The Phenomics Australia Histopathology & Slide Scanning Service provides necropsy and histopathology services to all biomedical researchers across Australia for evaluating or phenotyping modified, treated, experimental or genetically engineered mice at all developmental stages.
A team of experienced medical, veterinary pathologists and mouse pathobiologists determine whether morphological changes or pathology identified are strain-related, age-related, incidental or a true diversion from normal. The mouse strains are therefore validated and utilised as models of human disease.
This service offers the latest in high-quality capabilities, including:
- Quality controlled experimental mouse necropsy and full-body histopathology
- Mouse neonate and embryo evaluations
- Semi-quantitative tissue scoring and grading
- Digital slide scanning
- Access to experienced Veterinary and Medical Pathologists
- Secure online access to all digitised images and reports
As well as different specialised equipment:
Imaging – state of the art slide digitisation for publication and further analysis
High-throughput digital brightfield scanning using high-resolution optics that delivers exceptional image quality efficiently and reliably.
Sysmex XN1000-V Haematology Analyser: Delivers robust Complete Blood Counts with Differential (CBC/Diff) and reticulocyte counts, supported by veterinary-specific methodologies and research-focused expertise.
Key Case Studies from the Histopathology Team:
From discovery to clinic.
Providing advanced histopathology and imaging support, researchers from the Monash University in collaboration with Qpex Biopharma Inc. have developed a novel antibiotic targeting drug-resistant Gram-negative “superbugs”.
The drug, QPX9003, has now completed phase I of clinical trials.
This intravenously administered synthetic lipopeptide represents a major advance, as no new peptide antibiotics for these pathogens have been approved since the 1950s.
“Since 2013, Professor Li and his team have been utilising the unique services offered by the Phenomics Australia Histopathology and Digital Slide service for their antibiotic discovery project. Professor Li approached our node for assistance in the preparation, scoring, and semi-quantitative analysis of kidneys and lungs from mice treated with polymyxin analogues. Due to the success of the collaboration, there have been a number of publications and advancements in drug development for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms.” Prof Janet Keast
The Node is collaborating with the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging & Diagnosis (ACEMID) Pathology team to advance early detection and diagnosis of melanoma.
The initiative aims to digitize 20-40 slides per month, including all melanoma samples and a subset of naevi (moles), to be integrated with whole-body imaging data.
This collaboration is supported by innovative data-management strategies to connect and prepare data for high-impact research.
“In the near future, we hope to see targeted melanoma screening join the ranks of Australia’s other national health screening programs, informed by the latest research data”. Professor H. Peter Soyer, ACEMID Project Leader
As part of the E-Leviate clinical programme, high-quality cytology assessment is central to ensuring rigorous evaluation of human samples. Through advanced slide scanning and secure online access, Phenomics Australia Histopathology and Slide Scanning service node at the University of Melbourne have enabled remote pathology review, supporting timely, collaborative analysis across teams.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the University of Melbourne Digital Slide Scanning service team at Phenomics Australia, whose support has been essential in enabling remote analysis of smears. Your expertise and dedication made this work possible, and we are truly grateful. Prolapse remains a condition that is highly in need of innovative approaches. Our trial of ultra-low dose estriol with E-Leviate has, so far, shown promising results, and both clinicians and patients greatly appreciate your invaluable contribution.” Dr Prathima Chowdary, CEO E-Leviate.
Explore the Node in more depth below:
For families living with PURA Syndrome, research offers something powerful: the possibility of more targeted treatments and, ultimately, a better quality of life. Read more.
Phenomics Australia supports research across a wide range of fields, extending beyond human health to areas including wildlife conservation, reproductive biology and emerging technologies in conservation science and de-extinction research. Read more.
Phenomenal Science is a podcast that follows the journey of researchers and technical experts who are a part of our networks and use our expertise to conduct groundbreaking research into precision medicine. Read more.
Podcast Episode 2: Phenomenal Science with Ms Tina Cardamone
Recently, they collaborated with Ms Kimberly Giselle Capdevila Ospina at the A/Prof. Kristy DiGiacomo Laboratory within the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences at the University of Melbourne, to support the analysis of neonatal goat blood samples. Read more.
Scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) supported by Phenomics Australia have discovered a gene mutation is responsible for causing psoriasis – a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes patients to develop red, scaly and itchy patches across their body. Read more.
As part of its ongoing outreach initiatives, the Phenomics Australia Histopathology & Slide Scanning Service recently hosted Sofia Ricardi, a second-year RMIT student, to undertake a 10-day work placement program. Read more.
There is no cure for lupus, a disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack itself. Read more.
Phenomics Australia NCRIS infrastructure and expertise are used in preventing mastitis in non-human mammalian subjects, such as dairy cows. Read more.
The Phenomics Australia Histopathology & Slide Scanning Service has just added the Sysmex XN1000-V haematology analyser to the service. This system delivers a highly comprehensive CBC and differential blood analysis. Read more.
Contact us and explore the flyer below to learn more about how the Phenomics Australia Histopathology and Slide Scanning Service can assist your research needs.
Phenomics Australia Histopathology and Slide Scanning Service helps researchers across Australia in analysing histology images and data on genetically modified or treated experimental animals. This service offers the latest in high-quality capabilities, including: Quality-controlled mouse necropsies and tissue preparation, pathological analysis and scoring of tissues, digital slide scanner capable of producing high-quality images, high-resolution light microscopy with electronic image capture, and specialised staining.
Staff providing this service have extensive histology, diagnostic and electronic imaging experience. Consultant Medical and Veterinary Pathologists are available to provide expert advice.
The Histopathology and Slide Scanning Service is based at the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Melbourne.
