Guidance

Bacteriology reference department user manual

A guide to UKHSA's bacteriology reference department (BRD), its units and the tests and services they provide.

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published
11 April 2014
Last updated
110 AprilOctober 2022 — See all updates

Documents

Bacteriology reference department user manual

Ref: UKHSA publication gateway number GOV-11839GOV-13422 PDF, 7691.15 KBMB, 6669 pages

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Details

The bacteriology reference department (BRD) is made up of 3 units:

  • respiratory and vaccine preventable bacteria reference unit (RVPBRU)
  • gastrointestinal bacteria reference unit (GBRU)
  • antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections reference unit (AMRHAI)

This document includes information on the laboratory reference units and how to obtain tests and services.

Important service update

To enable UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reference and specialist laboratories to continue to provide critical support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some service delivery changes have been made with immediate effect.

The situation is regularly reviewed and the laboratory will communicate the most recent update to the customers via E-lab.

For the most current information, please contact the relevant department using the contact details at the end of the manual.

Published 11 April 2014
Last updated 110 AprilOctober 2022 + show all updates

  1. Added updated version of manual.

  2. Added updated BRD user manual.

  3. Updated important service update.

  4. Updated BRD User Manual added.

  5. Updated user manual.

  6. Added notification of service delivery changes made to PHE reference and specialist laboratories to provide critical support to the COVID-19 incident.

  7. Updated BRD User manual.

  8. Removed reference to the sexually transmitted bacteria unit (STBRU) which no longer exists.

  9. Updated BRD User manual.

  10. Updated guidance: version 5, October 2015, BRDW0078.5

  11. Uploaded new version of manual.

  12. Updated guidance: BRDW0078.03

  13. Updated guidance: BRDW0078.02

  14. First published.