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National Standard Methods in PDF Format

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COMMENT ON NATIONAL STANDARD METHODS

KEY:

I = Issued
UR / I = Issued and Under Review
UR = Under Review
D = Draft

WD = Withdrawn
UC = Under Consultation

C = Contact Standards Unit

National Standard Methods - Bacteriology SOPs

Some National Standard Methods are available in Italian

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

BSOP 1

Investigation of ear swabs and associated specimens

I

8.2

Oct 08

BSOP 10

Processing of faeces for Clostridium difficile

I

1.3

Sep 08

BSOP 11

Investigation of skin, superficial, and non-surgical wound swabs

I

5

Nov 09

GP Ref. Guide 11.rg

Venous Leg Ulcers: Infection Diagnosis & Microbiology Investigation - Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care AND Diagnosis and Management of PVL-Staphylococcus aureus Infections Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP 14

Investigation of abscesses and deep-seated wound infections

I

5

Nov 09

BSOP 15

Investigation of bile

I

5

Apr 08

BSOP 17

Investigation of tissues and biopsies

I

5.1

Dec 09

BSOP 19

Investigation of sinus aspirate

I

7.1

Dec 09

BSOP 2

Investigation of eye swabs and canalicular pus

I

5

Mar 08

BSOP 20

Investigation of intravascular cannulae and associated specimens

I

5

May 08

BSOP 22

Investigation of cerebrospinal fluid shunts

I

5

Nov 09

BSOP 23

Investigation of gastric aspirates and infection screen swabs from neonates

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 23.dd

Investigation of gastric aspirates and infection screen swabs from neonates

UR

N/A

N/A

BSOP 25

Investigation of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis fluid

I

5.1

Dec 09

BSOP 26

Investigation of fluids from normally sterile sites

I

5

Nov 09

BSOP 27

Investigation of cerebrospinal fluid

I

5

Apr 08

BSOP 28

Investigation of genital tract and associated specimens

I

4.1

May 05

BSOP 28.dm

Investigation of genital tract and associated specimens

UC

N/A

N/A

GP Ref. Guide 28.rg

Management of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge in women - Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP 29

Investigation of specimens for screening for MRSA

I

5.1

Oct 08

GP Ref. Guide 29.rg

MRSA Screening and Suppression - Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP 30

Investigation of faecal specimens for bacterial pathogens

I

7

Sep 10

GP Ref. Guide 30.rg

Infectious Diarrhoea-The Role of Microbiological Examination of Faeces Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP 31

Investigation of specimens other than blood for parasites

I

3

Jul 08

BSOP 36

Investigation of Specimens For Ectoparasites PLEASE SEE QSOP 67

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP 37

Investigation of blood cultures (for organisms other than Mycobacterium species)

I

6

Jul 10

BSOP 38

Investigation of Bone Marrow

I

1

Nov 07

BSOP 39

Investigation of dermatological specimens for superficial mycoses

I

2

Sep 10

GP Ref. Guide 39.rg

Fungal Skin & Nail Infections: Diagnosis & Laboratory Investigation - Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP 4

Investigation of mouth swabs

I

6.1

Oct 08

BSOP 40

Investigation of specimens for Mycobacterium species

I

5

Jul 06

BSOP 40.dk

Investigation of specimens for Mycobacterium species

UR

N/A

N/A

BSOP 41

Investigation of Urine

I

7

Oct 09

GP Ref. Guide 41.rg

Diagnosis of UTI - Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP 42

Investigation of bone and soft tissue associated with osteomyelitis

I

1.1

Dec 09

BSOP 44

Investigation of Prosthetic Joint Infection samples

I

1.1

Dec 09

BSOP 45

Susceptibility Testing PLEASE SEE QSOP 51

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP  47

Investigation of specimens for Legionella species

I

5

Nov 09

BSOP 5

Investigation of nose swabs

I

6.1

Oct 08

BSOP 51

Screening for Meningococci

I

1.1

May 05

BSOP 51.da

Screening for Meningococci

UR

N/A

N/A

BSOP 52

Investigation of intraocular fluids and corneal scrapings

I

5

Apr 08

BSOP 55

Investigation of gastric biopsies for Helicobacter pylori

I

5

Aug 08

GP Ref. Guide 55.rg

Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in Dyspepsia - Quick Reference Guide for Primary Care

N/A

N/A

N/A

BSOP 57

Investigation of Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Sputum and Associated Specimens

I

2.3

Dec 09

BSOP 58

Processing Swabs For Group B Streptococcal Carriage

I

2.1

Jun 06

BSOP 58.da

Processing Swabs For Group B Streptococcal Carriage

UR

N/A

N/A

BSOP 6

Investigation of specimens for Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis

I

7

Nov 08

BSOP 9

Investigation of throat swabs

I

8

Dec 09


Number of Issued Bacteriology SOPs: 35

National Standard Methods - Bacteriology Identification

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

BSOPID 1

Introduction to the preliminary identification of medically important bacteria

I

1.4

Feb 08

BSOPID 10

Identification of aerobic Actinomycetes

I

1

Nov 09

BSOPID 11

Identification of Moraxella Species and Morphologically Similar Organisms

I

2.1

Jul 11

BSOPID 12

Identification of Haemophilus species and the HACEK group of organisms

I

2

Apr 09

BSOPID 13

Identification of Pasteurella species and morphologically similar bacteria

I

2.1

Sep 07

BSOPID 14

Identification of anaerobic cocci

I

2

Dec 09

BSOPID 15

Identification of anaerobic Actinomycetes species

I

1

Dec 09

BSOPID 16

Identification of Enterobacteriaceae

I

3

Sept 10

BSOPID 17

Identification of glucose non-fermenting Gram-negative rods

I

2

Apr 07

BSOPID 18

Identification of Legionella species

I

2

Nov 07

BSOPID 19

Identification of Vibrio species

I

2

Nov 07

BSOPID 2

Identification of Corynebacterium species

I

3

Jul 08

BSOPID 20

Identification of Shigella species

I

2

Nov 07

BSOPID 21

Identification of Yersinia species from faeces

I

2

Nov 07

BSOPID 22

Identification of Escherichia coli O157

I

3

Sept 10

BSOPID 23

Identification of Campylobacter species

I

2

Nov 07

BSOPID 24

Identification of Salmonella species

I

2.1

Sep 08

BSOPID 25

Identification of anaerobic Gram-negative rods

I

1

Dec 09

BSOPID 26

Identification of Helicobacter species

I

2

Feb 08

BSOPID  3

Identification of Listeria species, non-toxigenic Corynebacterium species and other non-sporing gram-positive rods

I

2

Oct 07

BSOPID 4

Identification of Streptococcus species, Enterococcus species and morphologically similar organisms

I

2.1

Sep 07

BSOPID 5

Identification of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis from selective agar

I

2.1

Sep 07

BSOPID 6

Identification of Neisseria species

I

2.1

Sep 07

BSOPID 6.db

Identification of Neisseria species

UR

N/A

N/A

BSOPID 7

Identification of Staphylococcus species, Micrococcus species and Rothia species

I

2.1

Sep 07

BSOPID 8

Identification of Clostridium species

I

3

Jul 08

BSOPID 9

Identification of Bacillus species

I

2.1

Sep 07


Number of Issued Bacteriology ID SOPs: 26

National Standard Methods - Food

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These documents have been removed and enquiries should be directed to Dr Jim McLauchlin at jim.mclauchlin@hpa.org.uk

National Standard Methods - Guidance Notes

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

QSOP 1.df

Best practice approach on internal quality assurance
D
N/A
N/A
QSOP 10

Traceability and use of thermometers in UKAS accredited laboratories
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 13

Auditing in Health Protection Agency laboratories
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 2

Local document control of documents issued by Technical Services. The Health Protection Agency
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 23

Commercial and in-house diagnostic tests: Evaluations and Validations
I
4.1
Sep 08
QSOP 23.da

Commercial and in-house diagnostic tests: Evaluations and Validations
UR
N/A
N/A
QSOP 27

Quality assurance in the diagnostic virology and serology laboratory
I
6
Nov 10
QSOP 30

Laboratory diagnosis of legionella infections in the HPA
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 31

Surveillance of polio in the UK
I
3.3
Nov 05
QSOP 31.de

Surveillance of polio in the UK
UR
N/A
N/A
QSOP 33

European Directive on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (98/79/EC)
I
4.1
Oct 08
QSOP 36

Corrective and preventive action
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 37

Procedure for dealing with presumptive pathogens isolated from ready-to-eat foods
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 38

Good laboratory practice when performing molecular amplification assays
I
4
Sep 10
QSOP 4

Uncertainty of Measurement in Testing
I
5
Aug 05
QSOP 42

Microbiological examination of CSFs, that may contain agents of spongiform encephalopathies
I
2.2
Sep 05
QSOP 42.da

Microbiological examination of CSFs, that may contain agents of spongiform encephalopathies
UR
N/A
N/A
QSOP 44

Microbiological investigation of patients with acute lymphadenopathy and fever
I
2
Dec 08
QSOP 44.df

Microbiological investigation of patients with acute lymphadenopathy and fever
UC
N/A
N/A
QSOP 46

Aminoglycoside and glycopeptide assays in clinical microbiology laboratories
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 47

