Key Factors That can Affect Results
Common causes of spurious results due to incorrect collection or storage
Note: Common analytical interferences are screened for and if detected no results will be reported for that analyte.
Sample transport by Airtube (Exceptions)
The following sample types should not be sent via the airtube system
- CSF for Xanthochromia analysis
- Pleural fluids for any analysis
Biochemistry Phone Limits
The phoning limits for biochemistry tests are as follows:
Opening Hours: 24 Hour Service
The Department operates a 24 hr service, 7 days a week.
To ensure that immediate attention is given to emergency requests, doctors must phone the laboratory to ensure that staff are aware of the priority. It is the responsibility of the requesting doctor to ensure the sample is sent to the Department.
For out of hours clinical advice (17:30 - 09:00), please contact switchboard and ask for the Duty Consultant On-call for the clinical speciality you require
Reference Ranges
A list of all tests performed at this laboratory, reference ranges and details of turn-around times are given in the Test Database.
If the test you require is not shown here, please contact the laboratory to see if we can do it or, alternatively, suggest where else it may be performed.
Emergency Tests
IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT AN EMERGENCY REQUEST SHOULD NOT BE MADE UNLESS THE RESULT IS REQUIRED FOR THE IMMEDIATE MANAGEMENT OF THE PATIENT.
An emergency service is provided for the following tests
All routine biochemistry including digoxin and osmolality (excluding cyclosporin and xanthochromia analysis)
Biochemical Profiles
Liver function
Protein, Albumin, Bilirubin, ALT, ALP with GGT automatically reflex tested if ALP > 200
Renal/Electrolytes
Sodium, Potassium, Urea, Creatinine
Cardiac
Troponin I
Lipid
Cholesterol, Triglyceride
Bone
Calcium, Phosphate, ALP, TP, Alb