Microbiology Department

Types of services offered by the laboratory

A comprehensive diagnostic medical microbiology service, which includes microscopy, bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing on a wide range of patient samples. We also offer serodiagnosis, molecular and immunity screening with referral to reference laboratories if required.

How to access clinical advice

Routine working hours
A Consultant Microbiologist can be contacted via switchboard or the laboratory.
 
Out of hours
A Consultant Microbiologist can be contacted via swichboard for clinical advice, infection control issues and needlestick injury from high risk patients.
 
Monday - Friday 17:30 - 09:00
Weekends and bank holidays 09:00 - 09:00
 
Before telephoning the clinician should have:
  • Discussed with their own team as appropriate
  • Made a clinical assessment of the patient
  • Checked results reporting
  • Sent a speciment as appropriate
  • Checked the antibiotic
The consultant Microbiologist is unlikely to have access to results.

How to make out of hours requests

Outside of normal opening times an emergency on call service is available for the examination of urgent specimens.
 
The on call Microbiology Biomedical Scientist is on call from home and can be contacted through the hospital switchboard. They may be unable to answer immediately if in transit or already dealing with an urgent specimen.
 
Contact the Biomedical Scientist after the specimen has been taken. The on call Biomedical Scientist can not be expected to look up results, and results cannot be given to patients by laboratory staff.