Guidance

Bacteriology reference department user manual

A guide to UKHSA's bacteriology reference department (BRD), its units and the tests and services they provide.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 11 April 2014
• Last updated: 29 November 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Bacteriology reference department user manual

Ref: UKHSA publication gateway number GOV-17696

PDF, 872 KB, 66 pages

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Details

The bacteriology reference department (BRD) is made up of 3 units:

• respiratory and vaccine preventable bacteria reference unit (RVPBRU)
• gastrointestinal bacteria reference unit (GBRU)
• antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections reference unit (AMRHAI)

This document includes information on the laboratory reference units and how to obtain tests and services.

Published 11 April 2014
Last updated 29 November 2024 + show all updates

1. 29 November 2024

   Added updated manual.

2. 7 February 2024

   Updated staff details and services in the main table and appendix.

3. 10 October 2022

   Added updated version of manual.

4. 1 April 2022

   Added updated BRD user manual.

5. 20 April 2021

   Updated important service update.

6. 13 October 2020

   Updated BRD User Manual added.

7. 14 July 2020

   Updated user manual.

8. 14 May 2020

   Added notification of service delivery changes made to PHE reference and specialist laboratories to provide critical support to the COVID-19 incident.

9. 1 October 2019

   Updated BRD User manual.

10. 14 June 2018

    Removed reference to the sexually transmitted bacteria unit (STBRU) which no longer exists.

11. 25 May 2018

    Updated BRD User manual.

12. 28 October 2015

    Updated guidance: version 5, October 2015, BRDW0078.5

13. 1 July 2015

    Uploaded new version of manual.

14. 20 January 2015

    Updated guidance: BRDW0078.03

15. 21 October 2014

    Updated guidance: BRDW0078.02

16. 11 April 2014

    First published.