the virology user manual - University College London Hospitals

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
UCLH NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
DEPARTMENT OF VIROLOGY
USER MANUAL
Version 15.0
June 2013
Page 1 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISSION STATEMENT.......................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................3
LOCATION ..........................................................................................................................4
POSTAL ADDRESS............................................................................................................4
WORKING HOURS .............................................................................................................4
CONTACTING US DURING WORKING HOURS ...............................................................5
CONTACTING US OUT OF WORKING HOURS................................................................5
KEY CONTACTS - LABORATORY ....................................................................................5
KEY CONTACTS – CONSULTANTS..................................................................................5
SERVICES AVAILABLE .....................................................................................................6
HIGH RISK SPECIMENS AND SAFETY ............................................................................7
REQUEST FORMS..............................................................................................................7
SPECIMEN VOLUME..........................................................................................................8
COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS .........................................................................................8
SPECIMEN LABELLING.....................................................................................................8
TRANSPORT OF SPECIMENS ..........................................................................................9
VIROLOGY CUT OFF TIMES .............................................................................................9
COMMUNICATION OF RESULTS......................................................................................9
MEDICAL ADVICE ............................................................................................................10
LIMITATIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES .............................................................................10
QUALITY ASSURANCE ...................................................................................................11
COMPLAINTS ...................................................................................................................11
TURNAROUND TIMES, SPECIMEN TYPES and INVESTIGATIONS .............................11
RETENTION OF SPECIMENS AND REQUESTING OF ADDITIONAL TESTS ...............12
REFERENCE LABORATORIES .......................................................................................12
OTHER SEROLOGY.........................................................................................................12
UCLH VIROLOGY TEST REPERTOIRE AND TURNAROUND TIMES ...........................14
Page 2 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
MISSION STATEMENT
We aim to provide our users with:
An exemplary diagnostic virology laboratory service
An expert clinical advisory service for the diagnosis, management and control of infections
Assistance with the investigation of infectious disease outbreaks
Advisory support for emerging viral infections
A rapid response to comments, requests and criticisms
INTRODUCTION
The Virology Laboratory, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is accredited
by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) Limited and receives in excess of 250,000 requests per
year. In addition to the routinely available tests used to diagnose and monitor viral infections the
assay development group of the department develops and provides novel molecular diagnostic
assays. The Virology Laboratory is an acknowledged reference laboratory for HIV, hepatitis B,
hepatitis C and molecular diagnosis and has a special interest and expertise in:
(1) HIV and other retroviral infections
(2) Viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C infections
(3) Respiratory viral infections
(4) Viral infections in the immunocompromised patient
(5) Viral infections of the foetus
(6) Molecular testing for MRSA, Chlamydia and GC.
Medical and laboratory staff are happy to discuss any problems relating to the diagnosis and
management of patients with viral infections and also with any issues about the quality of the
service provided to you.
This manual is intended to enable all users to make best use of the various services provided,
ensuring an accessible, equitable and efficient service.
This manual describes the clinical and laboratory services available to users from the following
areas:
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:
o Eastman Dental Hospital
o Heart Hospital
o Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD)
o National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN)
o Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
o Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear
o University College Hospital (UCH)
o UCH Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (EGA) Wing
o UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) (Mortimer Market
and Archway Sexual Health Clinic)
General Practitioners in Camden and Islington
Camden & Islington Mental Health and Social Care Services Trust
Podiatry & Family Planning Services
Page 3 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
LOCATION
The Virology Laboratory, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London is
located in 60 Whitfield Street.
Nearest tube stations:
Warren Street Tube Station
(Northern Line, Victoria Line)
Goodge Street Tube Station
(Northern Line)
POSTAL ADDRESS
Virology Laboratory, Clinical Microbiology and Virology
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
60 Whitfield Street
London
W1T 4EU
Internet address: www.uclh.nhs.uk
WORKING HOURS
Routine opening
Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
Specimens cannot be received outside these times without prior arrangement.
Out of hours
Requests for the provision of laboratory testing outside normal working hours may be
accommodated under exceptional circumstances. These should be arranged with the consultant
on-call who may be air-called through the UCLH switchboard (020 3456 7890 / 0845 155 5000).
Consultant advice
Advice on the diagnosis, treatment and containment of viral infections in patients is available at any
time through the 24 hour consultant led on-call service. The consultant providing this cover is
always contactable through the UCLH switchboard (020 3456 7890 / 0845 155 5000).
Page 4 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
CONTACTING US DURING WORKING HOURS
To contact us regarding laboratory enquiries
General enquiries 020 344 78994
Fax 020 344 79211
Serology results 020 344 78994
Molecular results 020 344 78964
To contact us for medical advice
Duty SpR 020 344 78986 / 78975
07946 202 872 (mobile)
CONTACTING US OUT OF WORKING HOURS
On call Consultant via the UCLH Switchboard (020 3456 7890 / 0845 155 5000)
ask for the on-call Virologist (pager 299)
KEY CONTACTS - LABORATORY
Mr Jim Waite
Dr Paul Grant
Serology Section Head
e-mail: jim.waite@uclh.nhs.uk
020 344 78979
Molecular Section Head
e-mail: paul.grant@uclh.nhs.uk
020 344 78993
KEY CONTACTS – CONSULTANTS
Dr Eleni Nastouli
Dr Mike Kidd
Professor Deenan Pillay
Consultant / Honorary Senior Lecturer
e-mail: eleni.nastouli@uclh.nhs.uk
020 344 78987
Consultant Clinical Scientist / Honorary Senior Lecturer
e-mail: michael.kidd@uclh.nhs.uk
020 344 78991
Professor / Hon Consultant, Head of Centre for Virology (UCL)
e-mail: d.pillay@ucl.ac.uk
020 3108 2117
KEY CONTACTS – SERVICE
Dr. Bruce Macrae
Shelley Wilson
Clinical Lead, Consultant
e-mail: bruce.macrae@uclh.nhs.uk
020 344 78331
Virology Service Manager
e-mail: shelley.wilson@uclh.nhs.uk
020 344 78989
Page 5 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
Diagnosing viral infections: a brief guide
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Tests for recent infection:
(1) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of viral nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) is our
front line assay to detect many viral pathogens. Preferred specimens are from the anatomical
system where you think the virus is, as early as possible in the course of infection. For
example, in suspected respiratory infection please collect respiratory specimens rather then
blood for antibodies and, in patients with vesicular rash or genital ulcers, send us a swab of a
lesion rather than blood for antibodies.
(2) In non-specific illnesses such as malaise, tiredness, myalgia etc., unless there are localising
symptoms/signs, it is not worth sending blood specimens without discussion with Virology.
(3) Blood specimens (EDTA) remain useful, especially for HIV, hepatitis viruses, HTLV,
parvovirus B19, measles, rubella and EBV. Please do not send blood for respiratory or
gastrointestinal viruses.
(4) Please provide brief patient clinical details with duration of illness (date of onset), which
allows us to choose appropriate tests.
(5) Suspected viral haemorrhagic fever or SARS or other exotic viruses in returning traveller:
contact duty Virologist and Infectious/Tropical Diseases team for discussion as investigating
for these pathogens might have significant infection control implications.
(6) Our laboratory also provides a diagnostic service for syphilis (send EDTA blood for serology
and/or ulcer swab for PCR) and for Lyme disease (send EDTA blood for serology).
(7) Molecular MRSA testing service (send red topped swab).
(8) Molecular Chlamydia and GC testing service.
Please see also table showing diseases and specimens to be collected for virological diagnosis
later in this manual.
Tests for immunity:
(1) Post-vaccine testing for immunity is NOT routinely recommended for measles, mumps, VZV
and hepatitis A as the assays used are reliable to detect vaccine induced IgG.
(2) Tell us about the dates and doses of HBV or rubella vaccines administered.
(3) We can test for previous exposure and / or immunity to: CMV, EBV, parvovirus B19, hepatitis
A, hepatitis B and VZV.
Urgent specimens
(1) Pregnant, in recent contact with a case of chickenpox: if there is clear history of chickenpox in
the past, no testing is necessary. Otherwise, please supply details of date of contact and type
of contact (face-to-face / same room for 15 mins / own child).
(2) For all other urgent testing please phone the laboratory so that we can identify your patient’s
specimen. Include your contact number on the request form.
What NOT to do…….
In order to get the best out of the diagnostic service, please:
avoid the terms ‘viral titres’ and ‘TORCH screen’, they are confusing and obsolete
do not send ANY unsigned request forms, especially for HIV testing
do not send request forms without the patient’s date of birth and your contact number
do not send specimens from suspected chronic fatigue syndrome: contact Virologist first for
discussion.
Page 6 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
HIGH RISK SPECIMENS AND SAFETY
Pathogens are classified in hazard groups 1 to 4, with hazard group 1 being non-pathogenic to
humans and hazard group 4 the most dangerous pathogens to humans. Hazard group 4
pathogens include viruses causing viral haemorrhagic fever (Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, CCHF)
viruses.
