Guidance

Virus Reference Department (VRD): user manual

The Virus Reference Department (VRD) provides clinical advice and investigations for a wide range of human virus infections.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 1 August 2013
• Last updated: 9 July 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 9 July 2026

     Updated with version 22.

  2. 11 September 2025

     Added updated guidance, version 21.

  3. 3 September 2024

     Added latest version of user manual.

  4. 26 March 2024

     Removed a service update.

  5. 31 July 2023

     Updated user manual.

  6. 30 August 2022

     Updated user manual.

  7. 2 June 2021

     Added user manual version 16.

  8. 14 May 2020

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

  9. 25 November 2019

     Updated user manual to reflect changes in services available, contact details and other information.

  10. 28 August 2018

      Added latest version of VRD user manual.

  11. 14 July 2017

      Updated VRD user manual to version 12.

  12. 14 September 2016

      Updated VRD user manual to version 10.

  13. 21 December 2015

      Updated virus reference department user manual.

  14. 1 August 2013

      First published.

Documents

Virus Reference Department (VRD): user manual

PDF, 637 KB, 42 pages

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Details

Information on the units of the Virus Reference Department (VRD) and the services they provide.