The HSL virology department provides a modern, rapid and fully comprehensive clinically led diagnostic and reference service. These clinical services include transplantation, HIV medicine, genito-urinary medicine, infectious diseases, stem cell and solid organ transplant, haematology and oncology, renal dialysis, hepatology, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, neurology and occupational health.
The service is highly automated, using state of the art equipment and technology, and provides an extensive repertoire of serological and molecular based tests. It is able to identify a wide range of viral infections and monitor viral load levels in patients undergoing anti-viral treatments such as in HIV 1 & 2, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections. We provide a multiplex viral respiratory molecular assay and a multiplex viral gastroenterology molecular assay to assist in the management and control of infection in the clinical setting.
We also provide an anti-viral drug resistance service for patients undergoing treatment for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and cytomegalovirus and serve as a national reference centre for the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection testing neonatal blood from Guthrie cards.
This department is a leading site for the training of biomedical scientists, clinical scientists and medical doctors including FY2 trainees and specialty registrars and also holds the IBMS pre- and post-registration training approval for completion of the IBMS Registration Portfolio and Specialist.
The department also holds the IBMS pre- and post-registration training approval for completion of the IBMS Registration Portfolio and Specialist Diplomas as well as being accredited under Clinical Pathology Accreditation whilst transitioning to ISO 15189 under the programme of UKAS assessment schedules.
