Introduction
Electron micrograph of Meningococci
Welcome to the website of the Scottish Haemophilus, Legionella, Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory (SHLMPRL). The SHLMPRL was formed in 2009 from a merger of two reference laboratories with a long history of providing a reference service to the NHS in Scotland - the Scottish Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory (SMPRL) and the Scottish Legionella Reference Laboratory (SLRL). It is based in the Microbiology Department at Stobhill Hospital, part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, but it is centrally funded by Health Protection Scotland (HPS).
The laboratory provides a national reference service for the detection and characterization of human Haemophilus, Legionella, Meningococcus and Pneumococcus infections and the identification and typing of associated environmental isolates. The SHLMPRL accepts samples from laboratories throughout Scotland. The services offered include serology, urinary antigen testing, M.I.C's, culture and genomic detection from clinical material and epidemiological typing of submitted isolates. A full list of the laboratory's repertoire can be found in the Services section. In addition, SHLMPRL provides advice on infection control issues, teaching and training of medical and technical staff and has an ongoing research and development program. The laboratory also collaborates with the Health Protection Scotland (HPS) to provide data on the epidemiology of the aforementioned organisms in Scotland.
The Stobhill Hospital site also hosts the Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory (SMRSARL), the Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory (SPDL) and the Scottish Salmonella Shigella and Clostridium difficile Reference Laboratory (SSSCDRL), also supported by Health Protection Scotland.Introduction | Information | Services | Contacts | Annual Reports | Research | Links