Cover Page Test Manual Ed 7 - St Vincent's University Hospital

St Vincent’s University Hospital 

Department of Pathology and Laboratory 

Medicine 

Test Requirements Manual 

Edition 7 

July 2009 

Valid Until 30 th June 2010. 

Author: Mairead O’Leary. 

Approved By: Donal Murphy, Laboratory Manager. SVUH PD NS REV 07/09 0455

Author: Mairead O’Leary. 

Approved By: Donal Murphy, Laboratory Manager. SVUH PD NS REV 07/09 0455

Introduction 

This manual contains an alphabetic listing of the tests available from the 

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Each test is described 

under the headings: specimen required, type of tube/container and volume of 

specimen required, reference range, turn around time and special handling 

needs for each test. Further information on collection, labelling and transport 

of specimens to the laboratory can be obtained in the Department of 

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, User Reference Manual, which is 

available on the St. Vincent’s Hospital Intranet and on the Internet. 

Specimen Containers 

The correct specimen container must be used when collecting specimens. 

Below is a quick guide to the container type that should be used. A more 

comprehensive list of the tests, container types required are given under the 

individual test names. 

Blood Tubes are available with different anticoagulants; the anticoagulant in 

the blood tube is written on the label and the cap colour is indicative of the 

anticoagulant present. Below is a quick guide for the container required for a 

particular test. 

Arterial Blood Gas Syringes 

Pre heparinised syringes are available for blood gas analysis. A specimen cap 

is provided with each syringe and should be placed on specimen prior to 

bringing to the laboratory. Specimens must not be sent with needles 

attached. Samples for Blood Gas analysis should not be sent on the 

pneumatic tube. 

Blood Gas specimen for lactate analysis should be placed on ice and brought 

to the laboratory immediately. 

If more than one blood specimen is taken specimen must be taken in a 

particular order. The guide below given the correct draw order. 

1

Blood Containers: Tube Guide placed in Order of Draw 

Color Code Tube Type Determinations 

Blood 

Culture 

Anaerobic followed by aerobic – if insufficient blood for both culture 

bottles, use aerobic bottle only. Blood Culture bottles should be 

available on all wards. A supply is available from Microbiology 

Reception (Mon – Fri) during opening hours. 

Sodium 

Citrate 

Light blue capped vacutainer with sodium citrate anticoagulant. 

Determinations: Coagulation Testing, PT, INR, APTT, D-Dimer, 

Thrombophilia Screens, Factor Assays. 

Light Blue 

Red 

Gold 

Light Green 

Lavender 

Serum 

Serum NON GEL - Red capped vacutainer with clot activator. 

Determinations: LDH, Ionised Calcium, Phenytoin, Theophylline, 

Methotrexate, Lithium Valproate, Carbamazepine Paracetamol, 

Salicylates, Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone, Osmolality, Bone 

Markers, Endocrine Testing (excluding Thyroid) 

Serum/Gel Serum GEL - Gold capped plastic vacutainer with clot activator and gel 

for serum separation. 

Determinations: TSH, FT4, T3, Cortisol, Digoxin, Growth Hormone, 

ADNA, Gastrin, Vitamin B12, Folate, Ferritin, PSA, Free PSA, CEA, 

AFP,HCG,CA125, CA19.9,CA153, Electrophoresis, Immunoglobins 

(IgG, IgM,IgA,IgE), B2 Microglobin, Ceruloplasmin,Infectious 

Mono,Thyroid Ab, Liver Ab, Rheumatology, Coeliac Ab. 

Plasma/ 

Gel 

EDTA 

(Potassiu 

m) 

EDTA 

Plasma GEL specimen - Light green capped plastic vacutainer 

containing lithium heparin anticoagulant and gel for plasma separation. 

Determinations: UE, LFT, Cardiac Enzymes, Ca, Mg, Phosphate, Uric 

Acid, Total Protein, Amylase, Lipids, Bone Profile, Troponin T, Iron 

Studies, ACE, CRP 

Lavender capped vacutainer with potassium EDTA anticoagulant for 

whole blood. 

Determinations: Full Blood Count(FBC),ESR, C3/C4, Haemoglobin 

A1c,Homocysteine, ACTH, Tacrolimus, Cyclosporin 

Pink capped tube with potassium EDTA as anticoagulant 

Deteremination: Group; Crossmatch 

Pink 

Grey 

Royal Blue 

Fluoride 

Oxalate 

Trace 

Elements 

Grey capped vacutainer with Fluoride oxalate anticoagulant 

Determination: Glucose and Ethanol 

Plasma non-gel - Royal blue capped vacutainer 

Determination: Trace Elements. 

2

Histology Specimen Containers 

Histology Biopsy Formalin Pots 

Theatre buckets containing formalin 

Dry Containers 20 mls/ 300 mls 

Saline Moistened Gauze 

Sterile container 70 mls (yellow lid) available in 

theatre and Microbiology 

Available from Pharmacy 

Adequate volume of formalin is essential for proper 

fixation. The volume of formalin recommended should be 

ten times the volume of the tissue to be fixed. 

Fresh specimens for frozen sections. 

All unfixed tissue should be transported to the laboratory 

immediately. 

Use for Muscle, Kidney, Direct Immunofluorescence, Skins 

for Direct Immunofluorescence transported from GP’s 

Tissue for culture Do not add formaldehyde 

Urine Specimen Containers 

Sterile plastic container (30 mls) White Cap Sterile plastic universal container (30mls) 

This specimen container can be used for urine, fluid 

samples including CSF, ascetic, peritoneal, synovial, 

joint sputum, tissue for culture (do not add 

formaldehyde). 

24 hr urine (plain) 24 hr urine container with no preservative. 

24 hr urine (acid) 24 hr urine container with 10mls of concentrated 

hydrochloric acid added. Containers supplied by 

Biochemistry Laboratory. The container will be marked with 

corrosive warning signs. 

24 hr urine (acid washed) 24 hr urine container washed with 10 mls of hydrochloric 

acid. Container will be marked with hazard warning signs. 

Bone Markers Urine 

250 mls plastic bottles available from Metabolism lab 

Other Specimen Containers 

Sterile plastic container (30 mls) White Cap 

Sterile transport Swabs 

Virus Transport Medium 

Sterile plastic Universal Containers 

30 mls (blue cap) with spoon 

Sterile container 70 mls (yellow lid) available 

in theatre and Microbiology 

hema screen slides 

Heparin and RPMI medium in sterile plastic 

containers 30 mls 

Specimen container with no preservative, which should be 

used for: urines, fluid samples including CSF, ascitic, 

peritoneal, synovial, joint sputum tissue for culture. 

Do not add formaldehyde 

Use for all swabs including screening. A supply of sterile 

transport swabs are available on all wards and from CSSD. 

All samples for virus culture should be sent in virus 

transport swabs or in virus culture medium (supplied by 

the microbiology reception). Please check with 

microbiology laboratory before taking samples as there 

may be special requirements for particular investigations. 

Faeces samples. 

Tissue for culture. Do not add formaldehyde 

Use for Faecal Occult Blood analysis. Slides available from 

Biochemistry. Only hema-screen slides accepted. 

Available from Haematology for Bone Marrow samples for 

Immunophenotyping, Cytogenetic Studies and Molecular 

Markers. 

3

Analyte / Investigation 

Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

25 Hydroxy-vitaminD Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

5HIAA Urine 24hr urine 

collection in 

an acid 

containing 24 

hr container 

Acetaminophen 

(Paracetamol) 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 

Reference Range Lab Comment 

Further information is available from the laboratory or online 

http://labtestsonline.org 

10 days Recommended Threshold 

> 50 nmol/L 

Metabolism 

10 days 2.5 - 50 mol/24hrs Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (St James's Hospital). Special 

container with instructions available from Biochemistry. 

Instructions will be explained to patient at the time of 

collection of container. Hazard labels must be attached to 

bottle. 

Daily See Comments Biochemistry For interpretation in overdose refer to paracetamol treatment 

nomogram. Toxicity is related to post-dose interval, typically 

>200mg/L at 4 hours, >100 mg/L at 8 hours, >50 mg/L at 12 

hours post overdose. Lower Paracetamol levels are used if 

patient is higher risk. The time of ingestion should be stated on 

the request form (if known), together with the date and time of 

specimen collection. Specimens taken less than 4 hrs post 

ingestion are not considered useful for prediction of toxicity. 

Amitryptiline and Imipramine may show sgnificant negative 

interferance in paracetamol assay. 

Acetycholine Receptor 

Antibody ie Anti-Achr 

Ab; RIA IgG 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

20 days Negative Immunology Specimens Referred to Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals (UK). 

ACTH Blood EDTA 10 days 0-46 ng/L Nuclear 

Lavender Cap 

Medicine 

5 ml 

ADAMTS 13 

See Von Willibrand 

Claeving Protease 

Adenovirus Abs 

Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue cap 3 

mls x 2 

Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Samples should be placed on ice and delivered to the laboratory 

immediately. For urgent requests contact nuclear medicine lab. 

15 days See Report Haematology Samples must be sent immediately to the Coagulation lab for 

separation. Specimens Referred to Haematosis Research Unit, 

University of London. 

10 days N/A Microbiology 

Dispatch 

Referred to National Virus Reference Laboratory University 

College Dublin. Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form. 

Adrenal Antibody Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

AFP Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

20 days Negative Immunology Specimens Referred to University College London Hospitals. 

2 days 0-5.8 kU/L Nuclear 

Medicine 

Most useful in germ cell tumours and hepatocellular cancer. 

4


Alanine 

Aminotransferase (ALT) 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Albumin (Alb) Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Albumin excretion rate 

(AER) 

Albumin/Creatinine 

Ratio (ACR) 

Alcohol Levels 

(Ethanol) 

Urine 

Urine 

Blood / 

Urine 

Overnight 

timed or 24 

hour urine 

Universal 

Container 

Blood - 

Fluoride 

Oxalate - 

Grey Cap. 

Urine - Spot 

Urine 

Aldosterone Blood Serum Red 

Top 6 ml 

Aldosterone: 

PRA Ratio 

Alkaline Phosphatase 

(Alk Phos, ALP) 

Blood 

Blood 

See 

Comment 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




4 hrs 4 - 50 U/L Biochemistry 

4 hrs 35 - 50 g/L Biochemistry Avoid Venostasis. See note on calcium or other albumin bound 

parameters. 

10 days Normoalbuminuiria < 20 

ug/min, Microalbuminuria 

20-200 ug/min, 

Macroalbuminuria > 200 

ug/min 

10 days Normoalbuminuiria < 2.5 

mg/mmol, 

Microalbuminuria 2.5-25 

mg/mmol, 

Macroalbuminuria >25 

mg/mmol 

Metabolism 

Metabolism 

Protocol available from Lab. The date and time of the start and 

finish of the collection must be clearly indicated. 

Minimum volume 5 mls. 

Daily N/A Biochemistry Results are not for medico-legal purpose.100 mg% ethanol is 

equivalent to 21.7 mmol/L. Urine specimens are sent to the 

Toxicology Department, Beaumount Hospital. 

15 days Upright 140 - 1400 pmol/L Endocrinology Indicate posture. 

15 days 28 - 924 Endocrinology This is a calculated test. See PRA and Aldosterone for specimen 

requirements. 

4 hrs Adults 35 - 129 U/L * Biochemistry * Alkaline Phosphatase levels in children and adolescents are 

highly variable and may be up to 4 times the upper limit of the 

adult range. 

5


Allergen: 

Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Please specify the individual allergens required. Failure to 

specify the allergens will results in a delay in the sample 

being processed. 

Allergen: Aspergillus 

Fumigatus 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Cat dander Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Common 

Food Mix 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Dog dander Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Egg white Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Fish Mix Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Fruit Mix Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Grass Mix Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: House Dust 

Mite 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Latex Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Meat Mix Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Milk Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

10 days 0.0 -3.5 K U/L= Neg see 

grades of positivity Class 0- 

6 

Immunology 

10 days 0.0 -3.5 K U/L= Neg see Immunology 


6 



6 



6 



6 



6 



6 



6 



6 



6 



6 



6 

6 

Common Food Mix Contains: Tomato, Yeast, Garlic, Onion, and 

Celery. 

Fish Mix Contains: Shrimp, Blue Mussel, Tuna, and Salmon. 

Fruit Mix Contains: Orange, Apple, Banana, and Peach. 

Meat Mix Contains: Pork, Beef, Chicken, and Turkey.


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Allergen: Mould Mix Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Nut Mix Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Peanut Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Soya bean Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Tree Mix Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Vegetable Mix Blood 

Allergen: Weed Pollen 

Mix 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Allergen: Wheat Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Blood Serum Gold 

Phenotype 

Cap 5mls 

AMA (Anti- 

Mithocondrial 

Antibodies) 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Amikacin Blood Serum 

Gold Cap 

5mls 

Amoebic Abs 


Cap 5mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 






6 



6 

Immunology M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, and M8. 

Immunology 

Nut Mix Contains: Peanut, Hazelnut, Brazil nut, Almond, and 

Coconut. 



6 

Immunology 



6 

10 days 0.0 -3.5 K U/L= Neg see Immunology Tree Mix Contains: Box Elder, Silver Birch, Hazel, Oak, and 


Sycamore. 

6 

10 days 0.0 -3.5 K U/L= Neg see Immunology Vegetable Mix Contains: Pea, White Bean, Carrots, and Potato. 


6 

10 days 0.0 -3.5 K U/L= Neg see Immunology W1, W6, W9, W10, and W11. 


6 



6 

Immunology 

Daily 0.9 - 2.0 g/L Immunology 

10 days See Report Immunology Specimens Referred to Our Lady's Childrens Hospital, Crumlin. 

2 days Negative Immunology Samples are screened at 1/40 dilution. AMA positive samples 

tested for the M2 subtype which maker for PBC (Primary Biliary 

Cirrhosis). 

Daily 

See Comments for 

Therapeutic Range 

Microbiology 


Dispatch 

Patients on once daily regimens should have specimens taken 

12-24 after the dose is given. Single Daily Dose Regimen: Pre- 

Dose Level:


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Amylase Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Amylase 

(Urinary) 

ANA (Anti-Nuclear 

Antibody) 

ANCA i.e. Anti 

Neutrophil Cytoplasmic 

Antibodies (includes 

CANCA and P-ANCA) 

Urine 

Blood 

Blood 

Sterile 

Universal 

Container - 

Timed 

Collection 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5 mls 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5 mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 





Same day 

if received 

before 

11am. 

1 - 17 U/Hour Biochemistry Please state duration of urine collection. 

7 days Titre


Anti Neural Antibodies 

Markers for 

Paraneoplastic 

Neurological 

syndromes ie Anti-YO 

Ab, Anti-HU Ab, Anti-Ri 

Ab 

Anti Neutrophil 

Antibodies or Anti 

Granolocyte 

Antobodies 

Anti Parietal Cell 

Antibodies (PCA) 

Anti Phospholipid 

Antibodies - see Lupus 

Screen 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Blood 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Serum Gold 

Cap and 

EDTA 

Lavender 

Cap 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Anti Thrombin Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls 

Anti Smooth Muscle 

Antibodies 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




34 days Negative Immunology If positive, followed by confirmation using immunoblotting on 

RAVO kit, RAVO kit Immunoblotting detects Hu, Yo, Ri, Ma, 

Amphiphysin, CRMP/CV" but not Tr or other antibodies. 

Specimens Referred to Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals (UK). 

15 days See Report Haematology EDTA required for WCC and Neutrophil count. Referred to H+I 

Filton, NHS Blood and Transplant, Bristol. Samples must be 

received into lab before 12:00 for same day dispatch. 

10 days Negative Immunology Samples are screened at 1/40. 

4 - 6 

weeks 

80 - 120 iu/dl Haematology Tests done in batches unless requested urgently. See 

Thrombophilia Screen. 

10 days Negative/Positive Immunology 

Anti Xa Assay [heparin 

assay] 

AntiStreptolysin O titre 

(ASO) 

Blood 

Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls 


Cap 5mls 

6 hours See Report Haematology Used to monitor certain patients on low molecular weight heparin. 

Contact laboratory to pre-arrange assay. Samples should be 

taken 4 hrs after last injection of Heparin. 

5 days See Report Microbiology 

Dispatch 

Referred to Claymon Biomnis Labs. Use Grey Serology/ Assay 

Request Form. 

9


APML Testing (T15:17) 

Specimen 

Type 

Bone 

Marrow or 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Bone Marrow 

in 

**heparinised 

RPMI + 2 

slides or 

EDTA blood 

plus 2 slides 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




2-3 weeks Not Applicable Haematology Useful for Promyelocytic leukaemia. ** Containers available 

from Haematology. Referred to Molecular Diagnostic 

Laboratory, St. James Hospital. 

APTT Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls 

APTT Ratio Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls 

Arterial Blood Gases 

Arterial 

Blood 

Preheparinised 

blood gas 

syringe - 2ml 

3 hours 23 - 35 seconds Haematology One sample sufficient for PT, INR, APTT, D-Dimers and 

Fibrinogen. 

3 hours Haematology Used for heparin monitoring. 

20 mins pH = 7.35 - 7.45, 

pCO 2 (male) 4.67 - 6.4 kPa, 

pCO 2 (female) 4.27 - 6.0 

kPa, pO 2 60 yrs10.0 

- 11.3 kPa 

Actual Bicarbonate 22 - 

26 mmol/L 

Base Excess - 2 to + 2, 

Oxygen Saturation 95 - 

99% 

Biochemistry 

After taking sample, ensure no air bubbles are present. Bring to 

the lab immediately. ABG specimen should not be sent via 

the POD system.The pO 2 reference range refers to patients on 

room air. For patients on oxygen therapy, a pO 2 of 8 kPa is 

generally taken as a minimum target. 

Ascites Fluid for tumour 20ml fresh 

sample 

Universal / 20 

mls 

3 days Cytology Large volume of fluid received in drain bags not suitable. 

Aspartate 

Aminotransferase (AST) 

Blood Heparin Gel - 

4.5ml 


10


Aspergillus Ab 

Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 


Cap 5mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 





Dispatch 

Referred to Mycology Reference Centre Leeds General Hospital. 

Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form 

Aspergillus Antigen 

(Galactomannam) 

Autopsies/Post 

Mortems 

Blood 

Serum 

Gold Cap 

5mls 

Avian Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Histology 


Dispatch 

Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form. 

Contact Mortuary as soon as possible after death. 

Referred to Royal Brompton Hospital, U.K.G154. Use Grey 

Serology/ Assay Request Form. 

Bartonella Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

BCR-ABL [Molecular 

Marker] 

Bence Jones Protein 

(See Protein 

Electrophoresis) 

Benzodiazepines, 

Barbiturates, Opiates, 

Cocaine, 

Propoxyphene, 

Phenothiazines 

Bone 

Marrow or 

Blood 

Urine 

Urine 

Marrow in 

RPMI or 

Lavender 

EDTA 3 ml x 

2 


Universal 

Container 

Universal 

Container 

Beta 2 Glycoprotein Blood Serum- Gold 

Cap 5 mls 


Dispatch 

2 - 3 

weeks 

Referred toR.S.I.L., Central PHL, Colindale, London. Use Grey 


See Report Haematology Useful in CML. Referred to Molecular Diagnostic Lab, St. 

James’s Hospital. Samples must be received into lab before 

12:00 for same day dispatch. 

5 days See Report Biochemistry Urinary electrophoresis carried out. Depending on the results of 

the electrophoresis specimen may be sent for immunofixation. 

10 days N/A Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (Beaumont Hospital). Specimens 

must be received into laboratory before 12.00. Urgent specimens 

- sent straight from ED to Beaumont Hospital by taxi. 

10 days See Report Haematology Referred to St. James Hospital. 

Beta 2 -Microglobulin 

(B 2 M) 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap - 5ml 

7 days 0 - 2.2 mg/L Biochemistry 

Bicarbonate - see 

Carbon Dioxide 

11


Bile Duct Brushings for 

tumour 

Bilirubin - Direct 

(Conjugated) 

Specimen 

Type 

Brushings 

from 

common 

bile duct 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




In Preservcyt 3 days Cytology Please specify if Endoscopic or Percutaneous sample. 

available from 

Cytology 

Blood Heparin Gel - 

4.5 ml 

Bilirubin (Total) Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 

4.5 ml 

4 hrs 1.7 - 5.0 mol/L Biochemistry Direct (Conjugated) Bilirubin measurement is occasionally 

required but is not warranted if Total Bilirubin is < 30 mol/L. 

Protect specimens from light. 

4 hrs 1.7 - 21 mol/L Biochemistry Protect specimens from light. 

Biopsy, Routine Various 10% Formalin 2 days Histology Histology tissues (routine) must be fixed immediately in 

containers of adequate size, in 10% formalin of a least ten times 

the volume of the tissue. 

Biopsy, Urgent. 

See Liver Biopsy 

Blood Culture Blood B/C Bottle/ 8- 

10 ml 

Blood Films Blood EDTA 

Lavender 

Cap. 3 mls 

Blood Group Blood EDTA Pink 

Cap 6mls 

Bone Alkaline 

Phosphatase (BAP) 

Bone Biomarker Profile 

Ionised Calcium 

PTH 

25(OH)D 

P1NP 

Various 10% Formalin 2 days Histology Histology tissues (routine) must be fixed immediately in 


the volume of the tissue. Please phone laboratory prior to 

taking urgent biopsy. 

Blood 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Serum Red 

Cap 

3 x 6 ml 

Kept for 5 

days. Pos 

cultures 

notified to 

team 

immediatel 

N/A 

Microbiology 

Use Yellow Microbiology Request Form. All positive results are 

phoned to the team/ clinician when confirmed. 

4 hours See Report Haematology Blood films are made from FBC sample. Urgents samples may 

take up to 2 hrs. 

2 hrs Blood Bank 

20 days Female: 6.1 -11.8 µg/L, 

Male: 7.2 - 15.0 µg/L 

See 

individual 

tests 

Metabolism 

See individual tests Metabolism Fasting specimen required. Bone Marker Protocol available from 

Lab. Results affected by: Fasting, Circadian Variation. 

12


Bone Biomarker Profile 

DPD 

NTX-1 

Calcium/Creatinine 

Ratio 

Specimen 

Type 

Urine 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

2 hour timed 

urine or 2nd 

morning void, 

collection 

bottle 

available in 

Turn 

Around 

Time 

See 

individual 

tests 




See individual tests Metabolism Fasting specimen required. Bone Marker Protocol available from 

Lab. Results affected by: Fasting, Circadian Variation. 

Bone Marrow Aspirate Marrow Glass Slides 2 days Haematology For cytogenetic analysis and immunophenotyping, special tubes 

are available in the haematology laboratory. 

Bone Marrow Biopsy 

Breast Resection 

Margins 

Bone 

Marrow 

Trephine 

Fresh 

tissue* 

10% Formalin 3 days Histology Histology tissues (routine) must be fixed immediately in 



Dry 20 minutes Histology * Bring tissue to laboratory and give to staff member immediately. 

Breast Sentinel Node 

tumour detection 

Breast 

axillary 

nodes 

10% Formalin 

Labelled 

'Radioactive' 

3 days Histology Histology tissues (routine) must be fixed immediately in 


the volume of the tissue. Pots must be labelled as Radioactive. 

Bronchial Brushings for 

tumour 

Bronchial Washings for 

Microbiology C/S, TB, 

Mycology (BAL) 

Bronchial Washings for 

tumour 

/Bronchoalveolar Fluid 

Bronchial 

brushings 

Fresh 

specimen 

Fresh 

sample 

In Preservcyt 3 days Cytology 


Cytology 

Amount 

Available 

Washing 

Container/am 

ount available 

See 

individual 

tests 

Microbiology 

3 days Cytology 

Brucella Antibody Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 

Referred to Brucella Diagnostic Unit, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool. 

Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form. 

C1 Esterase Inhibitor Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

10 days Immunology Specimens Referred to Immunology Dept, St. James' Hospital. 

CA 125 Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

2 days 0 - 35 kU/L Nuclear 

Medicine 

Most useful in ovarian cancer. 

13


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

CA 15-3 Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 





Medicine 

Most useful in breast cancer. 

CA 19-9 Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 


Medicine 

Most useful in pancreatic cancer. 

cAMP Urine 25 ml aliquot 

from a 24 hrs 

collection 

Caeruloplasmin Blood Serum Gold 

Cap - 5ml 

Calcitriol (1,25(OH) 2 D) Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

10 days See Report Biochemistry Referred to outside laboratory. 

5 days 0.25 - 0.63 g/L Biochemistry 

30 days 22.8 - 153.6 pmol/L Metabolism 

Calcium 

(Urinary) 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

24 hrs urine 

bottle (plastic) 

- no 

preservatives 

required 

Calcium - Ionised Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Calcium (Total) Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Calcium/Creatinine 

Ratio (Urinary) 

Urine 

2 hour timed 

urine or 2nd 

morning 

void.* 

Calcitonin Blood Serum - must 

be 

transported to 

the laboratory 

stat on ice. 

Campylobacter Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

Candida Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

Same day 

if received 

before 

11am. 

2.5 - 7.5 mmol/24hr Biochemistry Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled 

with patient name and hospital number. The date and time of the 

start and finish of the collection must be clearly indicated. 

Daily 1.19 - 1.35 mmol/L Metabolism Samples must be received on day of collection. 

4 hrs 2.2 - 2.6 mmol/L Biochemistry Avoid venostasis as may cause inaccurate total calcium 

measurement. 

20 days 0.07 - 0.41 Metabolism *Collection bottle available from the metabolic lab. 

10 days


Cannabis, 

Amphetamines, 

Methadone, L.S.D, 

Alcohol 

Carbamazapine 

(Tegretol) 

Carbon Dioxide 

(Bicarbonate, TCO 2 ) 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Blood 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Serum Red 

Cap - 6ml 

Serum Red 

Cap - 6mls 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green - 

4.5ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




10 days N/A Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (Beaumont Hospital). Specimens 

must be received into laboratory before 12.00 for same day 

dispatch. Urgent specimens - send straight from ED to 

Beaumont Hospital by taxi. 

Daily 

4 - 12 mg/ml 

(Monotherapy), 

4 - 8 mg/ml (if 

polypharmacy is present). 

In combination therapy, the 

suggested therapeutic 

range for carbamazepine is 

lower: 4 - 8 mg/L. 

Biochemistry 

4 hrs 24 - 32 mmol/L Biochemistry Avoid small samples. 

Metabolism of Carbamazapine may be increased by phenytoin 

and phenobarbitone and is decreased in liver dysfuction. 

Carboxyhaemoglobin 

See also 

Methemoglobin 

Blood 


blood gas 

syringe - 2ml 

Catecholamines 

CCP 

Urine 

Blood 

24hr urine 

collection - 

acid 

containing 

bottle 

Serum obtainable Gold 

Cap 5mls 

20 mins


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

CEA Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

Chloride Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Cholesterol (Total) Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Chromogranin A Blood EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3mls 

Citrate Urine 24 hour urine 

bottle - no 

additive 

Coagulation Screen [PT, 

INR, APTT] 

Blood 

Cold Agglutinin (CAGG) Blood 

Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls 

Serum Gold 

Cap 10 mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




2 days 0 - 3.5 µg/L Nuclear 

Medicine 

Most useful in colorectal cancer 

4 hrs 95 - 108 mmol/L Biochemistry Part of Urea and Electrolytes Profile. 

4 hrs Recommended:


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Cortisol Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

Coxiella / Q Fever Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




2 days A.M. 138 - 690 nmol/L 

P.M. 70 - 345 nmol/L 

Nuclear 

Medicine 


Dispatch 

State time of sample collection on request form. 

Stress may elevate levels. 

Referred to National Virus Reference Laboratory, University 


Coxsackie/Enterovirus 

Abs 

Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 

Referred to PHL West Parke Hospital, Surrey, UK. Use Grey 

Serology/ Assay Request Form 

C-Peptide Blood Serum Red 

Cap - 6 ml. 

Serum needs 

to be frozen 

within 1 hour. 

Creatine Kinase 

(Total CK) 

Blood 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Creatinine Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Creatinine 

(Urinary) 

Creatinine Clearance 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

Urine - 24hr 

collection / 

Blood 

CRP Blood 

24hr Urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required 

24hr Urine 

bottle - no 

preservatives 

required 

Blood: 

Heparin Gel - 

4.5 ml 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap 5mls 

6 weeks 0.2 - 3.2 g/L Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (St James's Hospital). 

Specimens must be received into laboratory before 12.00 for 

same day dispatch. 

4 hrs Male: 1 - 185 U/L 

Female: 1 - 125 U/L 

4 hrs Male: 62 - 106 mol/L 

Female: 44 - 80 mol/L 

Mon - Fri 

Same day 

if received 

before 

11am 

24 hrs < 40yr: Male: 90 - 139 

ml/min per 1.73m 2, 

Female: 80-125 ml/min 

per 1.73m 2, Decreases 

approximately 6.5 ml/min 

per decade. 

Biochemistry 

Biochemistry 

Biochemistry 

Total CK may be elevated following IM injection. 

Biochemistry Blood specimen for creatinine must be taken during or within 24 

hours of urine collection. Urine collection bottle and request form 

must be clearly labelled with patient name and hospital number. 

The date and time of the start and finish of the collection must be 

clearly indicated. 

4 hrs 0- 5 mg/l Biochemistry CRP rises rapidly after onset of an acute phase response, 

beginning within 6 - 12 hrs and peaking within 24 - 48 hrs. The 

CRP response may be less pronounced in liver disease. 

17


hsCRP (High Sensitivity 

CRP) 

Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Biochemistry 

The above assay (ie CRP) has a functional sensitivity of 0.6 mg/L 

and therefore may suffice for hsCRP but the manufactures do not 

advocate the use of the assay for cardiovascular risk 

stratification. 

Cryoglobulin (CRY) Blood Serum Yellow 

Tube/ 20 mls 

8 days Negative Immunology Cryoglobulins are proteins that precipitate in serum when cooled 

and redissolve when warmed. Significant cryoglobulins may be 

missed If the sample is not kept at 37oC. Please get samples to 

the Lab ASAP. Do not refrigerate. 

Cryptococcal Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 

Referred to PHL West Parke Hospital, Surrey, UK. Use Grey 

Serology/ Assay Request Form 

CSF 

Cell Counts & Culture 

CSF ACE (Angiotensin 

Converting Enzyme) 

CSF for malignancy 

CSF 

CSF 

Fresh 

sample 

> 4ml if 

possible 

As much as 

possible into 

3 containers 

0.5 ml of CSF 

in plain plastic 

container 


Universal 

Container 

CSF Glucose CSF Fluoride 

Oxalate tube 

Grey Cap - 

0.3ml (min) 

Cell 

counts: 

1hr 

Culture: 

kept for 

48hrs 

*WCC: 0 - 5 per cmm 

Microbiology 

Biochemistry 

All samples should be brought to microbiology laboratory 

immediately. * Raised WCC expected in meningitis. All positive 

results are phoned to the team/ clinician when confirmed. Use 

Yellow microbiology form. 

Please supply CSF Total Protein Result. Specimen should be 

frozen ASAP. Refrigerated samples accepted if noted on 

request form. Referred to Neurometabolic Unit Box 105, 

National Hospital for Neurology, Queen St, London WCIN 3BG 

(Dr J.M.Land). 

2 days Cytology Bring specimen to Cytology Laboratory, Histology Dept. If 

specimen is taken out of hours specimens should be stored 

in the fridge until processed. 

