As of 27th May 2014 TSH only will be the frontline test for investigating Thyroid function. If the TSH is <0.35 mU/L or >4.9 mU/L a fT4 will be automatically added on to the request. If the TSH is <0.1 mU/L fT3 will also be added. The reason for this is to encourage more appropriate use of the thyroid tests. If you have any queries or concerns please contact the duty biochemist (bleep 2506).

From 27^th February 2014 we will be resuming a PTH service from Heartlands using the Roche intact PTH assay (iPTH).  It is difficult to directly compare results determined from the previous Abbott assay to the Roche assay as the Abbott method had a significant positive bias with respect to Roche, therefore you should expect slightly lower results now.  The reference range for iPTH on the Roche assay is 1.6-6.9 pmol/L. 

Analysis will be batched daily, Monday-Friday.  As previously plasma from EDTA samples is the preferred sample type.  If there is a need for an urgent PTH the current process of contacting the duty biochemist/duty consultant will continue and the urgent pathway implemented. If there are any queries clinicians should contact the duty biochemist/duty consultant.

The PHE Public Health Laboratory Birmingham are changing the type of sample tubes required for urines sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivity testing (M,C&S). The new tubes will fit directly onto the laboratory’s new automated analysers which will speed up the processing of urines. This is part of the quality improvement and technical modernisation strategy of the laboratory. The smaller volume required to fill the new style boric acid containers should also reduce the number of samples we cannot process due to them being under-filled. For urines for tests other than M,C&S (e.g. Pregnancy test, legionella antigen, virology, TB culture, chlamydia and gonorrhoea) please continue to use the sample containers currently required for those tests. For CSF's and any sterile sites e.g. Ascitic Fluid, Knee Aspirates, Pleural Fluids, PD Fluids, Pus samples and any other fluid samples please send them in a 20ml universal. Urines for MC&S in a 20ml universal will be rejected, so please send in correct container. Please check your requisition form to make sure you can order both types of specimwn containers.

What are the new urine sample tubes like?

• The new tubes are smaller and have a 10ml capacity.
• They will still be available in both a “red top” boric acid containing version and plain “white top” version.

From Saturday May 25^th the Phlebotomy service at Boots has transferred back to Solihull Hospital into the new expanded facility. Access is via the South entrance and is signposted.

• Saturday 8.30 – 12.00
• Sunday 10.30 – 13.30

The prolactin assay will be changing in the next few weeks. This is because it has been re-standardised by the manufacturer.

The new assay gives results approximately 25% lower than what is currently reported. 

The way we measure Albumin will change from 29/10/2012. We will be changing to an assay based on bromocreosol purple from our current assay based on bromocreosol green. The new assay is more specific for albumin allowing us to report more accurate albumin results.

Most users will see no difference in the results we report. 

If you have any questions about any potential affects this change may have please contact teh duty biochemist on bleep 2506 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.