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Virus reference department (VRD)

VRD provides clinical advice and laboratory investigations for a wide range of human virus infections.

Updates to this page

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published:
8 August 2014
Last updated:
8 September 2025
Show all updates

  1. Added Polio Reference Service section and associated links.

  2. Removed reference to "Serological development unit (SDU)" and added "Electron microscopy (EM)

  3. Added Adenovirus testing in whole blood request form. Removed serological department link.

  4. Amended important service update.

  5. Added notification of service delivery changes made to PHE reference and specialist laboratories to provide critical support to the COVID-19 incident.

  6. Added Herpes simplex virus: referral form.

  7. Added Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8): referral form.

  8. Added HCV genotypic susceptibility testing request form.

  9. First published.

The Virus reference department (VRD) offers a wide range of immuno and molecular assays for the assessment of immune responses to viruses and molecular detection of viruses of public health importance.

VRD is a World Health Organization (WHO) Global Specialised measles and rubella laboratory and contains WHO accredited national laboratories for influenza and poliovirus.

VRD’s work embraces both reference functions supporting NHS and public health activity and has particular expertise in the detection and characterisation of:

  • sexually transmitted and blood borne viral pathogens
  • enteric and respiratory viruses

VRD units

VRD is made up of 8 units:

  • Antiviral unit (AVU)
  • Blood borne virus unit (BBVU)
  • Clinical services unit (CSU)
  • Electron microscopy (EM)
  • Enteric virus unit (EVU)
  • Human papillomavirus reference unit (HPU)
  • Immunisation and diagnosis unit (IDU)
  • Polio Reference Service (PRS)
  • Respiratory virus unit (RVU)

Contact

Virus Reference Department (VRD)

UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue
London
NW9 5HT

Email vrdqueries@ukhsa.gov.uk

Telephone 0208 327 7887

DX address UKHSA Colindale VRD, DX 6530006

Antiviral unit (AVU)

Blood borne virus unit (BBVU)

Clinical services unit (CSU)

Electron microscopy (EM)

Enteric virus unit (EVU)

Human papillomavirus virus unit (HPU)

Immunisation and diagnosis unit (IDU)

Polio Reference Service (PRS)

Respiratory virus unit (RVU)

VRD documents

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