LOCATION OF LABORATORY

Ashford, East Kent Virology Department

ADDRESS

Ashford, East Kent Virology Department
East Kent Microbiology Service
The William Harvey Hospital
Kennington Road
Willesborough
Ashford
Kent
TN24 0LZ

DX address: East Kent Microbiology Service 6403003 Ashford (Kent) 91TN

TELEPHONE & FAX NUMBER

Enquiries: Main Office Direct Line (01233) 616760 or WHH Switchboard (01233) 633331 x 723-6760
Fax Number: (01233) 643432

VISIT SITE

WHAT DO WE DO?

Virology:

This section detects viruses by molecular methods.

  • Respiratory virus screen (includes Influenza A (+ H1, H3 and 2009 H1N1 typing), influenza B, Adenovirus, RSV, Parainfluenza 1,2,3 & 4, Rhinovirus, Coronavirus, Bocavirus, and enterovirus)
  • Meningitis screen: HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, VZV, EBV, HHV6
  • Viral Loads: HIV-1, HCV, CMV

Serology:

This section detects antibodies to viruses and bacteria, and viral antigens in serum/plasma using both manual and automated methods. Automated methods include:

  • Abbott Architect (rubella, CMV, Toxoplasma, hepatitis A, B, C, Syphilis (all IgG and IgM), CMV Avidity HTLV-1/2, hepatitis C antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen and all markers and HIV (Ag/Ab).
  • bioMérieux mini Vidas (Lymes, Measles IgG, Mumps IgG, EBV IgG/M, VZV IgG, HBsAg and HIV duo)
  • Manual Methods include: Plate ELISA (VZV IgG, parvovirus IgG/M, HCV Ag/Ab, Mycoplasma), EIA card tests (HIV type 1 or 2, cryptococcal antigen)

Immunofluorescence tests (Pneumocystis (carinii) jirovecii)

Any tests not covered within the laboratory repertoire are sent to the relevant reference laboratories.

Virology BMSs are available in the laboratory:

08:30-18:00 Tuesday – Thursday
08:30 – 17:00 Monday & Friday
08:30 – 12:15 Saturday

Outside of these hours virology advice can be obtained from the on-call Consultant Microbiologist available through the hospital switchboard.

STAFF

Dr M Strutt

Consultant Microbiologist / Head of Service

Dr G Calver

Consultant Microbiologist

Dr J Nash

Consultant Microbiologist

Dr S Reddy

Consultant Microbiologist

Mrs Marie Wenham

Chief Biomedical Scientist

Mr Marcus Coales

Head Biomedical Scientist

Mr John Skilton

Senior Biomedical Scientist