Hampshire Hospitals' Microbiology and Infection Sciences Department provides a comprehensive range of tests including: bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, virology, serology and molecular diagnostics.
The laboratory is based at BNHH and serves all our sites.
Accessing clinical microbiology / infection advice for clinicians in BNHH and RHCH
The referral process for specialist infection advice is changing with a move away from a bleep system, to an online e-Purple form, completed and submitted via EPR.
This will enable the team to triage referrals more efficiently, while ensuring a high-quality service is maintained.
The Bleep system will remain in place for urgent in-hours referrals e.g. critically ill patients as well as all referrals from ED or critical care.
- e-Purple is monitored Monday–Friday, 09:00–16:30 (excluding Bank Holidays)
- The bleep system continues until 17.00.
- Out-of-hours, weekends, and Bank Holidays: Call the on-call Microbiology/Infectious Diseases SpR or consultant via switchboard. After 21:00, SpR or consultant queries only.
Before calling: check EOLAS for antimicrobial guidance, including selection, dosing, monitoring, and duration. Treatment in line with EOLAS does not require discussion.
Urgent referrals (e.g. critically ill patients, ED or critical care):
- Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00 Contact the team via bleep #2320 (BNHH) or #3178 (RHCH).
- Out-of-hours, weekends, and Bank Holidays: Call the on-call Microbiology/Infectious Diseases SpR or consultant via switchboard. After 21:00, SpR or consultant queries only.
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e-Purple is monitored Monday–Friday, 09:00–16:30 (excluding Bank Holidays)
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Mobile numbers are preferred on referrals, so we can contact you if you have moved location. Responses will be prioritised according to clinical need.
Inadequately completed referrals will be rejected.
