The Microbiology service is based at Maidstone Hospital, providing a comprehensive clinical service to both hospitals within the Trust, the local Clinical Commissioning Group and the community, for the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of infectious diseases.
Some specialist investigations are provided through arrangements with specialised laboratories throughout the UK.
There is 24 hour support 365 days a year on both sites for urgent patient management.
The department is assessed by the National Pathology accreditation body United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) against ISO 15189:2022 standards.
Information about UKAS accredited repertoire scope.
Guidance on transportation of samples to microbiology
Antimicrobial guidelines and antibiotic levels
See West Kent Antimicrobial Guidelines for treatment of infectious diseases Gentamicin and Vancomycin levels are now performed by Clinical biochemistry department. Results are available on PAS (if requested via PAS) as soon as authorised. For other antibiotic levels, discuss with Microbiology consultant Gentamicin
- A trough (pre-dose) level is required 18-24 hours after the first dose
- It is not necessary to take a post dose level for once daily dosing. Only take a post dose level on patients on bd or tds gentamicin.
- The trough (pre-dose) level should be less than 1mg/L
- The post dose level (if done) should be 5-10mg/l
- If gentamicin levels are within range and renal function is stable, monitor gentamicin levels every 2 to 3 days.
Vancomycin
- A trough (pre-dose) level is required immediately before the third dose.
- Post-dose levels are not required.
- Trough (pre-dose) level should be 15-20mg/L
- If trough (pre-dose) level is outside reference range seek advice from Microbiology. After each dose adjustment re-check level before third dose on the new regimen.
- If levels are within range and renal function is stable, twice weekly monitoring of pre-dose (trough) level is recommended.
Blood cultures
Bacterial and viral serology
CSF
Fungal microscopy and culture
Intravascular cannulae
Infection control screening swabs
Genital tract samples
Respiratory specimens
Sterile fluids, pus and tissue specimens
Stool samples
Urines
Eye, ear, nose, throat (ENT) specimens
Wound, skin and ulcer swabs
Out of hours service
Authorised results are available via the web browser.
Scientific staff provide an on call service to process urgent samples. Unauthorised results from routine samples are not available.
Microbiology consultant staff provide an on call clinical advisory service.
For details of both of these services and contact details please see Microbiology out of hours service.