The recommended order of draw of samples using the Vacuette system if no blood culture is required:

1. Coagulation
2. Serum (Gel or Red)
3 Lithium Heparin
4. Potassium EDTA
5. Fluoride Oxalate (Glucose Tube)

Mix tubes well but do not shake, and ensure that patient details are handwritten on tubes.

1. Using i-Care, medical staff should select the patient for whom they wish to add-on a test.

2. Expand the ‘Services’ folder on the left hand side of the screen and click on the link:

3. View/create Pathology add on test

4. If any add on tests have already been requested they will be listed here.

5. Click the add new test link in the top right hand corner.

6. Complete the form: date of sample, time of sample and test(s) are mandatory fields.

7. Once the form  is complete click the Submit button.

Electronic Reports.

The Directorate is able to report electronically to GP practice systems to national standards via the Data Transfer Service. Practices wishing to receive results electronically or requiring advice and assistance should contact the Laboratory Medicine Information Systems Manager. 0121 424 0693

Specialist information is required for Blood Bank, Cytology and Histology requests. See the individual laboratory section for their requirements.

Prior to venepuncture please ensure that all sample tubes have been stored to the manufacturers reccomendations and have not exceeded the expiry date shown on the label.

The table below indicates the mandatory/ essential data required on samples and request forms and outlines the desirable information which ideally should be included.

All tests should, if possible, be requested on the standard request forms. Please take the extra time to furnish clinical details, registration data and hazard information. This assists quicker and safer processing and more accurate interpretation of laboratory data. If it is likely that the volume available at venepuncture will be limited, please contact the laboratory before phlebotomy to discuss the absolute minimum required to perform the requested tests. In addition further information is avaliabnle in the investigations database on the web site.

Pathology specimens should be sent via the post tube to the laboratory or delivered by hand and left at the reception desk.  Please do not, under any circumstances, leave specimens anywhere else in the Pathology buildings.

All samples sent to the laboratory should be packed so as to comply with the Carriage Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 1996

Pathology reports can be viewed via either the ICE electronic requesting and reporting system or iCare vortal. Access to both these system requires a valid network User ID which is created by Trust ICT Department. It is the responsibility of all staff to complete an ICT Services Application form indicating the clinical systems they require access to. This is normally done during the staff induction process. The application is then validated by the individuals operational or directorate manager. Privilege levels within ICE are controlled by the Directorate of Laboratory Medicine, therefore, should you be able to access the iCare vortal but not the ICE system contact Laboratory Medicine's Information Systems Administrator.

COMPLETING REQUEST FORMS

Requests from within the Trust and from General Practices for Microbiology Specimens.

SPECIALIST INFORMATION IS REQUIRED FOR ANDROLOGY, ANTIVIRAL RESISTANCE TESTING AND OUTBREAK TESTING. PLEASE PHONE THE LAB FOR MORE DETAILS: 0121 424 3256