In 2008 The Evaluations and Standards Laboratory (ESL) was renamed The Department for Evaluations, Standards and Training (DEST).

DEST is composed of 5 Units:

Microbiological Diagnostics Assessment Service - Evaluations Unit

Unit Head: Dr Keith Perry

What we do:

• Evaluate kits and equipment relevant to microbiology
• Testing to contribute to CE Mark technical data
• Study coordination
• Procurement support
• Product information (market & evidence reviews, online databases)

 

Quality Control Reagents Unit

Unit Head: Joe Vincini

What we do:

• Supply clinical laboratories with quality control reagents and help laboratories monitor their own quality

 

Quality System Unit

Unit Head: Dr Ian Sharp

What we do:

• Support the Centre for Infections with their quality system
• Run audit courses

 

Standards Unit

Acting Unit Head: Ruhi Siddiqui

What we do:

• Develop National Standard Methods,Guidance Notes and Minimum Testing Algorithms
• Communicate possible Technical Adverse Incidents to participating laboratories
  

Please note that all National Standard Methods are now available on http://www.hpa-standardmethods.org.uk

 

Education and Training Unit (ETU)

Unit Head: Dr Satnam Sagoo

What we do:

• DEST Links
  Links to the websites of some of the services used by the Department for Evaluations, Standards and Training (DEST)
  Added/updated: 10 December 2008