Specimens from patients with a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (a history of having returned
from Africa, Asia and South America within 21 days) are HIGH RISK. Contact the on-call Virologist
before sending any specimens to the laboratories. The consultant virologist will advise on the
appropriate specimens to be collected and appropriate transport. High risk specimens must be
sent to the laboratory using appropriate packaging.
VIRAL HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER (EBOLA, MARBURG, LASSA, CCHF)
AVIAN INFLUENZA / MERS CORONAVIRUS / H7N9 INFLUENZA
Contact Virologist immediately - Air call on call Virologist (pager 299) through UCLH
switchboard (020 3456 7890 / 0845 155 5000).
REQUEST FORMS
Request forms are clearly labelled as “Virology” request forms and have a bag attached for the
specimen. Please send requests for Virology on a separate form from requests going to other
departments. Ideally serology and molecular requests should be sent on separate request forms.
Specimens accompanied by the wrong, or inadequately completed, request form may result in
unnecessary delays.
The minimum data we require for patient details marked on each request form are:
Patient surname AND first name (please use ONLY capital letters)
Hospital Number (for GP’s – your reference number)
Date of Birth
Sex
Ward or Address for report
Requestor identification and contact details
For hospital patients, please provide details of the patient’s consultant
Date and time specimen taken
Type of specimen
Tests required. Please avoid general terms such as “viral screen” as this may lead to
delays in processing the specimen appropriately.
Other useful details
Bleep number or mobile number, in order to phone significant results
All relevant clinical details including:
o Date of onset and duration of illness
o History of foreign travel including return dates
o If pregnant, indicate the gestational age
o Relevant treatment history
The importance of accuracy when completing the form, labelling the specimen, and the
provision of relevant clinical details cannot be over-emphasised. For patient safety reasons,
mislabelled specimens will not be processed.
Page 7 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
SPECIMEN VOLUME
For most single investigations a minimum volume of 4ml of blood is required. Larger
volumes may be needed for multiple investigations or two separate specimens where both
serological and molecular testing is required. Neonatal / paediatric specimens should
indicate the priority tests when small volumes are sent.
Please contact the laboratory for further guidance on specimen volumes if only a small volume is
available or if sending separated plasma or serum.
COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS
In order to provide you with the best quality results, it is essential that good specimens are
collected properly and at the appropriate time. It is also important that they are transported to the
laboratory without undue delay. This enables the laboratory and the medical staff to provide a
meaningful report and an interpretation relevant to the patient's illness.
Inappropriate specimens or those that are damaged or leaking are liable to be discarded. Should
this occur, every attempt will be made to inform the user that a second specimen may be required.
Specimen collection
Please ensure that the correct specimen container is used. If unsure which specimen type to
examine or how to collect a particular specimen type, please contact the laboratory (020 344
78994) for advice.
Dry swabs are not appropriate. Use Copan brand swabs which come with their own vial of
transport medium in the same packet. This has a long shelf life at room temperature. It is ideal for
genital ulcers, vesicular rash, eye swabs and respiratory swabs.
These can be ordered through NHS Logistics; code HHD 116 for the small 1mL container.
Use the swab provided: snap off into the bottle and replace cap.
CSF should be sent in a sterile Universal container not in transport medium.
Please use red topped double headed swabs for molecular MRSA screening.
The laboratory’s preferred blood specimen type is an EDTA (purple topped container) blood for
serological as well as molecular tests. EDTA specimens are essential for molecular tests.
For serological tests only, a clotted (red top) or SST (yellow top) blood may be substituted for
EDTA blood.
SPECIMEN LABELLING
Complete patient details must be clearly marked on BOTH the request form AND the specimen
container before insertion into the plastic bag and before it is sealed ready for transportation. Do
not use pins or staples as this is hazardous.
The specimen must be labelled with the same patient details as that on the request form.
Please ensure that the full patient name and the date of specimen collection are legible.
The importance of accuracy when completing the form, labelling the specimen, and the
provision of relevant clinical details cannot be over-emphasised. For patient safety reasons,
mislabelled specimens will not be processed.
Page 8 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
TRANSPORT OF SPECIMENS
Specimens should be sent direct to the Virology Specimen Reception at 60 Whitfield Street W1T
4EU.
Routine specimens
Routine specimens from UCH should be sent via the pneumatic tube system. Specimens from
other sites, including GPs, should be sent using the regular courier service to 60 Whitfield Street.
