The Infection Sciences service for Somerset is provided by the Southwest Pathology Service hub laboratory situated at Lisieux Way, in Taunton.
For Infection Sciences Laboratory enquiries telephone 01823 346706 between 9.00am – 5.30pm
For Microbiology Consultants/Secretaries 01823 34(3765)
Routine Service
The Infection Sciences laboratory is open from 8.30 am to 8.00 pm, Monday – Friday.
On Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, the laboratory is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm.
Clinical Advice
One of the Consultant Microbiologists, who are based at Musgrove Park Hospital, is always available to give advice. During “normal office hours” (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), please phone the secretaries on 01823 34(3765). The secretaries will then transfer, or direct, you to the relevant Consultant
If “out of hours” contact the on-call Consultant Microbiologist via the switchboard at YDH or MPH.
On-Call Specimens.
Out of normal working hours, the on-call Microbiology Biomedical Scientist should be contacted through the hospital switchboard (MPH or YDH as required). On-call specimens will be processed in the Essential Services Lab at MPH.
Gentamycin, Vancomycin and Tobramycin Levels
Gentamicin, vancomycin and tobramycin levels should be sent to Biochemistry (MPH & YDH)
Add-on Requests
Primary specimens for routine Microbiology/Virology/Molecular are stored for a minimum of 6 calendar days, after this period there is no guarantee that the sample will be available to add extra tests and may not be suitable for all assays. If the specimen is greater than 2 days old – please contact the laboratory (Microbiology BMS or Consultant Microbiologist) to check whether the sample is suitable for further additional analysis.
Note: Virology blood samples have a long term stored aliquot for 2 years (in line with RC Path guidelines). Contact the laboratory to discuss if additional testing required.
Specimen Collection Information
- General Specimen Collection
- Swabs
- Urine
- Blood Culture
- Blood Culture – Mycobacterium Chimaera (Collection)
- Blood Culture – Mycobacterium Chimaera (Specimen transport in Primary Care)
- Chlamydia Detection
- CSF – Sample collection/Guidance and Transport from YDH
- Respiratory PCR (Inc COVID) – Sample collection Guidance inc Protocols for obtaining Fast Track Testing
Other Useful Information
- Testing Repertoire
- List of Sample Requirements/TATs
- Out of Hours Service
- Clinical Investigation Guidance
- Immunisation (Passive)
- Useful Links
- Request Form
Page last updated on: 2nd January 2025