Scottish Microbiology Reference Labs

• Telephone: 0141 242 9633
• Email: ggc.glasgowsmrl@nhs.scot

The Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory (SMRSARL) was established in April 1997. We were created in response to a rapid increase in the number of MRSA infections identified in hospitals across Scotland. We are commissioned by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS) . Since November 2013, the Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory has been located within the New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The SMRSARL provides a national MRSA reference service for isolates from diagnostic laboratories throughout Scotland. The services we provide include: confirmation of MRSA status, detection of various toxin genes and epidemiological typing of strains. We also provide advice on infection control issues and have an ongoing research and development program. We collaborate with PHS to provide data on the national trends in MRSA epidemiology in Scotland.

The Scottish Government have provided funding for an Enterococcal Surveillance Service aiming to describe the genetic epidemiology of invasive E. faecium and resistant E. faecium and E. faecalis in Scotland. Scotland has a high prevalence of vancomycin resistance amongst invasive E. faecium isolates. To investigate the reasons for this, Boards are kindly requested to submit isolates as described in the above communications. Limited outbreak support continues to be available and it is hoped that an improved understanding of the background epidemiology will allow improved outbreak support in future. For investigation of cluster/outbreak isolates please contact SMiRL (Glasgow) to discuss prior to sending.

• SAMRS Telephone: 0141 242 9633
• Email: ggc.glasgowsmrl@nhs.scot

The Scottish Antimicrobial Resistance Service (SAMRS) investigates carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonads, Acinetobacter species and other healthcare associated Gram negative bacteria. We were commissioned in 2016 by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS).

The increasing incidence of carbapenemases across Scotland led to the formation of our service. From 2016, we began providing molecular detection for the ‘Big 5’ carbapenemase genes (KPC, NDM, VIM,OXA-48 and IMP). In 2018, we introduced molecular detection of OXA-23, OXA-24/40, OXA-51 and OXA-58 in isolates of Acinetobacter species. Finally, in 2019 we commenced our broth microdilution service. Broth microdilution allows our team to further screen for other mechanisms of resistance (including rare carbapenemases).

We investigate colistin resistance and other exceptional phenotypes demonstrated by Enterobacterales, Pseudomonads, Acinetobacter species and other healthcare associated Gram negative bacteria. We also provide cefiderocol sensitivity testing for multidrug resistant organisms (on request).

Enteric Bacterial Infections Service Contact Information

• EBIS Telephone: 0141 242 9633
• Email: ggc.glasgowsmrl@nhs.scot

Further Information

Since November 2013, the Enteric Bacterial Infections Service (EBIS) (formerly known as the Scottish Salmonella, Shigella and Clostridioides difficile Reference Laboratory (SSSCDRL)) has been located within the New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The EBIS are the National Reference Centre for the characterisation of Salmonella, Shigella and C. difficile. We are commissioned by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS).

The EBIS provides antimicrobial susceptibility testing and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of these pathogenic enteric bacteria. The Laboratory actively participates in training, development and relevant externally-funded research and works closely with a number of agencies including PHS and the Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference unit (GBRU), London.

The laboratory participates in the EC-funded programme organised by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for surveillance of gastrointestinal infections.

Diagnostic and Reference Parasitology Service Contact Information

• DRPS Telephone: 0141 242 9631
• Email: ggc.glasgowsmrl@nhs.scot

Further Information

The Diagnostic and Reference Parasitology Service (DRPS) (formerly known as the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory (SPDRL)) was established in 1982. Our aim is to provide an efficient and effective parasite diagnostic and advisory service for Scotland.

We are commissioned by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS). Since November 2013, the DRPS has been located within the New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The DPRS provides a service to Medical Microbiology laboratories across Scotland. The services offered include: diagnosis and identification of parasites in clinical material, diagnosis of human parasite diseases by immunological methods, advice regarding investigation of patients and the appropriateness of tests and finally, advice about prophylaxis and treatment.

• BRIS Telephone: 0141 242 9632
• Email: ggc.glasgowsmrl@nhs.scot

The Bacterial Respiratory Infections Service (BRIS) (Formerly known as the Scottish Haemophilus, Legionella, Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory (SHLMPRL)) was formed in 2009. Since November 2013, BRIS has been located within the New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We are commissioned by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS).

The Bacterial Respiratory Infections Service provides a national reference service for the detection and characterisation of human Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella, Meningococcus, Pneumococcus and Group A Streptococcus infections, as well as associated environmental isolates. We perform Bordetella pertussis serology, Legionella urinary antigen testing, M.I.C testing and genomic detection of target organisms within clinical samples. The laboratory collaborates with Public Health Scotland (PHS) to provide data on the epidemiology of the aforementioned organisms in Scotland.

We are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) UKAS Medical 8514 (Accredited to ISO 15189:2012). If you would like more information regarding our schedule of accreditation and scope of service, you can find this on the UKAS website.

The Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories are part of the Acute Services Division of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We are based in the New Lister Building at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. SMiRL is comprised of five different laboratories that provide a specialist service for a number of different microorganisms. The SMiRL combined user manual can be accessed for further information about the services we provide. You can also use the links below to access the specific laboratory sections.

Further Information