As of 22nd March, we will be detecting antibodies to both the Nucleocapsid antigen (anti-N) and the Spike antigen (anti-S) of SARS-CoV-2 for all requests, and we will report each antibody separately. This test is run in the Blood Sciences laboratory on serum samples. SARS-CoV-2 antibody takes up to 4 weeks to develop post-COVID-19 infection […]
Continue reading...Dear colleagues Did you know that the RD&E is providing a COVID-19 testing service for all symptomatic* health and care staff working or living in North and Eastern Devon? Health and care staff with a symptomatic household member can also use the testing service. To book a slot, simply complete this online referral form or […]
Continue reading...Clear Urine During the COVID pandemic, clear urine samples are not being processed. Infection is unlikely when the urine appears clear. Consider repeat sample or empirical treatment following NICE guidelines. Sputum samples Non-mucoid samples will not be processed as poor quality samples. Consider repeat sample if clinically indicated. Superficial wound swabs Specimens will not processed […]
Continue reading...COVID-19 testing is performed using PCR technology (i.e. to detect the viral RNA). Test sensitivity is dictated by the amount of virus on the swab and is therefore influenced by (1) the timing of the test in relation to the symptoms and (ii) the quality of the sample (operator-dependent). A test should be interpreted in […]
Continue reading...It is a pleasure to be able to finally advise you that the long awaited implementation of a GP Order Communications System (GP OCS) is now under way. The aim of the project is to offer an electronic Pathology test ordering system for GP Practices sending samples to the RD&E, with this project both orders […]
Continue reading...We are delighted to inform our users that we have now taken delivery of and verified a random access Nucleic-Acid-Amplification-Test platform, called EliTech. As of 4th February 2019, we will be performing NAATs on CSF for the following targets: HSV1 and 2 VZV Enterovirus Parechovirus This will replace the current referred service in Bristol and […]
Continue reading...Microbiology are pleased to announce the arrival of a new molecular machine – the COBAS 6800. This all-in-one automation is used for testing samples for chlamydia, GC, Hep C viral loads, HIV viral loads and Hep B viral loads
Continue reading...As of Tuesday 21st June 2016, we have moved some Virology Serology Testing (HIV, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis B core antibody, Hepatitis C antibody, Syphilis antibody, HTLV and Hepatitis B surface antibody) onto the Cobas e-601 random access analyser. The only difference you should notice is the wording on some of these reports – please see […]
Continue reading...We have recently reviewed the most common e-mail queries sent to rde-tr.MicroConsultants@nhs.net and are in the process of producing some FAQ pages to help which will be posted here. Currently, the following FAQs are to be added: Recurrent UTIs Lyme Disease Hepatitis serology Impetigo Sputum (various questions) Chlamydia serology PID Wound swabs Clinical details Non-albicans Candida in GU […]
Continue reading...As of 01/12/15 the RD&E pharmacy will no longer supply Fosfomycin 3g sachets for community patients against a GP proforma. There is now a licensed product available, so if you need to use Fosfomycin, prescribe in the normal way, and the patient can collect from the local pharmacist. Indications: Uncomplicated lower urinary-tract infections caused by multi-resistant […]
Continue reading...As of 23rd March 2015, we will be using a new Particle Recognition System (IQ200 sprint, Beckman Coulter) for urine microscopy. The results of the preliminary test determine whether a sample is cultured, and will also affect the way the Final Report appears: White blood cells: reported as numbers per µl (normal […]
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