Collection

National mycobacterium reference service- South (NMRS-South)

NMRS-South is the reference laboratory for mycobacterium species.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 8 August 2014
• Last updated: 25 August 2023 — See all updates

The National Mycobacterium Reference Service-South (NMRS-South) provides several services to referral laboratories.

The principal activities of the unit include:

• provision of a mycobacterial reference service, based on Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for identification of Mycobacterium sp isolates

• prediction of drug susceptibility and resistance, and determination of relatedness for detection of transmission

• investigation of outbreaks

• phenotypic drug susceptibility testing for selected M. tuberculosis complex and non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) isolates

• extended testing for M. tuberculosis complex isolates, with resistance to first-line agents

Primary isolation services include:

• microscopy and culture

• a Fastrack (PCR) Service for detection of M. tuberculosis complex and rifampicin (and multidrug) resistance

Contact

National Mycobacterium Reference Service-South (NMRS-South)

National Infection Service, 61 Colindale Avenue
London
NW9 5EQ

Email nmrs.south@ukhsa.gov.uk

Telephone 020 832 76957

DX address DX 6530016, Colindale NW

Documents

• National mycobacterium reference service - South: user handbook
  • 20 March 2025
  • Guidance
• Mycobacterium referral form
  • 16 January 2025
  • Form
• NMRS referral for primary samples
  • 16 January 2025
  • Form

Published 8 August 2014

Last updated 25 August 2023 + show all updates

1. 25 August 2023

   Updated list of primary isolation services.

2. 22 February 2021

   Update to DX address.

3. 22 November 2018

   Updated service and contact details, and added 'user manual'.

4. 17 October 2016

   Updated with the lab's new name and location.

5. 8 August 2014

   First published.