A new testing service for a hospital superbugs will start in this region next week.

A new testing service for a hospital superbug has started in this region.

The new test equipment can find the 'genetic fingerprints', or type, of bugs such as C difficile. It makes it possible to trace the spread of infection within hospitals, to spot particularly serious infections and large outbreaks, and to use hospital resources more efficiently to bring them under control. The Health Protection Agency microbiology lab in Cambridge will provide a bug typing service for hospitals across the east of England, including Norfolk. The lab also carries out diagnostic tests for swine and bird flu.