Specimens may also be sent by post. Please refer to the Trust policy:
http://insight/pandp/Trustwide%20policies1/Specimen%20and%20PTS%20Transport%20Policy%2
0and%20Procedure.pdf
Urgent requests – refer to Page 5 for the correct numbers
During working hours – discuss with the laboratory first
Out-of-hours – discuss with on-call Virologist, including transport to the laboratory
On rare occasions, the quickest way to get an urgent specimen to the Virology laboratory may be
for a member of ward staff to carry it instead of calling a medical courier. In this situation, staff
should always carry the specimen in a suitable rigid container. Such containers should be available
on each ward. Spare/replacement containers can be obtained from Virology Specimen Reception.
The sender is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of any courier or taxi service
that is used to transport specimens to the Clinical Virology laboratory.
If sent by post or by external courier, specimens must be in a sealed container, sealed in a plastic
bag. The primary container must be surrounded by sufficient absorbent packing material to take up
any leakage from the primary container during transit. Bags must then be placed in an approved
outer container which satisfies current postal or other transport regulations.
Guidance on the transporting of specimens, including specimens requiring category A transport
when being transported by road in the UK, may be found at
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/48846/guidancenote-17.pdf.
VIROLOGY CUT OFF TIMES
Virology cut-off times for processing specimens with a same day turnaround time (TAT).
Specimen type
Respiratory specimen
Assay
Respiratory PCR
(Influenza, RSV, ParaFlu,
Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus)
Cut for time for
processing
Results
available
11.00 16.30
Specimens not
processed on:
Sundays, when
no outbreaks
Faeces
Gastro PCR
(Norovirus, Rotavirus,
Adenovirus)
11.00 16.30
Sundays, when
no outbreaks
COMMUNICATION OF RESULTS
Electronic reports are exported to downstream systems (to CDR for UCLH, to OASIS for
Mortimer Market and Archway clinics, and for General Practitioners to GPLINKS, GPPORTAL
and the Community Browser).
Automatic electronic faxing of reports is used for some requestors and this is set up within the
Laboratory Information System.
Non-electronic reports are printed twice a day and are dispatched by post Monday to Friday.
Page 9 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
All clinically relevant and urgent positive results are telephoned out to our users by one of the
medical staff. For reasons of confidentiality, results are only faxed to “safe-haven fax numbers”.
MEDICAL ADVICE
Advice on the diagnosis, treatment and containment of viral infections in patients is available at any
time through the 24 hour consultant led on-call service. The consultant providing this cover is
always contactable through the UCLH switchboard (020 3456 7890 / 0845 155 5000).
LIMITATIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES
A variety of key factors impact upon the certainty of results of virological testing.
Pre testing
Outside factors that can affect the outcome of investigations include the delay from specimen
collection to testing and sample storage conditions prior to and during transport to the laboratory.
For quantitative molecular testing in particular, a significant delay in transit to the laboratory may
result in inaccurate estimation of viral loads.
Note that if a patient has recently received a blood transfusion or blood products, this can result in
misleading antibody test results.
Most assays have not been validated for cadaveric specimens.
Swabs should be in viral transport medium. Swabs in bacterial transport medium may not be
tested.
Whole bloods should be sent to the laboratory to arrive within a maximum of 72 hours of being
taken. If sending is likely to be delayed, whole bloods may be separated and stored as
plasma/serum prior to transportation. This should be performed as soon as possible after
collection.
Plasma or serum samples may be stored at 2-8C for no longer than 7 days. They should be frozen
at -20C or below if being stored longer. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles may reduce assay sensitivity.
Note that EDTA blood is required for molecular assays, clotted or heparinised specimens should
not be sent, they may give rise to erroneous results.
Testing
Results from specimens that are heat inactivated, haemolysed, lipaemic or heavily bacterially
contaminated may not be accurate. Such specimens may be unsuitable for testing and should not
be sent.
Post testing
All results must be interpreted with reference to clinical information. In many cases clinical
comments will be provided with results but it may not be possible to properly interpret results
where clinical information has not been provided with the request. Medical staff are available in the
laboratory during working hours and on-call (out of hours) to discuss cases and provide guidance
on the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
The absence of detectable markers does not necessarily exclude the possibility of infection,
especially in the early acute phase.
Page 10 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
The laboratory has full accreditation with Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) (UK) Ltd. This
accreditation is an external audit of our ability to provide a service of high quality in meeting all the
necessary performance standards. For full details please refer to the CPA website www.cpauk.co.uk.
The results sent out by this laboratory are of the highest possible quality. To this end we have a
Quality Management System (QMS) and participate in the UK National External Quality
Assessment Scheme (UKNEQAS) and Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics (QCMD) for a
wide range of virological investigations. UKNEQAS/QCMD are central organisations that operate
on an international wide basis and monitor our performance regularly by sending simulated
samples for analysis. Where tests performed are not covered by UKNEQAS or QCMD, alternative
sources of EQA material or exchange of samples with other laboratories will be used to provide
external quality assurance. Our results and ongoing performance are available for inspection.
