If you require a test that is not listed, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Pathology test catalogue – to search this document, open it,  hold down the control key and press the “F” (find) key. A dropdown box will appear in the top right corner.

Haematology minimum retesting intervals

Histology repertoire and turnaround times

• Order of draw of blood samples. Please fill each tube to the fill line.

Do not attach pre-printed labels over the clear section of the container, or over the expiry date of the container.

• Specimen & request form requirements
• Swabs: see microbiology

For other sample collection techniques and guidelines, see the relevant department.

Select tests are available out of hours (8pm-9am).

• Biochemistry tests avaoilable during out of hours service.

Tests sent to referral centres are often very expensive and may require special transport arrangements. Request forms should have full clinical details to justify the test. The return of results from samples sent elsewhere may vary from one week to several months, depending on the test.

• Cellular Pathology referral laboratories
• Microbiology Referral Laboratories

When requesting a Pathology test, please ensure consideration of the following has occurred:

• The need for the test request has been established and is in the patient’s best interest and that the patient has given consent in line with Trust policy for this to occur.
• Please ensure that the Pathology service is able to undertake the test (if in doubt please refer to Pathology test catalogue).
• Ensure that the patient is aware of any specific requirements that they may need to take for the test e.g. fasting (if in doubt please refer to Pathology test catalogue).
• Order the test and if sample collection is not occurring immediately ensure that method of collections is organised and the patient is aware of any actions they may need to take e.g. booking a phlebotomy appointment.

When collecting a specimen, please ensure that the following steps are adhered to:

• Ensure that the patient’s identify it confirmed and matches the request form (electronic or paper).
• Confirm with the patient that they meets any applicable specific requirements for the test e.g. fasting (if in doubt please refer to Pathology test catalogue).
• Ensure only trained or those under appropriate supervision collect the specimen from the patient.
• Ensure appropriate quantity of specimen is obtained and placed in the appropriate container (if in doubt, please refer to Pathology test catalogue).
• Ensure all consumables used are within expiry date.
• Ensure containers are labelled in line with Pathology specimen acceptance criteria following the collection.
• Ensure that all sharps are disposed of in line with Health and Safety processes.
• Ensure the specimen is placed in the agreed method for transportation to Pathology; whilst these are awaiting transport, these must not be placed where patient confidentiality may be compromised, in direct sunlight or near heaters to ensure specimen integrity.

Please note: Certain tests have specific transport requirements e.g. on ice/ within 10 minutes of collection to remain suitable for analysis by the laboratory and this must be considered before taking specimen so that this criteria can be met (if in doubt please refer to Pathology test catalogue).

The Pathology department relies on the requesting clinician to meet the requirements for patient consent for any pathology investigations. Clinicians are responsible for gaining consent from patients for the provision of a sample to enable diagnostic testing.

Clinicians obtain consent from the patient in line with guidance:

• General Medical Council guidance GMC guidance: Decision making and Consent
• Department of Health guidance Reference guide to consent for examination or treatment (second edition) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Patients can give consent orally or in writing, or they may imply consent by complying with the proposed examination or treatment, for example, by rolling up their sleeve to have their blood sample taken.

For the laboratory, the request form and the provision of a sample provides evidence of consent received from the patient.

The clinician will seek consent from the patient to investigate through testing. Therefore, initial consent conversations may not detail each specific test that will be required to aid diagnosis. The nature of laboratory testing can mean that ‘reflex’ testing that is carried out as part of the diagnostic pathway. This is testing that takes place to further narrow down or clarify a result, and is triggered from the outcome of the initial result. Reflex testing is part of the testing pathway and therefore does not require additional consent.

There are a small number of tests that require very specific consent, as a patient may require additional support or counselling regarding the outcome of the test. Where this is the case, the laboratory will always check that consent specific to these tests has been given.