1 hr CSF Glucose: 2/3 of 

plasma Glucose value 

Biochemistry 

Bring to microbiology laboratory immediately. Blood for 

plasma glucose should be taken at the same time. Please Note: 

Fluoride Oxalate specimen is not suitable for CSF Protein 

analysis. Please state time of CSF collection. 

18


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

CSF Lactate CSF CSF Spec 

must be taken 

into sterlin 

container 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




5 days See Report Biochemistry Immediately after collection bring aliquot of CSF to 

Biochemistry for freezing. Specimen must be frozen within 

30 minutes. Referred to Claymon Biomnis. 

CSF Protein CSF Sterile 

Universal 

Container - 

0.3ml (min) 

CTX-1 

C-Terminal crosslinking 

Telopeptide of 

type 1 Collagen 

Serum 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

1 hr 0.15 - 0.45 g/L Biochemistry Bring to microbiology laboratory immediately. Microbiology 

staff will forward the specimen to Biochemistry. Please state 

time of specimen collection of request form. 

20 days Age related reference 

ranges 

Metabolism 

Fasting specimen required. Part of Bone Biomarker. Protocol 

available from Lab. Results affected by: Fasting, Circadian 

Variation. 

Cyclosoporine (Neoral, 

CYS) 

Blood EDTA / 3mls 5 Day Patient should be invidually 

monitored. 

Immunology 

Take trough sample and keep at R.T. Do not put in fridge. 

Cyst Fluid Cytology 

Fresh 

Sample 

Universal/ as 

much as 

possibe 


Cystine (urine 

quantitative test) 

Urine 

24hr Urine 

(no 

preservatives) 

/ Universal 

Container (no 

preservatives) 

10 days Adults:10 - 22 mol/mmol 

creatinine 

Biochemistry 

Referred to Outside Laboratory (Temple Street Hospital). 



Cytochemistry 

Blood or 

bone 

marrow 

Bone marrow 

slides or 

EDTA 

Lavender 3ml 

Cytotoxic Antibodies Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 

24 hours See Report Haematology 

5 days See Report Biochemistry Referred to National Blood Centre, St James Hospital. Samples 

must be received into laboratory before 12:00 for same day 

dispatch. 

19


Cytogenetics for 

Haematology Disorders 

Cytogenetics / 

Karyotyping 

Specimen 

Type 

Bone 

Marrow 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Bone Marrow 

in 

Heparinised 

in RPMI or 

EDTA 2 x 3ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




10 days See Report Haematology Heparin and RPMI medium available from Haematology Dept. 

Referred to National Centre for Medical Genetics, Crumlin 

Hospital. Samples must be received into laboratory before 12:00 

for same day dispatch. 

Blood EDTA 2 x 3ml 10 days See Report Biochemistry Referred to National Centre for Medical Genetics, Crumlin 

Hospital. 

D-Dimers Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3ml 

DEAFF Test 

EDTA X2 

Urine 

Throat 

Washings 

EDTA/ 6mls 

5 - 10 ml 

Dengue Fever Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

2 hours < 0.5 FEU/ml Haematology Reference Range changed to < 0.5 FEU/ml on 12/02/2009. 

48hrs N/A Microbiology 

Dispatch 

As 

requested 

N/A 

Microbiology 

Dispatch 

Referred to National Virus Ref. Laboratory University College 

Dublin. Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form. 

Referred to National Virus Ref. Laboratory University College 

Dublin. Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form 

Deoxycortisol 

(11-Deoxycortisol) 

DHEAS 

Dehydroepiandrosteron 

e sulphate 

Blood 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Digoxin Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

Direct Coomb's Test Blood EDTA Pink 

Cap 6mls 

15 days Basal


DPD 

Deoxypridinoline 

E.coli 0157 isolates 

for verotoxin assay 

Specimen 

Type 

Urine 

Isolates 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

2 hour timed 

urine or 2nd 

morning void, 

collection 

bottle 

Slope available of in 

Isolate 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




20 days Female: 4.1 - 8.1 Metabolism 

nmol/mmol Cr 

Male: 7.2 - 15.0 nmol/mmol 

Cr 

48-72hrs N/A Special Form 

with 

accompanying 

letter 


available from Lab. Results affected by: Fasting, Circadium 

variation. 

Referred to PHL Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin 12. 

EB virus Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

ECHO virus Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

2-3 

working 

days 

N/A 

Microbiology 

Dispatch 


Dispatch 





ENA Screen 

Extractable Nuclear 

Antigen Screen 

includes Antibodies to 

RNP / SM / SSA (Ro) / 

SSB (La) / SCL 70 / JO 

(ENAS) 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap or 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap 5 mls 

30 days Negative / Positive Immunology 

Endomysial Antibodies Blood Serum Gold 

Cap- 5ml 

Eosinophil Count Blood EDTA 

Lavender 

Cap. 3 mls 

Epilim 

See Valproic Acid 

Erythropoietin Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 

ESR Blood EDTA 

Lavender 

Cap. 3 mls 

14 days Negative Immunology Automatically tested with Positive TTG results. 

Referred to Immunology Dept, St. James' Hospital. 

4 hours 0.0 - 0.5 x 10^9/l. Haematology Eosinophil count is included in Full Blood Count with Differential. 

2 weeks See Report Biochemistry Referred to St. James’s Hospital. 

4 hours Male 0 - 25 mm/hr 

Female 0 - 30 mm/hr 

Haematology 

One EDTA tube is adequate for FBC and ESR. 

21


Specimen 

Type 

Ethanol (Alcohol) Blood / 

Urine 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Blood - 

Fluoride 

Oxalate - 

Grey Cap. 

Urine - Spot 

Urine 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Daily N/A Biochemistry Results are not for medico-legal purpose.100 mg% ethanol is 

equivalent to 21.7 mmol/L.Urine specimens are sent to 

Toxicology Department, Beaumount Hospital. 

Eye Swabs Eye Swabs Transport 

Swab 

Factor Assays Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3ml 

Factor V Leiden Blood Lavender 

EDTA 3mls 

and 2 Sodium 

Citrate for 

APCR result. 

Faecal Occult Blood 

Faecal 

sample on 

Hema 

Screen slide 

test. 

Slides - one 

on each of 3 

days …. 


Universal 

Container - 

10g 


Used for investigation of conjunctivitis. 

6 hours See Report Haematology Tests done in batches unless requested urgently. Some 

coagulation factors are labile, please contact laboratory before 

taking samples. 

4 - 6 

weeks 

See Report Haematology Referred to St. James’s Hospital - only tested if APCR is low. 

7 hr Negative / Positive Biochemistry NB - Faecal specimens must be sent fresh to laboratory to 

arrive before 3 pm of the day of collection or apply faeces to 

the slide and send slide to the laboratory. Patient 

Preparation: Diet: a meat-free, high fibre is recommended, 

starting the day before testing and continuing through the test 

period. Foods which contain peroxidase-like substances (e.g. 

turnips, horseradish, etc) should be avoided during the test 

period. Patients with active bleeding from other conditions (e.g. 

haemorrhoids, menstruation) should not be tested. Medications: 

some oral preparations, such as aspirin, iron, phenenylbutazone 

or indomethacin can cause GI irritation and occult bleeding and 

should not be used during the test period, if possible. 

Instructions for taking sample: With applicator, apply thin 

smear of stool inside area I on slide. With same applicator 

choose a second stool site for area II. Close and reseal cover. 

(Slides available from Biochemistry). 

22


Faeces 

Ova & Parasites/ C.diff 

Toxin / Culture 

Specimen 

Type 

Faeces 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Universal 

Container 

with spoon 

(blue cap) 

Farmer’s Lung Abs Blood Serum 

Gold Cap 

5mls 

FDP Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 

Culture: 

48hrs if 

neg 

C.diff 

Toxin: 

same day 

O&Ps: 1 

week 




N/A 

Microbiology 

Use Yellow 

microbiology 

form 


Dispatch 

See 

Comment 

All positive results are phoned to the team/ clinician when 

confirmed. 

Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form 

Referred to Royal Brompton Hospital, U.K. 

See Comment Haematology This test has been replaced by the D-Dimers. 

Ferritin Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

2 days Female: 5 - 148 µg/L 

Male: 28 - 365 µg/L 

Nuclear 

Medicine 

Non-specific evations can occur in several different diseases. 

Fibrinogen Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3ml 

2 hours 1.5 - 4.0 g/l Haematology 

Fine Needle Aspirate 

(FNA) 

N.B. See Thyroid FNA 

e.g. Breast, 

Lymph 

node, Lung 

In Cytolyt 

available 

from Cytology 


FISH panel for Myeloma Bone 

Marrow 

Bone Marrow 

Slides X 6 

NA See Report Haematology Referred to National Centre for Medical Genetics, Crumlin 


FK 506 (Tacrolimus or 

Prograf) 

Blood EDTA / 3mls 4 Days Each patient should be 

invidually monitored 

Immunology 

Sensitivity of assay 1.5 ng/ml. Take trough sample (i.e. Predose). 

Samples can be stored in fridge overnight. 

23


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Flowcytochemistry Blood or EDTA 48 hrs See Report Haematology See Immunophenotyping. 

Fluorescent in-situ 

bone 

marrow 

Breast, 

Lavender Cap 

3 mls or 

Marrow in 

Heparinised 

Paraffin RPMI - 12 days Histology Test is requested by Pathologists. 

Hybridisation (FISH) Her-Lymph node processed 

2 neu test 

tissue 

Fluid Analysis (Total 

Protein, LDH, amylase, 

glucose, pH, etc as 

appropriate) 

Fluids (from normally 

sterile sites) Cell counts/ 

Crystal ID Culture where 

indicated 

Pleural / 

Peritoneal / 

Ascitic / 

Synovial / 

Wound 

Drain / 

Pseudocyst 

/ ?Urine, etc 

Peritoneal / 

Ascitic Fluid 

Joint/ 

Synovial Fld 


Universal 

Container - 

2ml for all 

tests except 

glucose and 

ph see 

comment* 

Universal 

Container 

EDTA bottle 

7 hr For pleural fluids, total 

protein > 30g/L suggests 

an exudate. Refer to 

Clinical Protocol for other 

tests. 

48hrs WCC: 0-200/cmm 

Positive 

Gramstains 

reported 

immediatel 

y 

Biochemistry 

Microbiology 

Use Yellow 

microbiology 

form 

Folate (Red Cell) Blood EDTA 2 days 119 - 519 µg/L Nuclear 

Lavender Cap 

Medicine 

6 ml 

Folate (Serum) Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

2 days 3-17 µg/L Nuclear 

Medicine 

* If fluid glucose is required, then an aliquot of fluid should 

be placed in a glucose tube (Fluoride Oxalate) - 1 ml. If pH is 

required, an aliquot of fluid should be transferred 

immediately to an ABG syringe (1-2mls). Expel any air. Bring 

to laboratory immediately. Viscous samples cannot be 

analysed. Please state collection time on request form. 

