Virus reference department (VRD)
VRD provides clinical advice and laboratory investigations for a wide range of human virus infections.
The Virus reference department (VRD) offers a wide range of immuno and molecular assays for the assessment of immune responses to viruses and molecular detection of viruses of public health importance.
VRD is a World Health Organization (WHO) Global Specialised measles and rubella laboratory and contains WHO accredited national laboratories for influenza and poliovirus.
VRD’s work embraces both reference functions supporting NHS and public health activity and has particular expertise in the detection and characterisation of:
- sexually transmitted and blood borne viral pathogens
- enteric and respiratory viruses
VRD units
VRD is made up of 8 units:
- Antiviral unit (AVU)
- Blood borne virus unit (BBVU)
- Clinical services unit (CSU)
- Enteric virus unit (EVU)
- Human papillomavirus reference unit (HPU)
- Immunisation and diagnosis unit (IDU)
- Respiratory virus unit (RVU)
- Serological development unit (SDU)
Important service update
To enable Public Health England (PHE) reference and specialist laboratories to continue to provide critical support to the enhanced COVID-19 incident, some service delivery changes have been made with immediate effect.
The situation will be regularly reviewed. For the most current information, contact the relevant department using the contact details provided in the VRD user manual.
Contact
Virus Reference Department (VRD)
Public Health England
61 Colindale Avenue
London
NW9 5HT
Email vrdqueries@phe.gov.uk
Telephone 020 8327 6017
Fax 020 8327 6559
DX address PHE Colindale VRD, DX 6530006
VRD documents
Antiviral unit (AVU)
Blood borne virus unit (BBVU)
Clinical services unit (CSU)
Enteric virus unit (EVU)
Human papillomavirus virus unit (HPU)
Immunisation and diagnosis unit (IDU)
Respiratory virus unit (RVU)
Serological development unit (SDU)
Last updated 14 May 2020 + show all updates
-
Added notification of service delivery changes made to PHE reference and specialist laboratories to provide critical support to the COVID-19 incident.
-
Added Herpes simplex virus: referral form.
-
Added Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8): referral form.
-
Added HCV genotypic susceptibility testing request form.
-
First published.