The Microbiology Department, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness comprises Culture, Molecular and Serology sections.  It is the only clinical Microbiology laboratory in the Highlands providing a comprehensive diagnostic service to a resident population of approximately 233,227.  The Scottish Toxoplasma Reference Laboratory (under contract from Health Protection Scotland) and a Specialist Service for Lyme borreliosis  is based in the department.  Methods utilised include a variety of commercial, in-house and automated/ semi-automated equipment.