The Virology and Microbial Serology department tests serum to detect antibodies and antigens in the blood, which can indicate the presence of a range of viruses and other organisms, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. The department provides a full diagnostic service, which includes supporting the management of infections during pregnancy, in infants, throughout the community, and in outbreak situations.
We can also check the level of immune protection against hepatitis B and rubella (German measles), and use advanced molecular techniques to detect the viruses that cause flu, herpes and other respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous system infections.
The clinical staff responsible for clinical advice, diagnostic and interpretative services are:
Virology clinical lead: Dr David Muir MBChB, MSc, PhD, FRCPath (GMC 3327601)
Urgent tests
Samples to be performed urgently must be discussed with the Infection & Immunity laboratory within working hours (9.00am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday) on 020331 10130 (in the case of Virological investigations, with a Medical Virologist on 020331 10138 or 020331 10139).
If eligibility for same day testing is agreed, these must be in the laboratory at Charing Cross by the time specified by the lab team (according to details of the test).
Test Add Ons
Add on tests can be requested by contacting the Infection and Immunity laboratory directly by phone within working hours (9.00am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday) on 020 331 10130 or via email to [email protected]
Abnormal test results
In the Virology and Infection and Immunity department there is no specific list for abnormal test results that gets called out to general practitioners (GP). The existing procedure is that some tests have been built to appear on the call back queue or Clinvue for review.
Comments are added where necessary and the GP may be called where it is clinically relevant to call the GP such as positive Hep B IgM and a GBM positive result and first time positive patients for Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. In Microbiology there are certain investigations that meet these criteria. The following will be telephoned out or emailed to the GP practice at the discretion of Microbiology Medical staff:
- Highly significant culture results such as Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- Multi-drug resistant organisms with limited treatment options
- Positive acid and alcohol fast microscopy and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex culture
If clinical advice on any Microbiology result is required, please contact the Microbiology Medical Staff on 07827904038.
Virology and Serology test databse
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