Guidance

Malaria reference laboratory (MRL): user handbook

Details of MRL laboratory services including malaria diagnosis.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 1 March 2013
• Last updated: 3 December 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Malaria reference laboratory: user handbook

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Details

The Malaria Reference Laboratory (MRL) provides the following services:

• malaria diagnosis
• epidemiological data for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
• prophylaxis advice for travellers
• technical advice on methodology and laboratory procedures

These services are offered to:

• all hospitals
• UKHSA and NHS laboratories
• GPs
• private medical laboratories throughout the UK and abroad

Published 1 March 2013
Last updated 3 December 2024 + show all updates

1. 3 December 2024

   Updated content which was no longer required.

2. 20 August 2021

   Updated following sections: 'Location', 'Staff and telephone numbers', 'Sample', 'Specimen collection' and 'Laboratory investigation of malaria'.

3. 8 March 2019

   Added information on data security and outbreak investigations.

4. 1 February 2019

   Added latest version of Malaria reference laboratory user handbook.

5. 6 November 2017

   Updated staff and telephone numbers, investigation of malaria: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and PCR turnaround time.

6. 6 October 2016

   Replaced user handbook with 2016 edition.

7. 28 January 2015

   Updated guidance on obtaining malaria prophylaxis advice and on procedure for Hazard Group 4 risk specimens.

8. 1 March 2013

   First published.