Our laboratories

Infection sciences

The Infection Sciences service for Somerset is provided by the Southwest Pathology Service hub laboratory situated at Lisieux Way, in Taunton.

Routine Service

The Bacteriology laboratory is open from 8.30 am to 8.00 pm (Virology/Molecular part of the laboratory is only open until 17:00), Monday – Friday.

On Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, the Bacteriology 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. 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” please 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.