Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
The Histopathology Department must receive warning of intent to send such material, and no specimen should be dispatched without prior discussion with a member of the pathology staff. The specimen must be placed in a clean, dry container and sealed with a well fitting lid.Extreme care must be taken to avoid contamination of the outside surfaces of the container.
The container should then be placed in a plastic bag and sealed. If there is a risk of infection, they should be placed in a second bag, sealed and labelled with a Biohazard sticker.
The request form must be kept separate from the specimen, i.e. NOT in the plastic bag(s), but must accompany the container to the laboratory. Request forms must be kept free of any possible risk of contamination.
Specimen container paediatric:
Fresh, in swab lightly moistened in saline
Specimen container adult:
Fresh, in swab lightly moistened in saline
Transport requirements:
Send directly to Cellular Pathology, Level 3, New Victoria Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary,Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP