Molecular Services

Our Molecular Services Laboratory is a rapidly expanding department that uses a variety of methods to detect the presence, and in some cases levels, of viral or bacterial genetic material (DNA or RNA) in a patient sample. Molecular tests are much more sensitive than older methods such as virus isolation and the results are produced much quicker, allowing for earlier diagnosis. Our testing repertoire reflects current public health requirements and new tests are introduced on this basis.

We are able to test a wide range of patient samples, from swabs, stools and urines to bloods, tissues and CSFs. Tests performed include Respiratory virus screen, viral meningitis/encephalitis screen and we also test for Norovirus outbreaks. We offer C. diff ribotyping and detection of bacterial DNA in culture negative sterile site samples (16s).

We also monitor viral loads in blood samples of patients with viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, CMV, EBV etc. Our Antiviral Resistance Testing Service (ARTS) department monitors for drug resistance in samples from patients with HIV, Hepatitis B and CMV.

 

Operational Lead: Mrs Judith Workman

Clinical Lead: Dr Mike Kidd

 

Click here for a copy of the HIV-1 genotypic resistance request form

Click here for a copy of the STEC O157 request form

Click here for a copy of the 16s request form

A complete list of currently available assays can be found in the pathology test database

 

 

 

 

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The laboratories at Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital form part of the services provided by University Hospitals Birmingham and are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217
  • United Kingdom Health Security Agency laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8213

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://www.heftpathology.com/frontpage/test-database.html.

Protection of personal information - Laboratory Medicine comply with the Trust Data Protection policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and its employees to comply with the Data Protection act  1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 424 1235

UKAS HEFT