

Ensure the request form contains a minimum of three forms of unique identifiers (e.g., full name, date of birth, UR/MRN).

Ensure that all tubes, at a minimum, are clearly labelled with the below information and the information on the form matches that on the sample tube(s): 

  • patient’s full name (family name and given name/s)
  • date of birth, and
  • date of collection, as indicated on the request form. 

WYSIWYG Accordion

Platelet and neutrophil investigations
Platelet immunobiology testingThe PNR and VTIS Platelet Laboratories are national platelet reference laboratory services providing specialised testing for platelet immunobiology and diagnostic investigations for specialised transfusion reactions.
Neutrophil immunobiology testingThe PNR Laboratory is a national neutrophil reference laboratory service providing specialised testing for neutrophil immunobiology and related transfusion reactions. All samples requiring neutrophil testing should be sent directly to the PNR laboratory for testing.
Autoantibodies for immune thrombocytopenia
DescriptionDetection of autoantibodies against platelets, which can lead to immune thrombocytopenia
Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02189 - Platelet Investigation
Test performed by

PNR - Queensland

VTIS - Victoria

Post-transfusion purpura (PTP)
DescriptionIdentifies antibodies against platelet-specific antigens that develop  as a delayed blood transfusion reaction, leading to a sudden drop in platelet count
Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02189 - Platelet Investigation
Test performed by

PNR - Queensland

VTIS - Victoria

Platelet glycoprotein expression
DescriptionMeasures the levels of glycoproteins IIb/IIIa and Ib/IX on the surface of platelets using flow cytometry. Aids in diagnosis of Glanzmann thrombasthenia and Bernard-Soulier syndrome, by identifying deficiencies in these glycoproteins.
Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02189 - Platelet Investigation
Test performed byPNR - Queensland
Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (DITP)
DescriptionDetects antibodies that react with platelets only in the presence of a specific drug, leading to thrombocytopenia. Suspected drug must be provided for the investigation.
Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02189 - Platelet Investigation
Test performed by

PNR - Queensland

VTIS - Victoria

Fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT)
DescriptionIdentifies maternal antibodies against fetal platelet antigens, which can cause thrombocytopenia in the fetus or newborn
Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02191 - Fetal Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) Investigation
Test performed by

PNR - Queensland

VTIS - Victoria

Neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAIN)
Description

Detects maternal antibodies against fetal neutrophil antigens, leading to neutropenia in the newborn. 

Specimens should be collected on Wednesdays and sent directly to PNR laboratory. 

Testing is only conducted weekly on Thursday. 

Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02300 - Neutrophil Investigation
Test performed byPNR - Queensland
Autoimmune neutropenia
Description

Detects autoantibodies against neutrophils, which can lead to neutropenia.

Specimens requiring autologous testing should be collected on Wednesdays and sent directly to PNR laboratory. 

Testing is only conducted weekly on Thursday.

Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02300 - Neutrophil Investigation
Test performed byPNR - Queensland
Transfusion associated acute lung injury (TRALI)
DescriptionIdentifies HNA and/or HLA antibodies in the donor’s plasma that react with the recipient’s leucocytes, causing lung injury
Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02300 - Neutrophil Investigation
Test performed byPNR - Queensland
Drug-induced immune neutropenia
Description

Detects antibodies that react with neutrophils only in the presence of a specific drug, leading to neutropenia. 

Suspected drug must be provided for the investigation.

Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02300 - Neutrophil Investigation
Test performed byPNR - Queensland
IgA antibodies
DescriptionDetects antibodies to human IgA protein which may lead to adverse transfusion reactions
Request form including sample requirements, storage/transport instructions, and turnaround timesFRM-02299 - IgA Antibody Investigation
Test performed byPNR - Queensland

Laboratory contact details

Laboratory hours

8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday (Weekends and Public holidays excluded)

Testing, booking and sample queries

Phone: 07 3838 9487

Email: [email protected]

Postal address

Platelet and Neutrophil Reference Laboratory

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

PO Box 41

Everton Park QLD 4053

Delivery address for specimens/goods/couriers

Platelet and Neutrophil Reference Laboratory

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

Loading bay on Blamey Street

Kelvin Grove Brisbane QLD 4059

Laboratory management

Mark Burton, Senior Scientist/Laboratory Manager

David Mahon, Senior Scientist

National

Tanya Powley - National Reference Services Manager

Dr James Daly - Medical Director, Pathology Services

Further information