All testing protocols and results are subject to strict internal quality control and regular audits.
The Department holds a monthly Quality Meeting where internal and external quality is monitored.
The meeting receives reports on audits of the quality system and looks at turnaround times and
error reports.
An annual User Survey is undertaken to receive feedback on the service and to review testing
profiles and indicate where improvements to the overall service may be made.
COMPLAINTS
If you wish to make a complaint, please contact the Virology Service Manager as detailed in the
earlier section and your complaint will be dealt with promptly.
TURNAROUND TIMES, SPECIMEN TYPES and INVESTIGATIONS
Note that the laboratory’s preferred blood specimen type is an EDTA (purple topped
container) blood and this is essential for molecular tests. For serological tests a clotted (red
top) or SST (yellow top) blood is acceptable.
IF BOTH VIRAL SEROLOGY (ANTIBODY TESTING) and MOLECULAR (PCR)
INVESTIGATIONS ARE REQUIRED, PLEASE SEND TWO BLOOD SPECIMENS
In the following sections you will find details of the different diagnostic tests available in our lab, the
specimen required and the turnaround time for results. The tests are presented in the following
groups:
Hepatitis viruses (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, delta and hepatitis E viruses)
Retroviruses (HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV)
Herpes viruses (CMV, EBV, herpes simplex virus, VZV, HHV-6 & 7, KSHV [aka HHV8])
Exotic/tropical viruses (including arboviruses, dengue, West Nile virus, Lassa fever virus,
Avian influenza H5N1 )
Other viruses (or infective agents for which routine testing is performed in the Virology
laboratory) in alphabetical order
o Includes Lyme and syphilis testing
Screening batteries (Antenatal, Occupational Health, Needlestick donor and Needlestick
recipient screening batteries)
Molecular MRSA results are normally reported within the same working day if received by
2:30pm.
Page 11 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
Chlamydia/GC molecular results are normally available with 48-72 hours of receipt of
specimen.
Other reference laboratory investigations.
Turnaround time in all the following tables is the number of working days (Monday to
Friday, excepting Public Holidays) from receipt of the specimen to result availability.
RETENTION OF SPECIMENS AND REQUESTING OF ADDITIONAL TESTS
Original blood specimens are retained for approximately one week. Plasma from ante-natal
booking blood specimens, needlestick related specimens and aliquots from specimens for
molecular tests are retained for 2 years. Within this time frame, additional tests can be requested
on these specimens by telephone or fax. The corresponding period of retention for urine, swab and
stool specimens is 3 weeks.
REFERENCE LABORATORIES
Samples may be referred to Reference laboratories for more specific tests where routine testing at
UCLH is not provided. These are listed throughout the tables on following pages.
If an investigation you require is not listed in the following tables, please call the virology
department for advice. We will receive the specimen in our laboratory and refer it to the most
appropriate reference facility.
Turnaround times for the different tests vary. Please consult with the laboratory if specific
information re turnaround times is required. Further information may be obtainable direct from the
individual reference laboratories. Full addresses of the reference laboratories used and their other
contact details are available on request.
OTHER SEROLOGY
Serological and antibody/antigen detection:
Investigations for the following are performed:
o Anti-streptolysin-O (ASO)
o Brucella antibodies
o Investigations for H. pylori (Antigen test performed on faeces)
o Mycoplasma antibody
o Syphilis antibody on CSF
o Toxoplasma antibody
Page 12 of 21

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
TABLE SHOWING DISEASES AND SPECIMENS TO BE COLLECTED FOR VIROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS
= Preferred specimen = Second choice specimen Lesion specimens Respiratory specimens ( one is enough) Other specimens Blood
System involved
Systemic
Respiratory
Gastrointestinal
Nervous system
Ophthalmic
Genito-urinary
(GUM)
Skin and
mucosa
Haematological
Clinical features
Common
pathogens
Vesicle
Eye
Copan swabs in VTM
Conjunctival
Genital
Mouth /
oral
Throat
and
nasal
Throat
gargle
Sputum
Others
NPA
(children)
Pyrexia
Influenza (in the
season)
EBV (

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
UCLH VIROLOGY TEST REPERTOIRE AND TURNAROUND TIMES
In the following sections you will find details of the different diagnostic tests available in our laboratory, the specimen required and the turnaround time for
results. For most single investigations a minimum of 4mls of blood is required. Larger volumes may be needed for multiple investigations or
two separate specimens where both serological and molecular testing is required. Neonatal / paediatric specimens should indicate the priority
tests when small volumes are sent.
