The Haematology and Transfusion service has laboratories at Maidstone Hospital and at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. We provide a comprehensive clinical service to the hospitals, the local Clinical Commissioning Group and the community. Some specialist investigations are provided through arrangements with specialised laboratories throughout the UK.
The majority of requests originating in primary care are transported directly to the main automated laboratory at Maidstone Hospital. The majority of inpatient and outpatient work is conducted on the originating site.
There is 24 hour support, 365 days a year on both sites for urgent patient management.
The Haematology and Blood Transfusion laboratories are assessed by the National Pathology accreditation body United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) against ISO 15189:2012 standards.
Information about UKAS accredited repertoire scope.
Testing guidelines and protocols
- Blood Transfusion Policy & Procedure
- Blood Transfusion Confirmatory Blood Sample System
- Inherited thrombophilia and antiphospholipid screen testing acceptance criteria – For secondary care, refer patients to the Thrombosis MDT via Sunrise. For primary care, discuss cases through Advice and Guidance before making a request.
Guidelines for investigation and management of haematological disorders in primary care
These guidelines have been written to give guidance on investigating and managing haematological disorders in primary care.
If your query is not answered by these guidelines please contact the on-call Haematologist via Kinesis.
For all urgent queries please contact the on-call Haematologist via our switchboard on 01622 729000.
Coagulation testing
Anticoagulation
- Anticoagulation guidelines – pre, peri and post-operative guidance
- A brief guide to using DOACs
- DOAC haemorrhage protocol
- Anticoagulation in patients with active malignancy
- Algorithm for management of bleeding and excessive anticoagulation on warfarin
- Algorithm for use of temporary inferior vena caval filters
Management of venous thromboses
Management of raised ferritin
Investigation of cytopaenias
Red cell disorders
White cell disorders
Platelet disorders
Pregnancy
Management of CLL and paraproteins in the community
Miscellaneous
Haematology reference ranges, critical telephone criteria
Transfusion services
The department offers
- antenatal grouping and antibody screen
- histocompatability and immunogenetics
- Private blood grouping and antibody screen (for travel abroad)