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UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations (SMI)

UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations (SMIs) are a comprehensive referenced collection of recommended algorithms and procedures for clinical microbiology.

NHS Evidence has accredited the process used by the HPA to produce SMIs.   The accreditation is applicable to all guidance produced since October 2009 using the SMI development processes.  Accreditation is valid for three years from July 2011.

The process for the development of SMIs is certified to ISO 9001:2008.

UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations consist of:

  • Syndromic algorithms, the overarching framework to which other SMIs relate, describe the investigations chosen at the pre-analytical (clinical syndrome) stage.
  • Recommended investigations for microbiology including minimum testing algorithms for virology (analytical and post analytical). Minimum testing algorithms for virology (analytical and post analytical).
  • Clinical guidance cover the clinical background, differential diagnosis, and appropriate investigation of particular clinical conditions.
  • Quality guidance describe essential laboratory methodologies to underpin quality eg assay validation, quality assurance and understanding uncertainty of measurement.  

Access the UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations  (SMIs).

Some UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations have been translated into Italian [external link].

Contact standards@hpa.org.uk


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