HEPATITIS VIRUSES
VIRUS TEST SPECIMEN FREQUENCY OF TEST TURNAROUND TIME
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A IgG + IgM EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E
RETROVIRUSES
All serological markers including anti-HBs EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days Same day if urgent
HBsAg quantitation EDTA blood On request 2-7 working days
HBV DNA quantification
(with or without “e” markers: please specify)
EDTA blood Twice weekly (Tues & Thurs) 3-7 working days
HBV genotyping/resistance testing EDTA blood Twice weekly (Mon & Weds) 5-10 working days
Antibody EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days Same day if urgent
HCV RNA detection/quantification EDTA blood Twice weekly (Tues & Thurs) 3-7 working days
HCV genotyping (including resistance) EDTA blood Twice weekly (Mon & Weds) 5-10 working days
Delta virus (HDV) serology screen EDTA blood Weekly 7-10 working days
HDV RNA detection / quantification EDTA blood Fortnightly 5-20 working days
Antibody EDTA blood Weekly 7-10 working days
HEV RNA EDTA blood Monthly / On request 15 working days
VIRUS TEST SPECIMEN FREQUENCY OF TEST TURNAROUND TIME
HIV-1 and 2
“HIV test” (antibody / antigen detection) EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days Same day if urgent
HIV-1 RNA (viral load) EDTA blood 3-5 times / week 2-5 working days
HIV-1 genome (DNA and RNA) EDTA blood Weekly (Mon) 2-6 working days
HIV-1 resistance testing EDTA blood Twice weekly (Mon & Weds) 3-9 working days
HIV-2 RNA (viral load) EDTA blood Fortnightly 5-20 working days
HIV-2 genome (DNA and RNA) EDTA blood Fortnightly 5-20 working days
HTLV-1 and 2 IgG screening EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-3 working days

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
HERPESVIRUSES
If the specimen type is not specified contact the Medical Virologist
VIRUS TEST SPECIMEN FREQUENCY OF TEST TURNAROUND TIME
Cytomegalovirus
(CMV)
Epstein Barr Virus
(EBV)
Herpes Simplex
(HSV)
Varicella Zoster
Virus
(VZV)
Human Herpes
viruses 6 & 7
CMV IgG + IgM EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days
CMV IgG avidity EDTA blood On demand (Contact Medical Virologist) 2 working days
CMV DNA qualitative detection
(This test has replaced CMV DEAFF
test and CMV culture)
EDTA blood, CSF, urine,
broncho-alveolar lavage
3 times/week (Mon, Weds, Fri) 2-3 working days
CMV DNA quantification EDTA blood Twice weekly (Tues & Thurs) 2-7 working days
EBV IgG antibodies EDTA blood Weekly (Weds) 3-8 working days
EBV IgM EDTA blood Weekly (Thurs) 3-8 working days
EBV DNA qualitative detection CSF 3 times / week (Mon, Weds, Fri) 2-3 working days
EBV DNA quantification EDTA blood Twice weekly (Tues & Thurs) 2-7 working days
Serology (usually not helpful)
Please telephone to discuss
HSV-1 and 2 DNA detection (This test
has replaced both tissue culture and
EM of vesicle fluid)
VZV IgG screen
VZV IgM (Rarely useful: CSF or swab
of skin/mucosal lesion for VZV-DNA
detection is usually more helpful)
VZV DNA detection
EDTA blood Reference lab test (PHE, Colindale) 15 working days
Swab in VTM, CSF,
broncho-alveolar lavage
EDTA blood
EDTA blood
Swab in VTM, CSF
Swabs: Daily (Mon - Fri)
Other (e.g. CSF):
3 times / week (Mon, Weds, Fri)
3 times / week (Urgent samples on
demand)
On demand if clinically indicated: contact
Medical Virologist
Swabs: Daily (Mon - Fri)
Other (e.g. CSF):
3 times / week (Mon, Weds, Fri)
2-3 working days
2-6 working days
Same day if urgent
2-6 working days
Up to 5 working days
HHV6 & HHV7 DNA detection CSF Reference lab test (PHE, Colindale) 15 working days
Human Herpes HHV8 DNA qualitative detection EDTA blood 3 times / week (Mon, Weds, Fri) Up to 5 working days
virus 8 HHV8 DNA quantification EDTA blood Weekly (Fri) Up to 20 working days

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
EXOTIC / TROPICAL VIRUSES
VIRUS TEST SPECIMEN FREQUENCY OF TEST TURNAROUND TIME
Exotic viruses e.g
dengue, yellow
fever, West Nile
Virus
Antibody / viral nucleic acid
EDTA blood
Reference lab test
(PHE Porton Down)
15 working days
SCREENING BATTERIES
BATTERY TESTS SPECIMEN FREQUENCY OF TEST TURNAROUND TIME
Antenatal screen HBsAg, HIV, syphilis & Rubella IgG EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days Same day if urgent
Occupational Health
Screen
Needlestick / sharps
DONOR screen
Needlestick / sharps
RECIPIENT
May include: HBsAg, anti-HBs,
Rubella IgG, VZV IgG & Measles IgG
EDTA blood
Daily (Mon – Fri) except
for VZV IgG (2 times / week )
HBsAg, HIV, anti-HCV, syphilis EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1 working day
Save sample
EDTA blood
2-6 working days Same day if urgent
These baseline samples are archived. They are only tested in the event
that a follow-up test on the individual shows them to have an infection
that might have been acquired from the sharps injury.

