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.
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 15189:2022. The defined schedules 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.
If you find any errors within this information or would like to make any comments and/or suggestions for improvement, please contact Fiona Butcher, EPA Quality Manager on 01603 286900 or email [email protected]
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
Patient consent:
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, w 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.
The transport of samples from GP surgeries or other primary care locations is carried out by the Logistics service staff who will collect all samples from dedicated collection points. Samples from within the hospital can be transported to Pathology either by the Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) if suitable or by a porter. For urgent samples ward staff are required to arrange delivery to the laboratory. Samples must first be placed in the plastic sample bags together with the completed request form.
The safe transport of specimens to the laboratory is the responsibility of the requesting doctor or carrier. Laboratory responsibility for the sample begins when it has arrived at the laboratory.
There are occasions when extra tests are required to be added to existing samples for patient management.
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 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.
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’
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
Advice on the use of vacutainers – Click here
FBC Reference Ranges – Click here
Phlebotomy information can be found here.
EWH-D-001 Last updated 16/09/2026 (9)