Examination and identification of bi-refringent crystals available if 

indicated. 

Ideally patient should be fasting. Please state if patient is 

receiving folate supplements. 

Free Light Chains Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 

10 days See Report Haematology Referred to St. James’s Hospital. Samples must be received into 

laboratory before 12:00 for same day dispatch. 

Free T4 (thyroxine, free) Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

2 days 11.5 - 22.7 pmol/L Nuclear 

Medicine 

Usually used as a 2nd line test to TSH. 

Free Testosterone Index 

(FTI) 

Blood 

See 

Comment 

15 days 1 - 4.7 Endocrinology This is a calculated test. See testosterone and SHBG for 

specimen requirements. 

24


Frozen Section 

Histology 

Specimen 

Type 

Fresh tissue 

to Lab 

immediately 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Dry 20 minutes Histology Phone 4350 prior to sending specimen to histopathology. 

FSH 

Follicle Stimulating 

Hormone 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

3 days Male: 2 - 10 U/L 

Female: 

Follicular 2 - 12 U/L 

Mid Cycle 12 - 25 U/L 

Luteal 2 - 12 U/L 

Post Menopause 30 - 150 

U/L 

Endocrinology 

State LMP. 

FTA Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 



Full Blood Count {WBC, 

Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, 

MCHC, Platelet count, 

White Cell Differential} 

Blood 

EDTA 

Lavender 

Cap. 3 mls 

4 hours. 

Urgent 

Samples 1 

hr 

See report 

Haematology 

Gamma Glutamyl 

Transferase (GGT) 

Blood 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

4 hrs Male: 8 - 61 U/L 

Female: 5 - 36 U/L 

Biochemistry 

Part of LFT profile. 

GM1 - Ganglioside ie 

Anti-GM1; ELISA / IgG 

and IgM (combined) 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 


GQ1b Ganglioside ie 

Anti-GQ1b; ELISA / IgG 

and IgM (combined) 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 


Gastrin Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

3 - 4 

weeks 

13 - 115 ng/L Nuclear 

Medicine 

Patient must be fasting for at least 12 hours prior to sampling. 

Bring blood to Lab immediately for separation. Urgent requests 

contact Lab. 

25


Specimen 

Type 

Gastrointentinal Biopsy Mucosal 

side up on 

card or 

plastic 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




10% Formalin 2 days Histology Histology tissues (routine) must be fixed immediately in 



GBM Antibodies 

Glomerular Basement 

Membrane Antibodies 

Specific for the 3 

chain of Collagen IV 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Daily as 

requested 

for urgent 

samples 

same day 

Negative Immunology Qualitative screen. If positive, quantitative result will follow. 

Genital Swabs 

Microscopy & Culture 

Cervical/ Transport 

Urethral Swabs 

High Vaginal 

Swabs 


Only fresh samples useful for gonococcal culture. For Chlamydial 

infection special swabs are required (available from CSSD). Use 

Yellow microbiology form. 

Gentamicin 


Cap 5mls 

Same Day 

if samples 

received 

before 

3pm Mon- 

Fri or 

11am 

Sat/Sun 



Microbiology 

Dispatch 

Single Daily Dose Regimen Pre-Dose Level:


Glucose 6 Phosphate 

Dehydrogenase or G- 

6PD 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




EDTA 5 days See Report Haematology Referred to St. James’s Hospital. Samples must be received into 

Lavender Cap 


3 mls 

Glucose Tolerance Test 

(GTT) 

Blood - 

Fasting & 2 

hour post 

75g glucose 

load 

Fluoride 

Oxalate Grey 

Cap - 2ml 

7 hr Diabetes Mellitus: 

Fasting 7.0 mmol/L and/or 

2hr post glucose load 

11.1 mmol/L Impaired 

Biochemistry 

Glucose Tolerance (IGT): 

Fasting


Gynae Cervical 

Samples 

Specimen 

Type 

Cervical 

sample into 

liquid 

fixative 

(Preservcyt) 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Preservcyt (in 

Gynae OPD) 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




20 days Cytology National Cancer Screening Samples are sent directly to Quest Laboratori 

Haemochromatosis 

Genetic Screen 

Blood 

2 X EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

15 days N/A Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory. Specimens should be received 

into laboratory before 12.00 for same day dispatch. Full clinical 

history must be given and patient must have iron studies prior to 

sending specimens to external laboratory. 

Haemoglobin A1c Blood EDTA 3 days 4.2 - 5.8 % Endocrinology 

Lavender Cap 

3 ml 

Haemoglobinopathy 

Screen: Thalassaemia 

Screen or Haemoglobin 

A2 or F or Haemoglobin 

electrophoresis 

Blood 

EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3mls x 2 

7 days See Report Haematology Referred to St. James’s Hospital. Samples must be received into 

laboratory before 12:00 for same day dispatch. EDTA tubes & 

FBC results & 2 unstained slides sent to St. James's Hospital. 

Haemolytic Anaemia 

Screen inc FBC, Blood 

Film, Retic Count and 

Haptoglobins 

Blood 

EDTA 4 hrs See individual test Haematology Also request: Direct Coombs Test, Bilirubin LDH. 

Lavender Cap 

3 ml 

Haemophilus influenzae 

PCR 

Blood EDTA / 6mls 48hrs N/A Microbiology 

Dispatch 

Referred to Irish Meningococcal Reference Lab. Temple St. 

Childrens' Hosp, Dublin. Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request 

Form. 

Ham's Test 

See PNH 

Screen 

Haematology 

28


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Haptoglobins Blood Serum Gold 

cap or EDTA 

Lavender 

Cap. 3 mls 

HCG Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




2 days 0.45 - 2.42 g/l Haematology 

2 days (for 

urgent 

requests, 

phone 

Lab). 

Female: 

Non-pregnant Premenopausal 

0 - 5.3 IU/L, 

Post Menopausal 0 - 8.3 

IU/L, 

Male: 0 - 2.6 IU/L. 

Nuclear 

Medicine 

Test measures Total HCG. 

HDL Cholesterol Blood 

(fasting for 12-14 hours) 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

4 hrs A level of


Herpes Simplex virus 

Abs 

Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 


10ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 





Dispatch 



Histoplasma Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

HITS Screen - see 

Heparin Induced 

Thrombocytopenia 

Screen 

HIV Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 


Dispatch 

Referred to PHL Myrtle Road, Bristol, U.K. Use Grey Serology/ 

Assay Request Form. 



HIV Viral load Blood EDTA 5 days See Report Microbiology 

Lavender Cap 

Dispatch 

3mls x2 


College Dublin.Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form. 

HLA Antibodies [auto] Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 

5 days See Report Haematology Referred to National Blood Centre. Samples must be received 

into laboratory before 12:00 for same day dispatch. 

HLA B27 Typing Blood Yellow HLA 

[ACD] or 

EDTA/10 mls 

HLA B51 Blood Yellow HLA 

[ACD] or 

Lavender 

EDTA 

HLA DR Screen Blood Yellow HLA 

[ACD] or 

Lavender 

EDTA 

HLA Typing for Kidney 

Transplant 

Blood 

**2 x Sodium 

Citrate (20 

mls) + 1 x 

Gold Cap 

Serum 



10 days See Report Haematology Referred to outside laboratory. 

10 days See Report Haematology Referred to outside laboratory. 

2 weeks See Report Biochemistry ** Collection tube available from Phlebotomy. Referred to 

Histocompatibility Dept, Beaumont 

30


HLA Typing for Liver 

Transplants (patients 

and family members) 

HLA Typing for Lung 

Transplant 

HLA Typing for Matched 

Platelets 

HLA Typing for 

Haematology 

Transplant Patients and 

Family Members 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Blood 

Blood 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

**2 x Sodium 

Citrate (20 

mls) + 1 x 

Gold Cap 

Serum 

**2 x Sodium 

Citrate (20 

mls) + 1 x 

Gold Cap 

Serum 

Yellow HLA 

[ACD] or 

Lavender 

EDTA 3 ml x 

2 

Yellow HLA 

[ACD] or 

EDTA/10 mls 

Homocysteine Blood EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

- 5ml on ice 

Hydatid Disease Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 










5 days See Report Haematology Referred to National Blood Centre, St. James Hospital. Samples 

must be received into laboratory before 12:00 for same day 

dispatch. 

5 days 5 - 15 mol/L (Adults) Biochemistry Please send specimen on ice. Please send full clinical details. 


Dispatch 

Referred to Hospital for Tropical Diseases London. Use Grey 


Hydroxy Progesterone 

(17-Hydroxy 

Progesterone) 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

15 days Basal


Immunifixation 

1. Serum 

2. Urine 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Urine 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Serum Gold 

Cap 1 ml 

Urine 20 mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 

Serum 7 

days, 

Urine 15 

days 




Immunology 

Immunoglobulin Gene 

Rearrangement 

Immunoglobulin Type E 

(Total IgE) 

Immunoglobulins 

(IgG, IgM, IgA) 

Immunophenotyping 

Bone 

Marrow or 

Blood 

Blood 

Blood 

Blood or 

bone 

marrow 

Marrow in 

RPMI or 

EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3ml x 2. 

Serum Gold 

Cap - 5ml 

Serum Gold 

Cap - 5ml 

EDTA 

Lavender cap 

3 mls or 

marrow, ** 

Heparinised 

in RPMI - 

2 -3 weeks See Report Haematology Useful in B Cell Malignancies. Referred to Molecular Diagnostic 

Laboratory in St. James’s Hospital. Samples must be received 

into lab before 12:00 for same day dispatch. 

72 hour 

Batched 

analysis 

on 

Monday, 

Wednesda 

y & Friday 

72 hour 

Batched 

analysis 

on 

Monday, 

Wednesda 

y & Friday 

1 - 165 kU/L (healthy nonallergic 

adults) 

IgG: 8 - 15 g/L, 

IgM: 0.4 - 2.4 g/L, 

IgA: 0.9 - 4.3 g/L 

Biochemistry 

Biochemistry 

A normal Total IgE level does not exclude an increased 

concentration of a specific IgE antibody. 

Please give full clinical details. If Patient has been diagnosed with 

Multiple Myeloma please state treatment. 

48 hours See Report Haematology ** Specimen containers available from Haematology. Consult 

Haemotology Medical Team for Immunophenotyping Requests. 

Prior arrangement with laboratory is essential. 