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
OTHER VIRUSES (OR INFECTIVE AGENTS FOR WHICH ROUTINE TESTING IS PERFORMED IN THE VIROLOGY LABORATORY) IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
VIRUS / AGENT TEST SPECIMEN FREQUENCY OF TEST TURNAROUND TIME
16S PCR 16S rDNA identification of bacterial pathogens Tissue Weekly 5-7 working days
Adenovirus
Faecal adenovirus (serotypes 40 & 41) DNA
detection by PCR
Adenovirus DNA detection by PCR
(This test has replaced direct
immunofluorescence and tissue culture)
Adenovirus DNA quantification
Faeces
Nasopharyngeal aspirate / throat
washing, conjunctival swab in
VTM 7
EDTA blood. Stem cell transplant
patients only. (For other
patients/specimens contact the
on-call Virologist)
Daily (Mon – Sat) if
required
Daily (Mon – Sat) if
required
Twice Weekly (Tues &
Thurs)
1-2 working days
1-2 working days
2-7 working days
Anti-Streptolysin O ASO EDTA Blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days
BK virus
Brucella
Chlamydia and
Gonorrhoea
Serology no longer available from PHE. A PCR
is under development.
Confirmatory testing
CT/GC NAAT screen
Please discuss with the
laboratory.
EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days
1. For first catch urine (FCU),
transport to laboratory ideally
within 48 hours (unless placed
directly in to Aptima Urine
transport media, GUM ONLY).
2. Specimens older than 7 days
can not be processed.
3. Specimens usually retained
for 7 days after testing.
4. Unisex/self taken vaginal
swabs routinely available for
GUM Clinic specimens. All
other users by local
arrangement.
Reference lab test
(BRU, Liverpool)
Daily (Mon – Fri)
1-3 working days
Same day if urgent

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
VIRUS / AGENT TEST SPECIMEN FREQUENCY OF TEST TURNAROUND TIME
Enteroviruses e.g.
coxsackie A and B,
ECHOvirus and
poliovirus
Enterovirus PCR
Enterovirus IgM
CSF in meningitis or encephalitis
Faeces (or rectal swab in VTM if
no stool specimen is available),
throat swab in VTM
EDTA blood
Twice weekly (Weds &
Fri)
Reference lab test
(PHE Epsom)
2-7 working days
10 working days
H pylori Stool antigen Faeces Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days
Lyme
Measles
Screening antibody test
Confirmatory antibody tests
Measles RNA detection
Measles IgM
Measles IgG screen (Limited indications –
please contact Virologist to discuss.)
EDTA blood
EDTA blood, CSF
Throat swab in VTM
Urine
EDTA blood
Oral fluid (“oracol”)
EDTA blood
EDTA blood
Daily (Mon – Fri)
(Urgent samples on
demand)
Reference lab test
(PHE Porton Down,
Southampton)
Reference lab test
(PHE CfI, Colindale)
Reference lab test
(PHE CfI, Colindale)
Daily (Mon – Fri)
(Urgent samples on
demand)
MRSA MRSA screen Red topped swab Daily (Mon – Fri)
Mycoplasma
Parvovirus B19
Parvovirus IgG and IgM
Parvovirus DNA detection
EDTA Blood
EDTA blood
EDTA blood
Twice a week (day
varies)
Twice weekly (Tues &
Thurs)
Reference lab tests
(PHE, Colindale)
2-3 working days
Same day if urgent
15 working days
15 working days
10 working days
1-3 working days
Same day if urgent
1-2 working days
Same day if urgent
2-3 working days
1-7 working days
15 working days

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
VIRUS / AGENT TEST SPECIMEN FREQUENCY OF TEST TURNAROUND TIME
Respiratory viruses
i.e. influenza
viruses, RSV, Parainfluenza
viruses,
adenovirus and
metapneumovirus
Viral nucleic acid detection by PCR
(This test has replaced direct
immunofluorescence and viral culture)
Nose & throat swab in VTM,
BAL, NPA.
