Guidance

Pathogen genomics at Porton Down

The Pathogen Genomics Department at Porton Down provides a sequencing service for SARS-CoV-2 for customers across the NHS and UKHSA.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 26 March 2024
• Last updated: 5 February 2025 — See all updates

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Pathogen genomics at Porton Down user manual

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P6 covid sequencing request form

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Details

The Pathogen Genomics Department at Porton Down provides a sequencing service for SARS-CoV-2 for customers across the NHS and UKHSA.

The laboratory at Porton Down sequences the samples and the UKHSA Bioinformatics department performs analysis of the data to determine a SARS-CoV-2 variant result. Sequencing is essential for identifying and managing the emergence of variants of concern. The results will also be sent via the Second-Generation Surveillance System (SGSS) and through to government for key decision making around Variants of Concern.

The Pathogen Genomics department is situated in the Henderson Wing at UKHSA Porton Down.

The address is:
UKHSA Porton Down
Manor Farm Road
Porton Down, near Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP4 0JG

Published 26 March 2024
Last updated 5 February 2025 + show all updates

1. 5 February 2025

   Updates to sections 7 and 11.2 regarding Turnaround Time (14 days) and provision of consensus sequencing data (provided upon request), respectively.

2. 26 March 2024

   First published.