Virus identification
Cell culture is used for virus isolation
Direct immunofluorescence is used for rapid detection particularly for NPA specimens
EIA is used for norovirus, rotavirus antigen detection
Chlamydia
BD ProbeTech is used for diagnostic tests and for the national screening programme
Serology
The virus serology section assays antibodies to the full range of viruses and viral antigens in serum using manual and automated assays for diagnosis and screening including complement fixation tests.
Analysis for Bacterial antibodies (Mycoplasma, ASO, syphilis, helicobacter) and some antigens (Legionella, Pneumococcal) are also done in this section.
Instruments used are Vidas, Liaison, Triturus 4
Research
This laboratory currently hosts the Health Protection Agency Environmental Virology Unit which undertakes the investigation of viral food and water outbreaks; also research on human viruses in the environment.
Out of hours’ service
Weekend cover is provided for the urgent analysis of serum for blood borne viruses.
