Monash Reproductive Pathology and Genetics laboratories are NATA - RCPA accredited facilities specialising in diagnostic services for reproductive medicine.
Due to the highly specialised nature of this work, testing is performed in house. Thus allowing the scrutiny of experts in the fields of reproductive hormones, male fertility and single cell genetic testing. MRPG is a "boutique" pathology company concentrating on testing relating to our area of expertise - your reproductive health.
MRPG actively supports research and development in reproductive medicine to ensure improved results for all Monash IVF patients.
Our laboratories have been accredited to the highest standards of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) ISO 15189:2003. Our laboratories all use state-of-the-art equipment operated by dedicated teams of qualified and skilled scientists.
MRPG is one of a few laboratories to specialise in reproductive medicine and to comply with strict international standards for semen assessments. We aim to provide a specialised, high quality service with the additional benefit of support of specialists in reproductive medicine.
The range of tests include:
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Reproductive Endocrinology : Serum Estradiol, Progesterone, LH, FSH, Prolactin, Testosterone, hCG and pregnancy testing. Additional tests are continually being evaluated and added to our reproductive hormone menu.
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Serology : Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Hepatitis C, HIV, Rubella, Varicella and CA-125.
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Semen Analysis : According to World Health Organization guidelines, including sperm morphology and leucocyte assessments.
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Sperm Antibody Testing : An essential first line of investigation using the immunobead testing of spermatozoa (direct assessment) and serum (indirect assessment). The laboratories provide a referral service for sperm antibody assessments from other major diagnostic laboratories within Victoria.
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Specialised Andrology Procedures : Retrograde Ejaculation Assessments.
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Semen Cryopreservation : For patients who are undergoing a procedure that may impair fertility, for example, prior to vasectomy or chemo-/ radio-therapy. This large cryostorage service has been in operation for 20 years and complies with Infertility Treatment Authority and Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee requirements.
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Y Chromosome Deletion Test : Loss of large regions of the Y chromosome (called deletions) are the most significant genetic cause of male infertility after Klinefelter's Syndrome (XXY). Up to 15% of men with sperm counts of less than 5 million per ml have Y chromosome deletions. Monash Reproductive Pathology and Genetics offers Y chromosome testing to many IVF clinics throughout Australia. Our test requires a 10ml of blood and testing is performed according to European guidelines using a technique called multiplex PCR. The finding of a Y chromosome deletion has important implications. First, a positive test will provide a firm diagnosis of the man's problem which for some couples with long standing infertility, can help resolve stress, blame or feelings of guilt. Second, Y chromosome deletions are transmitted to male offspring by ICSI and thus may cause a similar infertility problem in boys as they approach adulthood. If the male partner is found to be positive for a Y chromosome deletion, genetic counseling is highly recommended prior to commencing an ART cycle.
These services are available at the following Monash IVF sites: City, Clayton, Geelong, Sunnybank and Gold Coast.