Clinical microbiology laboratories study infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
They offer advice to clinicians on suitable treatment and prevention of infections – such as choice of antibiotics and strategies to prevent the spread of infection.
Our clinical microbiology laboratories also work very closely with the infection control teams in our hospitals and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to monitor infection rates.
We have bacteriology, virology, mycology and enteric laboratories within the Clinical microbiology department in Leicester. Our laboratories are led by consultant microbiologists and employ highly trained and experienced biomedical and clinical scientists.
The general contact number can be used to access all clinical microbiology departments is 0116 2586542.
Download our clinical microbiology user handbook (1MB pdf)
Services
The laboratory provides the following services:
- diagnostic services for hospital clinical staff and general practitioners working in the community
- antibiotic advice
- support to Consultants in Communicable Disease Control and their colleagues in the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
- local surveillance and special studies in infectious disease.
- investigation and support in community and national outbreaks of communicable disease
- environmental work, both of a surveillance nature and in connection with outbreaks of infectious disease
- independently funded clinical, environmental and other related service
Aside from its clinical services, the laboratory carries out microbiological testing of environmental specimens such as foods, waters and swabs.