Haematology

The haematology laboratory at West Suffolk Hospital offers a comprehensive routine and emergency service, processing blood and some body fluids for the diagnosis and monitoring of various pathological conditions.

The haematology laboratory is staffed by HCPC registered biomedical scientists, associate practitioners and laboratory assistants and is also able to offer a continual clinical advisory service to support its user’s needs. Service users include those based within the West Suffolk Hospital site, the wider Trust, GP’s and Primary Care organisations.

A full breakdown of examinations offered is available upon request. Specialist examinations are referred to approved reference laboratories.

The haematology laboratory is committed to continual improvement and the continual professional development of its staff. Laboratory procedures are subject to stringent quality control processes and are regularly audited as the laboratory works towards compliance with the international accreditation standard for medical laboratories; ISO 15189:2022.

Patient information and test results are shared with GP surgeries, external hospital trusts and other service users as required for the benefit of patient care. Please note that the laboratory staff are unable to discuss clinical results and/or reports with patients. It is advised that you contact the requesting clinician, GP or consultant responsible for requesting your tests.

Service feedback

If you have any feedback regarding the haematology laboratory service and your experience, good or bad, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

You can also provide feedback to the Phlebotomy team at any of our locations via the feedback forms which can be placed in the box located by the form or use the QR feedback codes displayed with instructions. Alternatively, you can email the team directly via phlebotomy@wsh.nhs.uk.

Measurement uncertainty

Information related to measurement uncertainty is available, where possible, on request directly from the laboratory.

Sample temperature monitoring

For samples collected from community sites, temperature monitoring is performed during transport to Pathology. 

During periods where storage temperatures are suboptimal, spurious results may be generated. Mitigation exists to minimise the impact of this however if you have concerns around any of the results that have been generated for your patients or would like further information, please contact the laboratory directly.

Excess sample material

After patient testing has been completed, any excess patient samples may be used to support quality assurance processes within the laboratory, no testing will be performed beyond that which the patient has been consented for.

If your patient does not wish for their sample to be used in this way, please advise the laboratory directly.