Download Pathology User Guide

Pathology User Guide
Bedford Hospital Trust
Page 21 of 98
Test name
(Tests highlighted in blue denote test
sent away)
Sample
Special Requirements
Expected turn around
time (routine tests are
carried out the same day
if received before
midday)
Faeces
Elastase
Small plain stool
sample
Small plain stool
sample
Porphyrins
Must be received in lab
within 30 minutes
Protect from light
15 days
14 days
Sweat Tests
Sweat chloride
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Protein
Glucose
Lactate
Collection performed by paediatric department
Plain universal (Bottle
2)
Fluoride Oxalate
Fluoride Oxalate (plain
acceptable)
Xanthochromia
Plain universal CSF
SST for serum
Oligoclonal Bands
Plain universal CSF
serum also required
within 5 days of CSF
collection.
Same day
Paediatric patients
only, send to the
laboratory promptly
Only for ?, SAH, if CT
head negative and LP
>12 hours post onset
of symptoms. Protect
from light. Minimum
0.5ml CSF. Serum
sample also required
Subject to in house
vetting procedure.
Minimum volume 1ml
CSF, 2 ml serum
2 working days
16 days.
Send away tests are indicated in blue.
Add on tests, for inpatients within the Trust, are generally not recommended unless the
additional tests are important for immediate patient management or a repeat sample will not
be relevant e.g. a paracetamol level on an additional sample taken much later after the
overdose. Laboratory staff who receive telephoned add on requests will inform the requestor
to send an additional request card, stating that the sample is already in the laboratory and
providing clinical information to justify the request. Specialist assays may be vetted for
sanctioning by the Consultant Chemical Pathologist or Clinical Scientist. Add-on test
requests from General Practice should be requested via the secure email address –
GSTS.Bedford-Addontest.nhs.net.
If other assays are required, please contact Consultant Chemical Pathologist Dr W. Wassif
or Dr Louise Ward, Principal Clinical Scientist to discuss.
File Name: BED-USER-14 GSTS Pathology User Guide
Version 4.2
Authorised: A. Strong