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Road, London, N.W.10. (Telephone: 459-1422). The routine work of the
service is essentially bacteriological, virological and epidemiological.
Routine specimens fall under two main headings:—
(a) "Medical" specimens received from medical practitioners, infectious
diseases hospitals and local authorities. These are specimens of faeces,
throat swabs, blood samples, etc., taken for diagnostic examination from
persons suspected of suffering from infectious disease.
(b) "Sanitary" specimens received from medical officers of health, public
health inspectors, and others concerned officially with the control of
public health. They comprise specimens for bacteriological examination
of water, shell-fish, milk, cream, sewage, etc., processed foods such as
ice-cream, artificial cream and canned foods, imported products such as
meat, fish and fertiliser.
•
Epidemiological work includes the investigation of outbreaks of
infectious disease in co-operation with health departments.