Welcome to the Microbiology and Virology Department

The Department of Microbiology and Virology tests a wide range of patient and environmental specimens to detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

We provide one of the most comprehensive test portfolios in the UK – a one-stop shop for all Microbiology and Virology tests.

The department is based on the Freeman Hospital site in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

The Microbiology and virology laboratory services include Bacteriology, Mycology, Enterics and Parasitology, Serology, GUM and an Infection Control laboratory. The Regional TB Laboratory and the Molecular and PCR unit are also on the Freeman site.

We offer the widest range of clinical and technical expertise through on site Consultant Microbiologists and Virologists. The department embraces research and development with dedicated R+D laboratories. We aim to provide a timely and high quality diagnostic and advisory service to patients in the Trust and local community.

There is a 24 hour out of hours, on-call service for both urgent specimen processing and clinical advice. These are accessed via the hospital switchboard. Please refer to the contact page for further information.

Please note that we regret that we cannot offer advice directly to members of the public, who should contact their healthcare provider.