Send us a sample

We take referrals from any UK hospital, but please telephone ahead (0161 291 2124) for urgent samples. Most results are reported by telephone to reduce reporting delays. Do not wait for yeast identity before sending off a culture, as we include identification.

Our laboratory staff and mycology consultants can also provide advice and guidance to clinical teams by telephone or email. This could include questions about which test(s) to order and how to interpret/apply the results. We are not able to give advice directly to patients, who must discuss their results and care plan with their doctor.

Prices, codes, test packages and average turnaround times are listed in our test catalogue
Instructions for sample collection and packaging are found here
For other queries, please phone 0161 291 2124

Referral form

Download a blank referral form or see an example of a correctly completed form. N.B. If you use Chrome, you may need to manually copy these links into a new tab to start the download (Right click > Copy link address, then Ctrl+V into the address bar in the new tab)

The following MINIMUM information is required for a sample to be accepted:

  • Given name and family name
  • Date of birth
  • Laboratory number
  • Hospital record number or NHS number
  • Address for report
  • Consultant or GP
  • Name of requestor
  • Type and site of specimen
  • Date and time of collection
  • Tests required
  • For assay specimens, please ensure that all antifungal drugs the patient is receiving are written on the form.

Packaging

All samples must be sent in the correct container and accompanied by a request form. Specimen labelling MUST include:

  • Given name and family name
  • Date of birth
  • Laboratory number

Delivery Options

  1. DX332601 Manchester 96 M

2. If not using DX, send to:  


Mycology Reference Centre Manchester,
Education & Research Centre, 2nd Floor Laboratories,
Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS FT,
Southmoor Road,
Manchester M23 9LT

Print packaging label

Packaging label 2026Download

Before sending:

Please note that our laboratory is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 5 pm.

If sending tissue, please inform the laboratory in advance: mrcm@mft.nhs.uk

Flucytosine assays must be sent immediately (by taxi if necessary) and you must telephone (0161 998 7070) before 13:00 in order for us to set up the assay

Last updated: 11 August 2026