We provide a wide range of high quality diagnostic services for screening and monitoring of viral infections. We test for antibodies in the blood as markers of infection to a range of viruses and other pathogens. These include the blood-borne-viruses [HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV)] and syphilis. We can check the level of immune protection against vaccine-preventable virus infections including hepatitis A, HBV, measles and rubella which, for example, are useful in the management of pregnant women.

Furthermore, the laboratory is a testing hub for human papillomavirus (HPV) and is helping the NHS to improve the cervical cancer screening programme in England. We use advanced molecular techniques to detect the microbes that cause respiratory, gastrointestinal (e.g. norovirus), central nervous system and genital infections (e.g. chlamydia). Also, these techniques can be used to determine appropriate anti-viral therapy for patients with chronic infections or to help those at higher risk of life-threatening infection such as transplant patients.