BGL Repatriation

As a result of the move, there will be several clinical changes to reporting, panels, and comments, as detailed below:

• Urine samples sent for culture will have automated urinalysis on the Sysmex analyser. Urine samples with white cell and bacteria count above the diagnostic threshold will be cultured, similar to the current service at Pathology First. All urine culture and microscopy reports will be released to primary care at the same time, in line with existing Synnovis procedures.
• For faeces investigations, there will be a move to EntericBio molecular testing using the GP2 panel:
• Gastro Panel 2: Detects Salmonella enterica spp., Shigella spp./Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), Campylobacter jejuni/coli/lari, Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis, Giardia lamblia and VTEC (stx1/stx2 genes, indicating Shiga toxin-producing E. coli)
• Ova, cysts and parasites (OCP): All test requests for OCP will automatically receive the GP2 PCR panel above as it is more sensitive than microscopy for the detection of parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Microscopy will only be performed if there is a specific test request and relevant travel history, eosinophilia or persistent diarrhoea recorded in clinical details.
• Wound swabs and sputum testing will remain largely the same.
• C. difficile: C. difficile testing methods will be standardised for all service users. We will perform an initial screening test for toxin B gene on the Serosep Entericbio. All positive results will have a confirmatory toxin A/B lateral flow enzyme immunoassay
• Dermatophyte testing on nail samples will have access to the Dermagenius PCR for more rapid and sensitive results. Skin and hair samples will continue to get microscopy and culture results.

You can also find additional detail in the summary of changes (opens in new tab) and dataset (Selecting this file will download to your device)

 

As part of the planned repatriation of pathology services, the lab at Blackfriars Hub will initially be reported as outside our UKAS-accredited scope. This is a routine temporary position when testing moves to a new site, and the accreditation extension process is under way and will be in place this year.

From 14 September, you should use either the BD Vacutainer urine tube system or the Sarstedt Monovette urine collection tube with boric acid for urine samples being sent for culture.

If a red-topped boric acid universal is received after this date, our laboratories will continue to test the sample, so practices can use up small amounts of existing stock.

BD Vacutainer system

The BD Vacutainer system comprises a urine collection cup with an integrated transfer device and a boric acid preservative tube, which works in a similar way to the vacuumised blood bottles you will already be familiar with. It will be available to order from 14 September and a patient leaflet is available here.

Sarstedt Monovette urine collection tube with boric acid

The Sarstedt Monovette urine collection tube with boric acid also requires a collection cup. We recommend using a sterile plain white universal container, which will continue to be available to order.

Instructions on using the Sarstedt system are available here. You can also find supporting training videos here. 

For us to process the samples accordingly, we plan to switch from gel to liquid swabs for bacteriology culture tests (virology tests should continue to be sent to us using the existing viral transport medium swabs). What swabs should I be using? Purple cap liquid swabs should be used for the collection of all microbiology culture swab tests, e.g. wounds, nasal, genital and throat that involve a single-swab process. The exception to this is sexual health screening. If chlamydia or gonorrhoea are suspected, please continue to use the appropriate Aptima swab for the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) which is more sensitive for detection of chlamydia and gonorrhoea than culture. This should also be used for Trichomonas Vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium. You can find further information here. Black cap Gel Amies Charcoal swabs should be used for culture of gonorrhoea only when this specific test is indicated. You can find training videos here.

As part of the repatriation of microbiology and mycology testing for Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham to the Synnovis Blackfriars Hub Laboratory, clinical escalation routes will change from 14 September 2026.

From this date, practices will have direct phone and email access to microbiology doctors at either King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust or Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, depending on their practice.

Select your borough below and find your practice to confirm the correct clinical escalation contact details.

Bexley

Greenwich

Lewisham

If you’ve not been able to attend the BGL repatriation webinars, you can find a recording of the session here. In addition, we’ve also pulled together a summary of the frequently asked questions.