Potato Virus Testing Services
Accurate. Reliable. Virus diagnostics for potato health.
Independent intelligence you can act on
Hutton Scientific Services is pleased to offer growers, seed producers, breeders, packers and supply-chain partners a Potato Virus Testing Service built on decades of commercial diagnostics experience.
Our service offers reliable, industry recognised and well trusted diagnostic techniques to enable you to make informed crop production decisions.
Both of the above viruses are screened as standard, whichever testing technique you choose.
Need to test for something else, or want a bespoke panel? Just get in touch and we’ll talk it through.
Virus in your crop costs more than you think
Viral disease can reduce yield, compromise tuber quality, and affect seed certification. Accurate detection lets you get ahead of the problem.
Informed stock decisions
Predict the health status of your stock before you plant, sell or certify it.
Protect high-value varieties
Safeguard against reputational damage.
Stay certification-ready
Maintain compliance with seed certification schemes with confidence.
We use Grow-on ELISA and direct tuber RT-PCR to deliver results that stand up to scrutiny, backed by accredited laboratory standards.
What you get
- High sensitivity and specificity
- Practical post-harvest turnaround times
- Clear, independent reporting
- Consistent quality assurance
Sample types we accept
- Post-harvest tuber testing – 120 whole seed tubers per sample
- Growing crop leaf testing – pending for 2027
Sampling and packaging guidance is provided when you book, to keep your results accurate.
What to expect once your samples arrive
Booking & arrival
- Every test needs a pre-booking agreement with HSS
- Booking opens 6 July 2026
- Samples are processed in accordance with arrival date
Reporting
- Clear, easy-to-interpret virus detection status
- Delivered electronically or in hard copy, your choice
Estimated turnaround times
Express PCR service available – discuss on request.
*During times of high demand, or for large (>10) sample numbers, estimated turnaround times may be adversely affected.
*Subject to queuing around peak season.
Straightforward, per-sample pricing
All prices shown are exclusive of VAT. Both testing techniques include PLRV and PVY as standard.
PCR Testing
Our fastest route to a result, at 3–4 weeks turnaround.
ELISA Testing
Trusted, well-established diagnostics at 6–8 weeks turnaround.
Looking for additional pathogens or a bespoke testing panel? Get in touch and we’ll arrange a time to discuss.
Four steps from enquiry to submission
Email us
Get in touch at VirusTesting@Huttonltd.com to start your booking request.
Complete & return the form
You’ll receive confirmation and a delivery date to secure your space.
Prepare your samples
Follow the sampling guidelines provided with your confirmation.
Send or submit
We will accept samples delivered in person or by your chosen courier to arrive on the agreed date and time.
A few common questions
What viruses are included as standard?
Every sample is screened for Potato Virus Y (PVY) and Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV), regardless of which technique you choose.
Can you test for other pathogens?
Yes. For additional pathogens or a bespoke testing panel, get in touch and we’ll arrange a time to discuss your requirements.
How long will results take?
RT-PCR results take 3–4 weeks, and ELISA results take 6–8 weeks, both subject to queuing at peak times. An express PCR service is available on request.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, all samples must have a pre-booking agreement with HSS before they arrive. Booking opens 6 July 2026, and samples are processed in accordance with arrival date.
