Cryptosporidium Reference Unit: Water and Environmental Services
Contact us
Cryptosporidium Reference Unit
Public Health Wales Microbiology
Singleton Hospital
Sgeti
Swansea
SA2 8QA
Public Health Wales Microbiology
DX 6070309
Swansea 90 SA
Tel: 01792 285341 (for results, consultation and advice during office hours)
Out of hours tel: 01792 205666 (ask for on-call consultant microbiologist)
Email: [email protected]
Laboratory hours: 08:45 to 17:00 (Monday to Friday)
Staff
- Consultant Clinical Scientist and Head of Unit: Professor Rachel Chalmers
- Principal Clinical Scientists: Dr Kristin Elwin and Dr Guy Robinson
Water and environmental available:
- Genotyping of confirmed Cryptosporidium samples to support outbreak/cluster investigations and for risk assessment purposes
- Evaluation of new laboratory methods for Cryptosporidium
- Consultation advice on detection and management of Cryptosporidium
- Advice on the investigation, epidemiology, control and prevention of Cryptosporidium
- R & D activities in relation to our reference functions
| Investigation | Samples required | Tests performed | Turnaround time (depends on complexity and current workload) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Genotyping of Cryptosporidium to species level* (further characterisation is at the discretion of the Unit Head following consultation) |
Cryptosporidium-positive water and testing slides following consultation with Unit Head |
Microscopy PCR-based tests |
Urgent samples 5 working days All other samples: test offered monthly (This test is offered monthly, at the beginning of each month. Please phone to discuss urgent submissions.) |
- Charges are reviewed annually and can be supplied on request. ↩︎
How to obtain services
Please telephone in advance of sending samples. It is often helpful to seek advice prior to sampling.
Use the Cryptosporidium Reference Unit forms as appropriate:
Special instructions
Sample Transport
All samples must be packaged in accordance with current UK or international postal regulations and sent either by Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Next Day service, international equivalent, Parcel Force or other courier (specify morning delivery).
Request forms
Please complete and email the appropriate form to [email protected] in advance and enclose the original with the samples.
Reporting of results
Reports will be sent to the body submitting the sample. Copies may also be sent to relevant public health professionals. Results are subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
Investigation of Cryptosporidium linked to swimming pools
External links
Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group is a UK-based independent, non-commercial membership organisation, dedicated to raising standards in pool water treatment.