Virus Identification Section: EIA is used for adenovirus and rotavirus antigen detection in stool samples.

Serology Section: The virus serology section detects antibodies to a wide range of viruses and viral antigens in serum using manual and automated assays. Automated analysers include:

• Cepheid GeneXpert
• AltoStar AM16 extraction platform
• Bio-Rad C1000 Thermal Cycler
• AusDiagnostics MT-Analyser
• AusDiagnostics MT-Processor
• AusDiagnostics MP-Prep 23
• Hologic Panther
• Perkin-Elmer extraction platforms
• QiaSymphony extraction platform
• NeuMoDx
• Rotor-Gene Q  Cycler
• QIAstat-Dx
• Abbott ARCHITECT i2000SR
• DiaSorin Liaison
• BioMerieux VIDAS
• Orgentec Alegria
• ELITe InGenius
• Chemagic 360

The Virology Centre provides routine serology for the Eastern Pathology Alliance (3 NHS Trusts in the County of Norfolk and CCG Norfolk) and we offer this service to other UK laboratories.
The virus serology section also carries out testing for bacterial antibodies (ASO, Treponema, Toxoplasma).

Molecular Section: Molecular diagnostics use realtime PCR for the detection of viral nucleic acid in clinical samples. Routine nucleic acid testing performed in this section include detection and quantification of HIV-1 RNA, HBV DNA, HCV RNA, CMV DNA, EBV DNA, Adenovirus DNA, Hepatitis E RNA, detection of viruses from respiratory specimens (16-plex), SARS CoV-2 RNA and SARS CoV-2 variants of Concern. In addition to these we also provide molecular testing for HSV1, HSV2, VZV, Enterovirus in swab samples, Norovirus, Adenovirus, Enterovirus, Parechovirus in stool samples. We perform daily CSF tests for: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, Enterovirus, Parechovirus, Adenovirus and HHV-6. Finally, we offer test for HSV-2 and HSV-2 DNA on blood samples.

We also provide routine testing of saliva and urine samples for CMV DNA by PCR.

We perform testing for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis using the Hollogic Panther automated system.

The routine laboratory investigations are provided from:
0900 – 1700 (Monday to Friday)
0900 – 12.00 on Saturday
Outside of these hours we offer serological testing of transplant patients, acute dialysis patients, VZV contacts and significant needlestick injuries as well as Legionella antigen, direct immunofluorescence for respiratory virus and PCP in clinically important situations