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Guidance

Bacteriology reference department user manual

A guide to UKHSA's bacteriology reference department (BRD), its units and the tests and services it provides.

Updates to this page

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published:
11 April 2014
Last updated:
21 July 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated manual.

  2. Added updated manual.

  3. Updated staff details and services in the main table and appendix.

  4. Added updated version of manual.

  5. Added updated BRD user manual.

  6. Updated important service update.

  7. Updated BRD User Manual added.

  8. Updated user manual.

  9. Added notification of service delivery changes made to PHE reference and specialist laboratories to provide critical support to the COVID-19 incident.

  10. Updated BRD User manual.

  11. Removed reference to the sexually transmitted bacteria unit (STBRU) which no longer exists.

  12. Updated BRD User manual.

  13. Updated guidance: version 5, October 2015, BRDW0078.5

  14. Uploaded new version of manual.

  15. Updated guidance: BRDW0078.03

  16. Updated guidance: BRDW0078.02

  17. First published.

Documents

Bacteriology reference department user manual

PDF, 920 KB, 70 pages

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Details

The bacteriology reference department (BRD) is made up of 3 units:

  • Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU)
  • Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU)
  • Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit (AMRHAI)

This document includes information on the laboratory reference units and how to obtain tests and services.

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