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.
Major Update
The microbiology team is introducing a new significant blood culture template. The new template is for blood culture results that are or could be significant, not those that are likely to be blood culture contamination.
It will mean:
- One, searchable place for significant blood culture documentation.
- A reduction in the 'cut and paste' of old, irrelevant microbiology advice.
The form can be found here:
The referral process for specialist infection advice requires an online e-Purple form, completed and submitted via EPR.
This enables the team to triage referrals more efficiently, while ensuring a high-quality service is maintained.
The Bleep system is 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.