Infectious Mono 

/Monospot/Paul Burnell 

Influenza PCR/ 

Immunofluorescence 

Blood 


10ml 

EDTA 3 days Negative Immunology Test done daily. 

Lavender Cap 

3mls or 

Serum Gold 

Cap 

Tube/3mls 


Dispatch 



32


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

INR Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls 

Insulin Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Insulin Antibodies Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Intrinsic Factor 

Antibodies 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




3 hours See Report Haematology Used for warfarin monitoring. 

3 days Fasting 2 - 15 mU/L Endocrinology State whether fasting or post prandial. 

20 days


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Lactate Blood Blood: Preheparinised 

blood gas 

syringe - 

ABG 2ml on 

ice. CSF: 

sterile 

universal 

container - 1 

ml (minimum) 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




20 mins Blood: arterial 0.36 - 1.25 Biochemistry 

mmol/L, Venous 0.90 - 1.7 

mmol/L, 

CSF: refer to clinical 

protocol 

NB: Bloods for Lactate analysis must to be placed on ice 

immediately and transported without delay to Biochemistry. CSF 

specimen for Lactate must be brought to Biochemistry 

immediately as the specimen must be frozen with 30 

minutes. 

Lactate Dehydrogenase 

(LDH) 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap - 6ml 

4 hrs 240 - 480 U/L Biochemistry Must be red cap serum tube. 

LDL Cholesterol 

(calculated) 

See fasting lipid profile. 

Blood 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

4 hrs See Comments Biochemistry Fasting specimen required. (Fasting 12 - 14 hours) Target 

LDL Cholesterol following lifestyle advice or drug therapy is 

< 3.0 mmol/L. 

Lead Blood EDTA 4 months


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




LH 

Luteinising Hormone 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

3 days Male: 2 - 14 U/L, 

Female: 

Follicular 2 - 12 U/L, 

Mid Cycle 15 - 50 U/L, 

Luteal 5 - 15 U/L Post 

Menopause 30 - 150 U/L 

Endocrinology 


Lipids - Fasting Blood 

Includes Total 

Cholesterol, HDL 

Cholesterol, Calculated 

LDL Cholesterol, 

Triglycerides, HDL/Total 

Cholesterol % (fasting 

12 - 14 hours) 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

4 hrs See under individual tests Biochemistry Fasting specimen required (fasting 12 - 14 hours). Target 

Cholesterol values following lifestyle advice or drug therapy are: 

HDL cholesterol level:


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Liver Function Tests 

(LFT's) includes 

albumin, total bilirubin, 

alkaline phosphatase, 

GGT, ALT 

Blood 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

4 hrs See under individual tests Biochemistry If AST analysis is also required, please state on request form. 

Liver Histology Urgent 

Post-transplant 

Liver biopsy 10% Formalin 

6 hours 

minimum 

Histology 

Histology tissues (routine) must be fixed immediately in 


the volume of the tissue. Liver Biopsy Urgent Out of Hours 

should be arranged through Telephone Switch who will 

contact the Consultant-on-call and a Medical Scientist. 

LKM Antibodies 

Liver Kidney 

Microsomal Antibodies 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

10 Days Negative Immunology 

Lupus Screen Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls x4 and 

Serum Gold 

Cap 

Lyme Disease Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

15 days See Report Haematology See comments in thrombophilia screen in User Reference 

Manual. 


Dispatch 



Lymphocytes sub sets 

(CD4/CD8) 

Blood 

EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3mls 

10 days T cells (CD3) = (57-79), 

Helper T (CD3+4+)= (34- 

51), Suppressor T 

(CD3+8+)=(17-37), T cells 

(CD3) = (600-2200), 

Helper T (CD3+4+) = (380- 

1500), Cytotoxic T 

(CD3+8+)=(190-800) 

Immunology 

Specimens Referred to Immunology Dept, St. James' Hospital. 

36


M2 Antibodies see AMA, 

IgG and IgM 

autoantibodies specific 

for the M2 antigen of 

the mitochondria 

membrane. 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




21 days Negative Immunology A useful aid in the diagnosis of Primary Bliliary Cirrhosis. 

Macroprolactin Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6mls 

Magnesium (Mg) Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

10 Days See prolactin minus 

macroprolactin 

Endocrinology 

4 hrs 0.7 - 1.0 mmol/L Biochemistry 

See prolactin minus macroprolactin. 

Magnesium (urinary) 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required 

Malaria Antibodies Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Malaria Screen Blood EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3mls 

Daily Mon - 

Fri same 

day if 

received 

before 

11am 




10 days Haematology Referred to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. 

2 - 4 hours Haematology Please contact Haematology Laboratory before taking samples 

with clinical details, where the patient has been and relevent 

treatment. 

Measles Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 



Meningococcal PCR Blood EDTA / 6mls 24hrs N/A Microbiology 

Dispatch 

Referred to Irish Meningococcal Ref. Lab. Temple St. Childrens' 

Hosp., Dublin. Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form. 

37


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Methemoglobin 

Atrerial or 

Venous 

Blood 


blood gas 

syringe - 2ml 

20 mins See Comment Biochemistry The nornal fraction of Methemoglobin is


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Mycology Specimens 

(Superficial) 

Microscopy & Culture 

Skin / Hair/ 

Nails 

Universal 

Container 

Direct N/A 

Microscop 

y: 48hrs 

Fungal 

Culture: 2 - 

3 wks 

Microbiology 

Use Yellow 

microbiology 

form 


confirmed. 

Mycophenolate 

(Cellsept) 

Blood 

Mycoplasma Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

EDTA 28 days Immunology Specimens Referred to Harefield Hospital (UK). 

Lavender Cap 

3mls 


Dispatch 



Myelin associated 

glycoprotein (MAG) ie 

Anti-MAG; ELISA IgM 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 4.5mls 


Myoglobin 

See 

Comment 

Total CK is a more useful indication of Rhabdomyolysis. 

Nasal Cilia 

Nasal Swab 

Culture 

Nasal 

Mucosal 

Biopsy 

Nasal Swab Transport 

Swab 

E.M. fixative 20 days Histology Referred to UCD EM Lab. 


Histology 


Investigation of nasal carriage of St.aureus & MRSA. Use Yellow 

microbiology form. 

Nerve Biopsy 

Sural nerve 

biopsy 

In Salinemoistened 

gauze 

15 days Histology Refered to Beaumont Neuropath Muscle Biopsies for 

Histochemistry must be booked early by phoning Histology (Ext: 

4613 or 4330), as these are transported to Beaumont Hospital on 

the day taken. SVPH arrange their own transport. 

Neutrophil Alkaline 

Phosphatase [NAP] 

Fresh blood EDTA 20 days 15 - 100 Haematology NAP may be useful in the diagnosis CML and Polycythemia 

Lavender Cap 

Rubra Vera [PRV]. Bring to lab immediately. 

3mls 

39


Nitrogen Excretion 

(Urinary) 

NTX-1 

N-Terminal crosslinking 

Telopeptide of 

Type 1 Collagen 

OCI 

Osteocalcin Intact 

Specimen 

Type 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

Urine 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

24hr urine 

bottle - 

(plastic). No 

preservatives 

required 

2 hour timed 

urine or 2nd 

morning void, 

collection 

bottle 

available Serum Red in 

Cap 6 ml 

Oestradiol Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




24 hrs 7 - 10g/24hr (stable noncatabolic 

state) Up to 20 - 

30g/24hrs following major 

surgery or trauma. 

Biochemistry 

20 days 25.5 - 72.4 nmol 

BCE/mmol Cr 

20 days Female: 9.7 - 18.1 ug/L 

Male: 9.5 - 22.2 ug/L 

3 days Male: 50 - 150 pmol/L, 

Female: Follicular 

130 -500 pmol/L, 

Mid Cycle 520 - 1470 

pmol/L, 

Luteal 110 - 620 pmol/L, 

Post Menopause < 90 

pmol/L 

Metabolism 

Metabolism 

Endocrinology 

Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled 




available from Lab. Results affected by:Fasting, Circadium 

Variation. 

Fasting specimen required. Part of Bone Biomarker.Protocol 

available from Lab. Results affected by: Fasting, Circadium 

variation. 


Oestrogen Receptor 

Breast or 

Lymph node 

Paraffin 

processed 

tissue 

7 days Histology Requested by Pathologists 

Oligoclomal Banding 

CSF & 

Blood 

CSF and 

Serum Gold 

Cap 4.5mls 

10 days CSF Albumin 0.140 - 0.200 

g/L, CSF IgG 0.020 - 0.040 

g/L, IgG Index 0.000 - 

0.700 

Immunology 

Parallel Serum sample to be sent with CSF sample. 

Specimens Referred to Immunology Dept, St. James' Hospital. 

Osmolality (blood) Blood Serum Red 

Cap or Green 

Cap Plasma 

6 ml 

Osmolality (urine) Urine Universal 

Container 

Daily 280 - 295 mmol/kg Metabolism 

Daily 

40 

Metabolism


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Osmotic Fragility Test Blood Heparin Dark 48 hours 0.4 - 0.445% Haematology Test useful in patients with query Hereditary Spherocytosis. 

Green cap x 2 

Please make arrangements with laboratory before taking sample. 

Oxalate Urine 24 hour urine 

bottle - no 

additive 

P1NP procollagen-1- 

Propeptide 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

20 days Female: 0.04 - 0.32 

mmol/24hr, 

Male: 0.08 - 0.49 

mmol/24hr 

Metabolism 

Part of stone screen.The date and time of start and finish of 

collection must be clearly indicated. 

20 days 27.2 - 71 ug/L Metabolism Part of Bone Biomarker.Protocol available from laboratory. 

Results affected by: Fasting, Circadium varaition. 

Pancreas Islet Cell Abs. Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

20 days Negative Immunology Specimens Referred to University College London Hospitals. 

Paracetamol 

(Acetaminophen) 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 mls 

Daily See Comments Biochemistry For interpretation in overdose refer to paracetamol treatment 

nomogram. Toxicity is related to post-dose interval, typically 

>200mg/L at 4 hours, >100 mg/L at 8 hours, >50 mg/L at 12 

hours post overdose. Lower Paracetamol levels are used if 

patient is higher risk. The time of ingestion should be stated on 

the request form (if known), together with the date and time of 

specimen collection. Specimens taken less than 4 hrs post 

ingestion are not considered useful for prediction of toxicity. 

Amitryptiline and Imipramine may show sIgnificant negative 

interferance in paracetamol assay. 

