Microbiology

Our Microbiology Team provide timely and high quality routine and specialist diagnostic and advisory services to patients to NHS Trusts, Private Laboratories, Primary Care and Community Services locally and further afield. We offer a wide range of clinical and scientific expertise through our on-site Consultant Microbiologists and Scientific Staff. We provide a 24 hour service for both urgent specimen processing and clinical advice.

Investigations include:

Isolation and/or detection of micro-organisms
Determination of antimicrobial sensitivity and identification of pathogenic bacteria
Monitoring of treatment efficacy by antimicrobial assay and viral load quantification
Microbiological environmental monitoring for various sites within STH and other institutions
Close links with the Public Health Department and Environmental Health Officers to share epidemiological information

The department has gained over many years a local, national and international reputation for scientific development and excellence. Our Consultants, Clinical Scientists and Scientific Staff represent their professions both locally and nationally as committee members, invited lecturers and as scientific meeting organisers. We participate in all relevant aspects of the UK National External Quality Assurance Schemes and performance is of a very high standard. Microbiology are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8509, testing laboratory 1837.

All aspects of infection control are dealt with by the department, including the monitoring of various micro-organisms to pre-empt outbreaks (MRSA, other antimicrobial resistant organisms, Clostridium difficult and viruses such as Norovirus). Departmental medical and scientific staff and infection control nurses form an integral part of the Trusts’ Infection Control service.

The department, in association with the Histology unit, also provides medical, managerial and scientific support , testing and advice for the Trust’s Bone Bank Facility which is licensed by the Human Tissue Authority. Donated bone [femoral head] is stored and tested in line with HTA regulations for eventual use by Orthopaedic surgeons when performing hip replacements.

If you would like to know more about how we can help you, please contact us by telephone on 0114 226 7666 or email us at sth.labmed@nhs.net