Welcome to the Microbiology and Virology Department

** COVID-19 Pandemic Statement **

Whilst we will make every effort to provide results for our assays within the turnaround times stated on this website during the COVID-19 pandemic, some less urgent assays may need to be delayed due to re-distribution of staffing. During this time we will be concentrating our efforts on the provision of an acute service for our patients, which may mean test  prioritisation. At this time we are unsure how long the situation will continue but we have to assume it will be in place for weeks to months, depending on the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that you understand this situation and will be patient with any extensions in turnaround times noticed in our results returning to you.

We wish to extend our appreciation to all our laboratory, scientific and clinical staff for the determination and flexibility they have displayed during this time.  This has enabled us to continue to produce high quality results while minimising the impact on our turnaround times.

Any issues can of course be discussed with the laboratory at any time and updates will be provided periodically as appropriate and as the situation develops.

The Department of Microbiology and Virology tests a wide range of patient and environmental specimens to detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

We provide one of the most comprehensive test portfolios in the UK – a one-stop shop for all Microbiology and Virology tests.

The department is based on the Freeman Hospital site in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

The Microbiology and virology laboratory services include Bacteriology, Mycology, Enterics and Parasitology, Serology, GUM and an Infection Control laboratory. The Regional TB Laboratory and the Molecular and PCR unit are also on the Freeman site.

We offer the widest range of clinical and technical expertise through on site Consultant Microbiologists and Virologists. The department embraces research and development with dedicated R+D laboratories. We aim to provide a timely and high quality diagnostic and advisory service to patients in the Trust and local community.

There is a 24 hour out of hours, on-call service for both urgent specimen processing and clinical advice. These are accessed via the hospital switchboard. Please refer to the contact page for further information.

Please note that we regret that we cannot offer advice directly to members of the public, who should contact their healthcare provider.