Since 2000, the laboratory has had an ongoing partnership with Pathology Queensland in an assay development program.

"Our laboratory develops new rapid molecular assays for detecting microbial pathogens, and once validated the assays are then transferred to the Molecular Diagnostic Unit of Pathology Queensland for routine use," Dr Whiley said.

"To date, our laboratory has developed and transferred to Pathology Queensland more than 70 rapid diagnostic tests targeting a range of infectious diseases.

"Therefore it was up to us to make sure Pathology Queensland was equipped with the right methods to detect swine flu."

Details of the assays were published in the July issue of the Journal of Clinical Virology.

Source: Research Australia