Microbiology Laboratory at St Thomas' Hospital

Laboratory overview

Our laboratory offers a comprehensive diagnostic and interpretative service for the management of bacterial, parasitic and mycological (non-dermatology) infections 

We have tripartite working with partnership between Medical Microbiologists, Clinical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists. We are a modern laboratory which utilises cutting edge technology for timely bacterial identification and susceptibility testing. The laboratory processes about 300,000 samples per annum. Positive results are authorised by the Medical Microbiologist who are also available to give advice on clinical interpretation and treatment. Fully integrated with the virology laboratory which is co-located enabling efficient flow of specimens requiring multiple tests.

Microbiology at St Thomas’s provides a comprehensive range of services 7 days a week with a 24/7 out of hours service.   Our staff are composed of a mix of  skilled and experienced scientists and medical laboratory assistants, enabling us to deliver a first rate quality laboratory service.

Key features:

• UKAS accredited 
• Regular review of laboratory processes and uptake of new technology, automation, near patient testing as appropriate to improve diagnosis and turn-around times.

           -MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry enables more rapid identification of organisms, including those causing bloodstream infection.
           -Molecular diagnostics for faecal pathogens provides higher sensitivity and reduced turnaround time to result
           -Automated urinalysis

• On site new containment Level 3 suite facilities with specialised Mycobacterial analysis and rapid molecular diagnostics but also enables rapid processing of other high risk infection specimens.
• Fully integrated with Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology clinical team and Infection Control Services

            -Our services have demonstrably contributed to improved diagnosis and treatment of Healthcare Associated Infections e.g. MRSA and C.difficile.
            -Our innovations have led to a significant reduction in hospital acquired infection rates.