Daily (Mon – Sat)
H5 Influenza A: Contact Virologist immediately - Air call Medical Virologist through the UCLH switchboard
Rotavirus Rotavirus RNA detection Faeces, vomit
Rubella
Syphilis
Toxoplasma
Daily (Mon – Sat) if
required
Rubella IgG screen EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri)
Rubella IgM EDTA blood Weekly (Thurs)
Treponema pallidum antibody detection (and
additional serological tests, including reference
lab testing at PHE CfI Colindale, as appropriate)
EDTA blood (For other specimens
including CSF, contact
Microbiology Serology lab on
UCH 78994)
Daily (Mon – Fri)
1-2 working days
1-2 working days
1-2 working days
Same day if urgent
1-2 working days
Same day if urgent
1-2 working days
Same day if urgent
Treponema pallidum DNA PCR Swab in VTM Daily (Mon – Fri) Up to 5 working days
IgG and IgM antibody EDTA blood Daily (Mon – Fri) 1-2 working days
Confirmatory antibody tests
EDTA blood
Reference lab test
(PHE, Colindale)
15 working days

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
OTHER INVESTIGATIONS WHERE TESTS ARE PERFORMED BY REFERENCE LABORATORIES
VIRUS / AGENT / TESTS SPECIMEN REFERENCE LABORATORY
Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) serology Blood PHE, Porton Down
Anti-DNase B (Streptococcal) antibodies Blood PHE, Colindale
Aspergillus serology Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Centre, Leeds
Avian antigens Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Centre, Leeds
B pseudomallei (melioidosis) Clotted blood / serum PHE, Colindale
Bartonella serology Blood PHE, Colindale
Blastomyces serology Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol
Bordetella pertussis serology Blood PHE, Colindale
Bordetella pertussis PCR
For hospitalised patients < 1 year old ONLY
For patients > 1 year old
URT swab, NPA, tracheal aspirate,
sputum, BAL
PHE, Colindale
Micropathology Ltd, Coventry
Campylobacter serology Blood Preston Microbiology Services
Candida serology Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Centre, Leeds
Coccidioides serology Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol
Coxiella burnetti (Q fever) Blood PHE, Porton Down
Darunavir levels Blood Lab21 Ltd, Cambridge
Dimorphic fungi Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol
Diphtheria antibody levels Clotted blood / serum Vaccine Evaluation Unit, Manchester
E coli serology Clotted blood / serum PHE, Colindale
Galactomannan antigen Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol
Gancyclovir levels Clotted blood / serum Regional Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory, Bristol
H ducreyii Swab for molecular testing PHE, Colindale
H influenzae antibody levels Clotted blood / serum Vaccine Evaluation Unit, Manchester
Histoplasma serology Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol
JC virus antibody Clotted blood / serum PHE, Colindale
Leptospira Clotted blood / serum Leptospira Reference Unit, Hereford

This is a CONTROLLED document.
Any document appearing in paper form that is not printed on green paper is not controlled and should not be used.
VIRUS / AGENT / TESTS SPECIMEN REFERENCE LABORATORY
Meningococcal antibody Clotted blood / serum Vaccine Evaluation Unit, Manchester
Meningococcal PCR EDTA whole blood Meningococcal Reference Unit, Manchester
Paracoccidiodes serology Clotted blood / serum Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol
Pneumococcal antibody Clotted blood / serum Vaccine Evaluation Unit, Manchester
Pneumococcal PCR EDTA whole blood Meningococcal Reference Unit, Manchester
Rabies serology Blood Animal Health & Vet Labs Agency, Weybridge
Rickettsial serology Blood PHE, Porton Down
Salmonella serology Clotted blood / serum PHE, Colindale
Staphylococcal antibodies Blood PHE Colindale
Streptococcal antibodies Blood PHE Colindale
Tetanus antibody level Clotted blood / serum Vaccine Evaluation Unit, Manchester
VHF specimens (following a discussion with
the on-call Virologist)
EDTA whole blood
PHE, Porton Down
Whipples PCR EDTA blood / CSF Camelia Botnar Laboratories, GOSH
Yersinia serology Clotted blood / serum PHE, Colindale