A rationalised virological electron microscope specimen testing policy

The aim of this project was to produce guidance for a rationalised virologi cal electron microscopy specimen testing policy for PHLS North West, to fac ilitate centralisation of a groupwide diagnostic electron microscopy servic e on a single site. Careful specimen selection to limit numbers and the gro upwide use of commercially available enzyme immunoassays has allowed PHLS N orth West to reduce the number of specimens prepared for electron microscop y. The rationalised virological electron microscopy specimen testing policy has enabled a diagnostic electron microscopy service to be provided from a single site with a manageable workload. Implementation of this specimen te sting policy by PHLS North West has been successful and may be applicable t o other laboratories (or groups of laboratories) to maximise the use of exp ensive electron microscopy facilities.