Pathology – Chemical Pathology Department |
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| The Chemical Pathology department is a highly automated department performing a large range of tests. The department utilises the latest instrumentation to produce the highest quality results on almost 350,000 samples per year. Some of the tests performed give an indication of kidney function, liver disease, the presence of a heart attack or of thyroid problems. We measure cholesterol and other fats in the blood to calculate the risk of heart disease, and glucose, which may give an indication of diabetes. Hormones are measured for the investigation of decreased fertility or menstrual problems. In addition, therapeutic drugs and markers of various cancers are also performed. The analysers are directly interfaced with our laboratory information system to ensure efficiency and accuracy. The 'manual' section utilises small volume specialist analysers such as High Pressure Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography. Some of the tests performed in this section include Glycated Haemoglobin for monitoring control of diabetes, phenylalanine in the control of phenylketonuria, tests for causes of hypertension and alcohol and other drugs. |
PATHOLOGY
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Contact The Chemical Pathology department is part of the Pathology Directorate of the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust. The postal address is: Department of Chemical Pathology Telephone contact numbers:
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Service Availability The laboratories are open for receipt of specimens from 0850 to 1700 between Monday and Friday, and from 0900 to 1200 on Saturday mornings. |
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Results Completed results are available to view by authorised users on the Medway system and the Ward Enquiry system. Results may also be obtained by telephoning extension 4293 (direct dial 01793 604293). Please note that we will need to establish the caller’s identity before giving results over the telephone. We are unable to give results directly to patients or their relatives. In general, results are not available until they have been authorised. In exceptional circumstances, preliminary results may be available direct from the relevant laboratory. However, please bear in mind that this may delay the testing of other samples. |
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Clinical Advice For clinical advice on the interpretation of results, please contact Dr. Colley as above |
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Tests and Handbook and Protocols A list of tests provided by the Chemical Pathology department is provided in the user handbook. All tests should be requested at the time of submitting the specimen to the laboratory. If absolutely essential, amendments to requests, or the need for additional tests, can be discussed with the laboratory after processing has started. However, samples are only retained for approximately five days, therefore additional tests cannot be requested after this period. In some cases, because of the nature of the test and sample requirements a fresh specimen will be required. Further advice can be obtained from the laboratory. |
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Specimen Transport We receive almost 350,000 specimens each year. Compliance with a few rules concerning safety, specimen identification and transport will greatly help us to deliver an efficient service. Specimen Containers All specimen containers must be clearly labelled with the patient’s name, date of birth and date of collection. The hospital number should be included where possible. The sample tube type required for each test is listed in the handbook. All samples must be sealed in the plastic bag attached to the request form and transported to the laboratory according to the requirements in the Trust policy. Only one patient’s samples must be placed in each bag. Request Forms All samples must be accompanied by a properly completed request form, giving full patient identification, relevant clinical information, patient location and detailing the investigation required. Tests on Blood samples should be requested on a RED form. Tests on urine, other fluids etc. should be requested on a GREEN form. Please note that inadequately labelled specimens and those accompanied by inadequately completed request forms may not be processed. Unlabelled specimens will not be processed nor will samples labelled with addressograph labels. Samples without consultant and destination may have certain tests not performed. |
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Quality Management The Pathology Service is committed to maintaining accreditation for its quality management system. Accreditation is undertaken by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) Ltd, an independent external organisation. Details of our accreditation, together with performance data, are available from the Quality Manager. In order to help us improve our service, we may ask our users to complete a questionnaire. We greatly value the information obtained from these surveys, and we would like to thank our users in anticipation of their assistance in completing these questionnaires. |
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We aim to be a model of excellence in the delivery of a clinical chemistry service. In order to achieve this, we maintain modern laboratories equipped with some of the latest technology and a highly skilled and trained workforce. In addition, we are committed to the following:
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