Chlamydial Zoonotic Infections
I
1
Apr 09
QSOP 48

Investigation of Viral Encephalitis and Meningitis
I
2.1
Aug 08
QSOP 48.dh

Investigation of Viral Encephalitis and Meningitis
UR
N/A
N/A
QSOP 5

Handling and transport of samples (for the purposes of UKAS accreditation)
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 51

Laboratory detection and reporting of bacteria with extended spectrum ß-Lactamases
I
2.2
May 08
QSOP 51.da

Laboratory detection and reporting of bacteria with extended spectrum ß-Lactamases
UR
N/A
N/A
QSOP 52

Inoculation of culture media (formerly BSOP 54)
I
1
Feb 08
QSOP 53

Recommendations for the screening of specimens for Corynebacterium species
I
2.1
Sep 08
QSOP 54

Investigation of Hepatitis
I
1
Nov 10
QSOP 55

Investigation of Vesicular Rashes
I
2
Jul 09
QSOP 55.df

Investigation of Vesicular Rashes
UC
N/A
N/A
QSOP 56

Investigation of Red Rash
N/A
N/A
QSOP 58

Presumptive diagnosis of Cronobacter sakazakii infection of infants
I
2
Mar 10
QSOP 59

Investigation of Toxoplasma Infection in pregnancy
I
2
Mar 10
QSOP 60

Respiratory viruses
I
1
Aug 08
QSOP 62

Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae using Molecular methods
I
1
Feb 10
QSOP 63

Assessment of point of care tests in Microbiology
WD
N/A
N/A
QSOP 66

Neonatal Hepatitis Syndrome
D
N/A
N/A
QSOP 67

Investigation of specimens for ectoparasites
I
1
Nov 10


Number of Issued Guidance Notes SOPs: 20

Food related documents have been removed and enquiries should be directed to Dr Jim McLauchlin at jim.mclauchlin@hpa.org.uk

National Standard Methods - Test Procedures

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

BSOPTP 1

Example reference strains for National Standard Method Test Procedures

I

1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 10

Coagulase test

I

4.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 12

Deoxyribonuclease test

I

2.2

Jul 11

BSOPTP 19

Indole test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 2

Aesculin hydrolysis test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 21

Motility test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 22

Nagler test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 24

ONPG (ß-galactosidase) test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 25

Optochin test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 26

Oxidase test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 27

Oxidation and fermentation of glucose test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP 29

Porphyrin synthesis (ala) test

I

2.1

Dec 10

BSOPTP  3

Agglutination test

I

2

Mar 10

BSOPTP 30

Potassium hydroxide test

I

2

Dec 10

BSOPTP 32

Changing the phase of Salmonella

I

2

May 10

BSOPTP 34

Thermonuclease test

I

2

Dec 10

BSOPTP 36

Urease test

I

2

Dec 10

BSOPTP 38

X and V factor test

I

2.3

Jan 11

BSOPTP 39

Staining Procedures

I

1

Mar 07

BSOPTP 5

Bile solubility test

I

2.1

Jul 10

BSOPTP 8

Catalase test

I

2.1

Dec 10


Number of Issued Test Procedures SOPs: 21

National Standard Methods - Milk and Dairy

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These documents have been removed and enquiries should be directed to Dr Jim McLauchlin at jim.mclauchlin@hpa.org.uk

National Standard Methods - Virology

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

VSOP  10

Blood borne virus testing in dialysis patients

I

1

Feb 08

VSOP 11

Anti-HIV Screening

I

2

Aug 09

VSOP 11.df

Anti-HIV Screening

UC

N/A

N/A

VSOP 12

Preparation of coated grids for electron microscopy

I

6

Mar 10

VSOP 13

Electron Microscopy: Flotation (direct) method

I

6

Jun 10

VSOP 14

Electron Microscopy: Differential Centrifugation (double-spin method)

I

6

Jun 10

VSOP 15

Electron microscopy: ammonium sulphate precipitation

I

5

Sep 07

VSOP 16

Electron microscopy using solid phase immune electron microscopy

I

5

Sep 07

VSOP 17

Isolation of herpes simplex virus associated with herpes genitalis

I

4

Jul 07

VSOP 17.da

Isolation of herpes simplex virus associated with herpes genitalis

UR

N/A

N/A

VSOP 18

Complement fixation tests

I

3

Dec 09

VSOP 2

Gastroenteritis: sporadic cases

I

5

Jul 07

VSOP 20

Nucleic acid extraction by the Boom method

WD

N/A

N/A

VSOP 21

Isolation of Viruses associated with infections of the eye: Keratoconjunctivitis

I

3

Jun 10

VSOP 22

Immunofluorescence and isolation of viruses from respiratory samples

I

1

Jul 07

VSOP 23

Isolation of human herpes viruses (excluding herpes genitalis)