Parathyroid Hormone 

(PTH) 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6mls 

5 days 12 - 64 ng/L Metabolism 

Parathyroid -related 

Peptide Hormone 

(PTHrP) 

Pemphigus 

ie Bullous Pemph 

Pemph Vulgaris 

Blood 

Blood 

Plasma 

PinkCap- 

(Potassium 

EDTA with 

Aprotinin) 

5ml* 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

28 days See report form Metabolism * Do not mix up with Cross Match Tube. Send specimen to the 

lab on ice. Specimen Referred to Royal Liverpool University 


20 days Negative Immunology Pemphigus/Pemphigoid Antibodies Indirect Immuno 

Fluorescence Method Specimens Referred to Immunology 

Dept, St. James' Hospital. 

41


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Peritoneal Fluid for 

tumour 

20 ml Fresh 

sample 

Universal/20 

mls 


pH Urine 24 hour urine 

bottle or 

universal 

Phenobarbitone Blood Serum Red 

Cap - 6ml 

Daily Metabolism Must have 24 hrs urine collection if part of stone screen. 

7 days 10 - 30 g/ml Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (Beaumont Hospital). Specimens 


dispatch. 

Phenytoin Blood Serum Red 

Cap - 6ml 

Phosphate (Urinary) 

Phosphate, Inorganic 

(PO 4 ) 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

Blood 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

4 hrs Therapeutic Range:10 - 20 

mg/ml 

Mon- Fri 

same day 

if received 

before 

11am. 

Biochemistry 

The therapeutic range given is a guide only; individual patient 

responses may vary and patients may exhibit toxic symptoms 

within reference range. 

16 - 48 mmol/24hrs Biochemistry Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled 



4 hrs Adults 0.8 - 1.4 mmol/L 

Biochemistry 

Levels in children (2-12 years) are higher. 

Plasma Viscosity Blood EDTA 24 hours See Report Haematology Sample must not be stored in fridge - samples are sent St. 

Lavender Cap 

James’s Hospital. 

3mls X 2 

Platelet Allo antibodies Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 



Pleural Fluid for tumour 20 ml Fresh 

sample 

Universal / 20 

mls 


PM Sample 

(Toxicology) 

Urine 

Universal 

Container 

4 months N/A Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (Beaumont Hospital). 

Pneumococcal PCR Blood EDTA / 6mls 48hrs N/A Microbiology 

Dispatch 

Referred to Irish Meningococcal Ref. Lab. Temple St. Childrens' 

Hosp , Dublin. Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request Form. 

42


Pneumococcal Urinary 

Antigen 

Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Urine 5-10ml 24 hrs N/A Microbiology 

Part of screen for Community-acquired pneumonia. Use Yellow 


Pneumocystis Carnii/ 

Jiroveci 

Fresh 

Broncho 

Alveolar 

Lavage 

(BAL) 

Large 

Container/ 

amount 

available 

Daily Cytology Lab must be informed in advance if test required - Ext. 

4310/4613. Sputum not suitable. 

PNH screen Blood EDTA 24 hours Haematology Samples must be fresh. This replaces the Ham's test. Please 

Lavender Cap 

make arrangements with laboratory before taking sample. 

3mls X 2 

Porphobilinogen (PBG) Urine - 24hr 

collection 

(Spot urine 

if 

emergency 

request) 

Porphyrins (blood) Blood EDTA x2, 

Lithium 

Heparin x1 

Protected 

from light at 

all times 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required - 

Protect from 

light at all 

times 

15 days


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Porphyrins (urine) Urine 24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required - 

Protect from 

light at all 

times 

Potassium (K) Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Potassium (Urinary) 

PRA 

Plasma Renin Activity 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

Blood 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




15 days Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (St James's Hospital). Specimens 


dispatch. 

4 hrs 3.5 - 5.0 mmol/L Biochemistry Bring to laboratory as soon as possible - elevated values can 

occur if separation of plasma from blood cells is delayed. Do not 

refrigerate whole blood. Do not take blood from a limb with an 

IV Potassium Infusion. 

Mon - Fri 

Same day 

if received 

before 

11am 

30 - 100 mmol/24hrs Biochemistry Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled 



2 x 3 ml 

EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

tubes on ice 

15 days Upright: 0.5 - 6.8 ng/ml/h Endocrinology Send samples on ice to laboratory immediately. Indicate posture. 

Pregnancy Test or HCG 

detection of bHCG in 

Urine (HCGU) or Serum 

(HCGS) 

Urine or 

Serum 

10 mls Daily: 30 

mins after 

specimen 

received. 

22 nmol/l Endocrinology State LMP. 

44


Specimen 

Type 

Progesterone Receptor Breast or 

Lymph node 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Paraffin 

Processed 

tissue 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




7 days Histology Requested by Pathologists 

Prograf (FK 506 or 

Tacrolimus) 

Blood EDTA / 3mls 4 days Patient should be invidually 

monitored 

Immunology 

Sensitivity of assay 1.5 ng/ml. Take trough sample (i.e. Predose). 

Samples can be stored in fridge overnight. 

Prolactin (Total) Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

3 days Female: 105 - 548 mUl/L, 

Male: 89 - 365 mU/L 

Endocrinology 

Prolactin minus 

Macroprolactin 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

10 days Female: 83 - 383 mUl/L, 

Male: 73 - 247 mU/L. 

Endocrinology 

Protein (Total) Blood Plasma Light 

Green Cap - 

5ml 

Protein C Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls 

Protein Electrophoresis - Urine - fresh 

(Urine Qualitative) spot 


universal 

container - 

10ml 

4 hrs 60 - 85 g/L Biochemistry 

6 hours 75 - 155 iu/dl Haematology Tests done in batches every 4 - 6 weeks, unless requested 

urgently. 

7 days Qualitative Reporting Biochemistry 

Protein Electrophoresis - Urine - 24hr 

(Urine Quantitative) collection 

Protein Electrophoresis 

(Serum) 

Blood 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required 

Serum Gold 

Cap- 5ml 

7 days Quantitative Reporting of 

paraprotein level (where 

applicable) 

Biochemistry 

7 days 60 - 85 g/L (Total Protein) Biochemistry 

Qualitative reporting for all 

other fractions. Quantitation 

of Paraprotein Level (where 

applicable) 




N.B: Serum specimen essential. 

45


Protein Excretion 

(Urinary) 

Protein/Creatinine Ratio 

(UPCR) 

Specimen 

Type 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

Urine 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required 

Random urine 

specimen, 

Early Morning 

if possible 

Turn 

Around 

Time 

Mon - Fri 

Same day 

if received 

before 

11am 

Mon - Fri 

Same day 

if received 

before 

11am 




0.05 - 0.15 g/24hr Biochemistry Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled 



3 - 14 mg/mmol Biochemistry UPCR > 45mg/mmol should be considered positive for 

proteinuria, although lower levels may be significant in the 

concomitant presence of haematuria. Diagnosis of persistent 

proteinuria requires 2 or more positive tests, one to two weeks 

apart. UTI should always be out ruled in a positive sample as this 

can lead to a false positive result. 

Prothrombin Mutation 

or PT 3 UTR 

Blood 

Prothrombin Time Blood Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3 

mls 

PSA (Free) 

(FPSA) 

Blood 

EDTA 4 weeks See Report Haematology Referred to St. James’s Hospital. 

Lavender Cap 

3 mls 

Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

3 hours 11.5 - 13.5 seconds Haematology One sample sufficient for PT, INR, APTT, D-Dimers, Fibrinogen. 

3 days Nuclear 

Medicine 

The free PSA is expressed as a ratio of the total PSA present in 

the specimen. Most useful if TPSA 4 - 10 g/L. 

PSA (Total) 

(TPSA) 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

Q Fever / Coxiella Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

2 days Age Related: 

40-49


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




Renal phosphate 

threshold (TmP) 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6mls 

Metabolism 

Fasting specimen required. Protocol available from Lab. 

Renal phosphate 

threshold (TmP) 

Urine 

2 hour timed 

morning 

collection, 

bottle 

available in 

Lab. 

5 days 0.84 - 1.48 mmol/L Metabolism 

Renal Profile 

(Urea/Electrolytes). 

Includes urea, 

creatinine, sodium, 

potassium, chloride. 

Blood 

Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

4 hrs See under individual tests Biochemistry NB: Do not take blood from a limb with an IV Infusion. Do not 

place whole blood specimen for Potassium analysis in 

fridge. 

Retic Count Blood EDTA 4 hours 16-80 x 10^9/l. Haematology One EDTA sample is adequate for Full Blood Count and Retic 

Lavender Cap 

Count. Test is inappropriate post transfusion. 

3ml 

Rickettsia Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 



RSV Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 



Rubella Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 



Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 

1 day Immunology 

Salicylate Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6mls 

Daily See Comments Biochemistry Severity of salicylate poisoning cannot be assessed from serum 

levels alone. Salicylate intoxication is usually associated with 

levels of > 350 mg/L. Severe toxicity is associated with salicylate 

levels of > 700 mg/L. Conjugated bilirubin levels above 140 

mol/L may cause significant negative interfearance in the 

salicyclate assay. 

47


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Schistosoma Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 





Dispatch 

Referred toHospital for Tropical Diseases London. Use Grey 


SHBG 

Sex Hormone Binding 

Globulin 

Sickle Cell Screening 

Test 

Blood 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Sirolimus (Rapamane) Blood EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3mls 

Skin for DIF 


1. ? Bullous 

15 days Female: 30 - 95 nmol/L, 

Male: 11 - 54 nmol/L 

Endocrinology 

State if patient is on oestrogen or pregnant. 

EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3ml 

2 hours Haematology Sample must be fresh. 

20 days Immunology Specimens Referred to Harefield Hospital (UK). 

Peri-lesional Fresh skin to 

Histology lab 

immediately 

7 days Histology Contact laboratory priory to taking biopsy Ext. 4797/4350. GP 

DIF samples use saline-moistened gauze. 

Skin for DIF 


2. ? SLE/DLE 

3 biopsies: Fresh skin to 

lesional, non-Histologlesional and immediately 

lab 

non-lesional 

exposed 

7 days Histology Contact laboratory priory to taking biopsy Ext. 4797/4350 GP DIF 

samples use saline-moistened gauze. 

Skin for DIF 


3. ? Vasculitis 

A fresh 

lesion 

Fresh skin to 

Histology lab 

immediately 

7 days Histology Contact laboratory priory to taking biopsy Ext. 4797/4350. GP 

DIF samples use saline-moistened gauze. 

Skin Sentinel Node 

melanoma detection 

Smooth Muscle 

Antibodies 

Adjacent 

lymph 

nodes 

Blood 

10% Formalin 

labelled 

'Radioactive' 

Serum Gold 

Cap 

3 days Histology Histology tissues (routine) must be fixed immediately in 


the volume of the tissue.Skin Sentinel Nodes - please note on the 

request form if patient has received a Single or Double dose of 

Technetium 99. 

