Haematology services are provided locally by JPUH and QEH, any tests not provided by the spoke laboratories are sent to the hub at NNUH, for a full list of tests provided by each of the laboratories please see our ‘Tests’ pages.
In order to maintain high standards of analysis this Department participates in national external quality assessment schemes (EQA). The Haematology Departments at NNUH and at QEH are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO 15189:2012. The defined schedule of tests for which the laboratories are accredited can be found by clicking on the following links; for NNUH schedule no.10295* or for QEH schedule no.20494*.
These help pages provide information about how users can access our services, who to contact for advice, which tests we perform, sample requirements, normal ranges and turnaround times. The information within these pages is accurate at the time of issue and is reviewed and updated regularly to incorporate new developments.
*Downloaded on 09/01/2024
General Sample Guidelines can be downloaded here.
Sample Acceptance/Rejection Criteria can be downloaded here
A guide to changing internet explorer margins for all ICE forms can be found here
For most routine laboratory procedures, consent can be inferred when the patient presents himself or herself at a laboratory, or other suitable area, within a primary or secondary care setting, with a request form and willingly submits to the usual collecting procedure.
The laboratory infers informed consent has been obtained when samples are received. It is the responsibility of the clinician requesting the test to ensure that informed consent has been obtained.
This consent includes notification to third parties where required by law for example under the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010: we are required to notify
the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010: we are required to notify any infection of public health significance to local public health department as mandated by the regulation. Please ensure your patient is aware of this before submission of samples for testing.
Samples are a potential source of infection and should be treated accordingly. Please fill all sample bottles with the correct volume of blood to ensure correct anticoagulation, and all containers must be securely closed. Leaking samples with gross contamination of contents and containers are discarded. Pocket bags are available for sample transport. Samples should be placed in the appropriate container, which must be securely fastened. This must be placed in a clear plastic bag and sealed. Samples accompanied by forms without specimen bags must be put into marsupial bags with the request form being placed in the side pouch.
There are occasions when extra tests are required to be added to existing samples for patient management.
Add-on investigations from within the Trust
NOTE – Only Add-On requests from the following locations will be accepted, unless the sample cannot be repeated:
Emergency Medicine A&E, AMUL/M, EAUS
Critical Care
NICU
CCC
“If we can find the sample it will be processed but this may take a while. Also if you are intending to take another sample at any time in the near future this may be the quicker route.”
Procedure for requesting add-on investigation(s) from outside the Trust
“If we can find the sample it will be processed but this may take a while. Also if you are intending to take another sample at any time in the near future this may be the quicker route.”
Some specialised or low volume assays are referred to external laboratories for analysis; these may take up to 4 weeks for a result to become available. Please contact the laboratory if there is any urgency for these investigations. Information regarding specimen type for referred tests can be obtained by contacting the laboratory.
In line with accreditation requirements we endeavour to use accredited laboratories whenever possible. Further information on the reference laboratories we use can be obtained from the Individual Head of Section or from the Quality Manager if required.
Authorised results are available on the ICE system, which is updated regularly throughout the day.
If a result is needed urgently and/or cannot be found via the ICE system the laboratory may be contacted 01603 286929/286931.
Results of urgent requests if ICE access or electronic delivery is not available and unexpected results, which may aid the immediate patient management, will be telephoned.
In the event that the laboratory is unable to deliver the required service due to equipment failure we will endeavour to contact all relevant users.
Due to IG compliance requirements, results cannot be communicated directly to patients.
You can download the Haematology Telephoned results criteria here.
Clinicians
Clinicians may contact duty haematologist for clinical advice any time via Switchboard.
Patients
Existing haematology patients should contact the Acute Oncology Service number out-of-hours for any queries. For others, please contact your clinician requesting the test, for example your GP for any clinical queries. If required your clinician will liaise with any relevant specialists.
Please note laboratory staff are not authorised to give results or provide advice to patients.
Key Factors Known to Affect Test Performance and Result Interpretation – Click here
FBC Reference Ranges – Click here
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
However, routinely staffed and most responsive during our core working hours:
The laboratory can be found at the rear of the building on the ground floor sign posted ‘Pathology – Blood Tests’
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. However, routinely staffed and most responsive during our core working hours. Molecular Genetics core hours are Monday – Friday only:
The laboratory can be found in East Block Level 1 sign posted ‘Pathology’
Outside core hours Haematology operates a shift system and qualified Biomedical Scientists are available in the department to undertake emergency and certain routine tests. Special or unusual tests may have to be analysed in batches and may not be available outside the core times.
The laboratory does not need to be contacted if urgent routine investigations are required.
The laboratory can be found at the rear of the building on the ground floor, in area 4, the green section sign posted ‘Pathology & Blood Tests’
EWH-D-001 Last updated 04/04/2024(7)