NHS Respiratory Metagenomics Network
We are establishing pilot respiratory metagenomics clinical services in NHS sites across the UK, with digital-genomic bridges to UKHSA for future national surveillance, as a world-first programme combining effective infectious disease management with real-time emerging pathogen detection and notification. Using a same day, pathogen agnostic metagenomic test, we are seeking to improve outcomes for patients through accelerated diagnostics and personalised interventions.
We are a growing network
As of 2026, these are the sites currently involved in the network.
Service evaluation is demonstrating that:
- One in three patients had infections detected that standard tests had missed.
- Doctors were able to safely adjust treatments in more than a quarter of cases, often reducing the use of strong, broad-spectrum drugs.
- One in five patients started treatments to suppress the immune system using the results.
- The test also picked up infections with wider public health risks, including tuberculosis, HIV, and measles, helping protect other patients and the community.