I

3

Nov 09

VSOP 24

Isolation of enteroviruses and parechoviruses

I

3

Nov 09

VSOP 25

Real-Time Quadriplex PCR for the detection of Influenza

I

1

Nov 06

VSOP 26

Epstein-Barr Virus serology (formerly VSOP 6.2)

I

3

Mar 08

VSOP 27

Hepatitis A virus acute infection serology (formerly VSOP6.3)

I

2.4

Oct 07

VSOP 28

Cytomegalovirus serology (formerly VSOP6.4)

I

2.4

Oct 07

VSOP 29

Swine-lineage Influenza A H1 specific fast Real Time PCR

C

2

May 09

VSOP 3

Gastroenteritis: Outbreaks

I

6

Aug 07

VSOP 30

Investigation of pregnant women exposed to rash illnesses (now incorporating VSOPs 31, 32, 33 and 34)

I

4

May 09

VSOP 31

Management of confirmed erythrovirus (parvovirus) B19 infection in pregnancy (now incorporated in VSOP 30)

WD

N/A

N/A

VSOP 32

Investigation of rubella in pregnant women of unknown rubella immunity status exposed to rash illness (now incorporated in VSOP 30)

WD

N/A

N/A

VSOP 33

Pregnant patient in contact with rash illness (now incorporated in VSOP 30)

WD

N/A

N/A

VSOP 34

Investigation of pregnant patient with rash illness (now incorporated in VSOP 30)

WD

N/A

N/A

VSOP 35

Investigation of Cytomegalovirus infection by Roche Lightcycler PCR

I

2.1

Aug 07

VSOP 36

Operation of the Roche MagNA Pure LC automated nucleic acid extraction robot

WD

N/A

N/A

VSOP 37

Chlamydia trachomatis Infection - Testing by Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAATs)

I

2.1

Sep 08

VSOP 37.df

Chlamydia trachomatis Infection - Testing by Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAATs)

UC

N/A

N/A

GP Ref. Guide 37.rg

Diagnosis of Chlamydia - Quick Reference Guide for General Practices

N/A

N/A

N/A

VSOP 38

Detection of SARS-CoV by reverse transcription PCR

I

2

May 09

VSOP 39

Procedure for the care and propagation of cell cultures for virus isolation

I

2

Dec 09

VSOP 4

Hepatitis B diagnostic serology in the immunocompetent (including Hepatitis B in pregnancy)

I

5

Nov 10

VSOP 40

RT-PCR (Block Based) for Influenza H5 viruses

I

4

May 09

VSOP 41

Real-Time RT-PCR (Taq Man) for influenza A H5 viruses

I

5

May 09

VSOP 42

RT-PCR for the detection of influenza A viruses

I

2

May 09

VSOP 43

Investigation of viral encephalitis

I

2.1

Apr 11

VSOP 44

Serological Diagnosis of Syphilis

I

1.1

Jul 11

VSOP 45

Haemadsorption of viruses

I

2

Mar 10

VSOP 46

European Real-Time RT-PCR for Influenza A H5 viruses

I

2

May 09

VSOP 47

Investigation of Swine-Lineage Influenza A (H1N1) by PCR

I

3

Jun 09

VSOP 48

Swine-lineage Influenza A N1 Fast Real Time Confirmatory PCR assay

C

1

May 09

VSOP 49

Investigation of Swine-Lineage Influenza A/H1N1 v using the Quadriplex Influenza A PCR assay with Swine-Lineage Influenza A H1 and N1 assays

I

1.1

Jun 09

VSOP 5

Investigation of Hepatitis C Infection infection by antibody testing or combined antigen/antibody assay

I

6

Nov 10

VSOP 50

One-step influenza multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR

C

1

Jun 09

VSOP 51

Investigation of Swine-lineage Influenza A/H1N1v using the Swine-lineage Influenza A H1 assay

I

1

Jul 09

VSOP 52

Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 2009 H275Y (Oseltamivir Resistance) Screening Assay (TaqMan PCR)

C

2

Jan 11

VSOP 6

Hepatitis, jaundice and abnormal LFTs

WD

N/A

N/A

VSOP 8

Vertical HCV transmission algorithm

I

1

Nov 07


Number of Issued Virology SOPs: 37

National Standard Methods - Water

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These documents have been removed and enquiries should be directed to Dr Jim McLauchlin at jim.mclauchlin@hpa.org.uk

National Standard Methods - Syndromic Algorithms

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Ref No

Title

Status

Issue No

Issue Date

S1

Acute Infective Hepatitis

I

1

Feb 10

S2

Pneumonia

I

1

Jul 11

S3

Conjunctivitis

I

1

Feb 10

S6.dp

Sexually Transmitted Infections

UC

N/A

N/A

Number of SOPs: 3