Molecular testing
Specimen requirements
Samples should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. If specimen transport will be delayed, e.g. from primary care, specimens should be stored in a refrigerator until transported to the laboratory.
Depending on the assay required, there can be a variety of sample types that may be accepted.
Please check below before sending to prevent delay as some tests cannot be performed on certain sample types.
Quantitative PCR |
| Investigation |
Suitable samples |
| HIV |
EDTA (purple top) |
| HBV |
EDTA (purple top) or Serum (gold top) |
| HCV |
EDTA (purple top) or Serum (gold top) |
| BKV |
EDTA (purple top), Urine samples now processed in Cytology Department |
| CMV |
EDTA (purple top), CSF, Urine, amniotic fluid, tissue samples or swabs |
| EBV |
EDTA (purple top) |
Qualitative PCR |
CSF, respiratory samples and swabs (other than genital) can be processed for a variety of pathogens in-house.
Additionally post-mortem and faeces samples can be processed for HSV, VZV and Enteroviruses.
Laboratory turnaround time
To be cost-effective these tests are all run in batches. The turnaround time can therefore vary from one to up to 14 days.
Laboratory method
Most of the assays are based on a real-time PCR reaction and are performed within the Molecular Laboratory.
Where to find results of these tests
- All results are returned electronically where possible (EPR, SunquestICE).
- Some results may be phoned to clinicians and GPs.
- Results are never given directly to patients by the laboratory staff.
Further information and contact details
For further information please email:
Confidential patient information should only be sent from nhs.net accounts.