Form

Identify bacteria by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (BA6226)

Submit samples for tests to identify bacteria isolated from animals or food using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 28 October 2024

Documents

Bacterial identification based on 16S rRNA gene fragment sequence

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Details

You can use this form to submit samples from animals or food for tests to identify the bacteria isolated from them.

Bacteria are identified by sequencing a fragment of their 16S rRNA gene and comparing the results with records held on public databases.

You can also submit samples for full 16S rRNA sequencing if you need high-resolution bacterial identification and taxonomic placement.

Testing is carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Tests, costs and turnaround times

Detailed information including costs is available on the APHA Scientific price list.

Taking samples

You can submit any of the following for testing:

• swabs
• culture plates
• boilates (inactivated bacterial lysates)
• purified DNA

APHA cannot accept any live organism if there is any suspicion that it may be above Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) Hazard Group 2.

Where to send samples

Send your completed submission form and sample to:

Sample Reception
APHA Weybridge
Woodham Lane
New Haw
Addlestone
Surrey
KT15 3NB
UK

You can also send a copy of the form by email to 16Scharacterisation@apha.gov.uk. You must always send a copy of the form, or a letter with the sample ID, with the sample.

You must follow the rules for packaging and sending pathological material.

How to pay

You enter into a contract with APHA when the Veterinary Investigation Centre receives your sample and submission form.

You will be sent an invoice with instructions on how to set up an account to make payment. You must pay within 28 days of the date of invoice. APHA reserves the right to withhold services for accounts in arrears.

See our general terms and conditions that apply to testing where no specific contract is signed.

Receiving your test results

Check the price list for the maximum processing time for each test.

Test results are returned as soon as possible. If you need the findings urgently, you should include this on the form.

Reports are sent by email. You can ask for the report to be sent by post. Reports sent by special delivery will result in extra charges and you will need to ask the centre for this service. You can also ask that results are sent to someone other than yourself.

Contact APHA lab services

General enquiries: 03000 600 022 
Email: 16Scharacterisation@apha.gov.uk

Published 28 October 2024