10 days Immunology 

48


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Sodium (Na+) Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




4 hrs 135 - 145 mmol/L Biochemistry NB: Do not take blood from a limb with an IV Infusion. 

Sodium (Urinary) 

Sodium Concentration 

(Urinary Spot) 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

Urine - 

Fresh spot 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required 


Universal 

Container - 

5ml (min) 

Mon - Fri 

Same day 

if received 

before 

11am 

80 - 250 mmol/24hr Biochemistry Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled 



7 hrs Refer to clinical protocol Biochemistry 

Sputum 

Culture for respiratory 

pathogens 

Sputum 

(Saliva not 

accepted) 

Universal 

Container 


Sputum from CF patients take 8 working days for culture results. 

Use Yellow microbiology form. 

Sputum for tumour 

Fresh 

sample 

Universal 

/approx 5 mls 


Strongylloides Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 



Tacrolimus (FK 506 or 

Prograf) 

Blood EDTA / 3mls 4 days Each patient should be 

invidually monitored 

Immunology 

Sensitivity of assay 1.5 ng/ml. Take trough sample (I.e. Predose). 

Samples can be stored in 4 o C fridge overnight. 

TB Specimens 

AFB Stain & TB Culture 

TCR Gene 

Rearrangements 

Various 

Bone 

Marrow or 

Blood 

Depending on 

the sample 

usually 

Universal 

Container 

Acid-Fast 

Stain: 24- 

48hrs TB 

Culture: 2- 

6wks 

Marrow in 2 - 3 

RPMI or weeks 

EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3ml 

N/A 

Microbiology 


confirmed. Use Yellow microbiology form. 

See Report Haematology Useful in T Cell Malignancies. Referred to St. James’s Hospital. 

Samples must be received into laboratory before 12:00 for same 

day dispatch. 

49


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Teicoplanin Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 

Twice 

weekly 






Microbiology 

Pre dose sample should be taken immediately before the next 

dose is given. Pre-Dose Level: 10-40 mgs/L. Pre-Dose Level: 20- 

40 mgs/L (serious infections). Use Grey Serology/ Assay 

Request Form LF-MIC-REQ2. 

Testicular Histology 

Testicular 

Biopsy 

Bouins 

Fixative (in 

theatre) 

2-3 days Histology 

Testosterone Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Male:3 

days, 

Female 10 

days 

Female: 0.5-2.0 nmol/L , 

Male: 7.9-28.9 nmol/L 

Endocrinology 

Indicate gender. 

Testosterone:SHBG 

Ratio 

Blood 

See 

Comment 

15 days Female 1 - 4.7 Endocrinology This is a calculated test. See testosterone and SHBG for 

specimen requirements. 

Thalassaemia Screen 

See 

Haemoglobinopathy 

Screen 

Blood 

Theophylline Blood Serum Red 

Cap - 6ml 

EDTA 5 days See Report Haematology EDTA tubes, FBC results & 2 unstained slides sent to St. James's 

Lavender Cap 


3mls x 2 

4 hrs Therapeutic Range:10 - 20 

mg/ml See comments. 

Biochemistry 

Blood should not be taken from a limb with an IV Aminophylline 

Infusion.Therapeutic effects may be achieved at levels above 5 

mg/ml and undesirable side effects may occur at >15 mg/ml. 

Therefore, a lower therapeutic range has also been 

recommended to reduce toxicity (5 - 15 mg/ml). 

Thioguanine Nucleotide Blood 

EDTA 20 days See Report Biochemistry Referred to Dr. Lynette Fairbanks, 3rd Floor Block 7, South Wing, 

Lavender Cap 

St. Thomas Hospital, London SE1 7EH. 

3mls x 2 

Throat Swab 

Culture for UPRT 

pathogens 

Throat 

Swab 

Transport 

Swab 


For bacterial cause of sore throat. Use Yellow microbiology form. 

50


Thrombophilia Screen 

[includes Protein C, 

Protein S, Anti-thrombin, 

Activated Protein C 

Resistance, Fibrinogen, 

Lupus Screen, Factor VIII 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3ml 

x 5 AND 

Serum gel x 

1 AND 

EDTA x 1 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




4-6 weeks Reports Issued with 

interpretative comments 

Haematology 

Testing is inappropriate during acute post thrombotic phase. 

Samples must be received in laboratory before 16:00 as samples 

require preparation prior to storage. See guidelines for 

Thrombophilia Testing in User Reference Manual. 

Thyroglobulin levels 

(TG) 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

10 days


Toxicology Blood 

Screen Please do not 

request Toxicology Blood 

Screen, but specify drug 

tests required e.g 

Paracetamol, Salicylates, 

Ethanol. 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Serum Red 

Cap - 6ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




10 days N/A Biochemistry Requests for other drugs such as Tricyclics, Benzodiazepines, or 

Barbiturates will be referred to Beaumont Hospital. Specimens 


dispatch. Urgent specimens - send directly from ED to Beaumont 

Hospital by taxi. 

Toxocara Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

Toxoplasma Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 


Dispatch 





TPHA Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 



TPMT 

(Thiopurine 

Methyltransferase) 

TRACP5b 

Tartrate-Resistant acid 

Phosphatase 

Blood 

Blood 

Potassium 

EDTA (purple 

topped 

vacutainer) X 

2 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

Transferrin Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

8 weeks - 

Batched 

analysis; 

dispatched 

weekly 

Normal: 26 - 50 

pmol/h/mgHb 

Carrier: 10 - 25 

pmol/h/mgHb Deficiency: 


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Troponin T Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Tryptase - for 

Anaphylatic Reaction 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml* 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




4 hrs 0.00 - 0.03g/L Biochemistry Interpretation: Troponin T values >0.03g/L in patients post chest 

pain suggest the presence of myocardial injury, values > 0.1g/L 

indicate significant myocardial injury. TnT may not be raised until 

4 - 12 hours post chest pain. Request as urgent if required 

immediately. 

20 days See Report Microbiology 

Dispatch 

* Three samples to be taken at 1 hour, 3-6 hours and 24 hours. 

Referred to Immunology St. James Hospital. 

TSH Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

2 days 0.4 - 4.0 mIU/L Nuclear 

Medicine 

TSH is performed as a front line thyroid function test. 

TSH Receptor 

Antibodies 

Blood 10 days 0.0 - 1.5 IU/L Immunology Specimens Referred to Immunology Dept, St. James' Hospital. 

TTG -Tissue 

Transglutaminase 

Antibodies or Coeliac 

Antibodies 

Blood 

Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Urate (Uric Acid) Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

Urate (Urinary) 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required 

14 days 0.0-1.9 = Negative, 2 in the Microbiology 

presence of a positive EMA Dispatch 

test are highly suggestive 

of Coeliac Disease. 2 in the 

absence of a positive EMA 

test are equivocal. 

Referred to Immunology Dept, St. James' Hospital. Specimens 

must be received into laboratory before12:00 for same day 

dispatch. 

4 hrs 0.14 - 0.42 mmol/L Biochemistry Specimens for Urate from patients of raspuricase should be 

placed on ice immediately and brought to the lab without delay. 

Mon- Fri 

Same day 

if received 

before 

11am. 




Urea Blood Heparin Gel 

Light Green 

Cap - 4.5ml 

4 hrs 2.1 - 7.1 mmol/L Biochemistry 

53


Urea (Urinary) 

Urea / Electrolytes 

See Renal Profile 

Specimen 

Type 

Urine - 24hr 

collection or 

spot urine 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

24hr urine 


- no 

preservatives 

required or 


Universal 

container 

(spot) 

Turn 

Around 

Time 

Mon- Fri 

Same day 

if received 

before 

11am. 




Biochemistry 

Biochemistry 




Urinary Haemosiderin Urine Universal 

Container 20 

ml 

Urinary Myoglobin 

[See CK] 

See 

Comment 

5 days Haematology Samples must be fresh. 

Total CK is more useful indication of Rhabdomyolysis. 

Urine Examination 

Cell Count/ Culture 

MSU / CSU Universal 

Container 

Microscop WCC: 1 - 10/cmm RCC: 

y:same 100,000CFU/ml indicative of UTI. Use Yellow 


Urine for tumour 

Fresh 

sample 


Universal 


Valproate (Valproic 

Acid) 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap - 6mls 

Same Day 40 - 100 mg/L Biochemistry Serum concentrations are no better a guide to clinical response 

than is the dose. Therefore routine monitering of valporate 

concentrations is not recommended. Measurment in psychiatric 

patients may be useful when compliance is an issue. 

54


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Vancomycin Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 5mls 

Varicella zoster virus 

Abs 


10ml 

Turn 

Around 

Time 

Same Day 

if samples 

received 

before 

3pm Mon- 

Fri or 

11am 

Sat/Sun 

2-3 

working 

days 




Therapeutic Range: Pre- Microbiology 

Dose Level: < 15.0 mgs/L , 

Post-Dose Level : 20-40 

mgs/L 

N/A 

Microbiology 

Dispatch 

Multiple Daily Dose Regimen Pre dose samples should be taken 

immediately before the next dose is given. Post dose samples 

should be taken 20 minutes after a one hour infusion is 

completed. 



VDRL Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 


Dispatch 



Viscosity Blood EDTA 

Lavender Cap 

3mlsX2 

Samples 

must be 

stored at 

room temp. 

24 hours See Report Haematology Sample must not be stored in fridge - samples are sent St. 

James’s Hospital. 

Vitamin A Blood Serum Non 

Gel - 6ml - 

Protect from 

light 

Vitamin B12 Blood Serum Gold 

Cap 6 ml 

Vitamin B6 Blood EDTA whole 

blood frozen 

within 4 hours 

- Protect from 

light 

7 weeks - 

batched 

analysis; 

dispatched 

weekly 

1.6 - 3.7mol/L Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (St James's Hospital). 



2 days 193 - 982 ng/L Nuclear 

Medicine 

Please state if patient is receiving exogenous Vitamin B12. 

7 weeks 42 - 115 mmol/L Biochemistry Specimens should be stored away from light. Referred to 

Outside Laboratory (Claymon Biomnis). Specimens must be 

received into laboratory before 12.00 for same day dispatch. 

55


Specimen 

Type 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Vitamin C Blood **Plasma 

Green Cap - 

5ml. Protect 

from light. 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




6 days See Report Biochemistry **Bring specimen to laboratory immediately as specimen 

must be frozen within one hour. 3mls of frozen serum is 

required for test. Specimen must be stored away from the 

light. Specimen referred to Claymon Biomnis. 

Vitamin D (1,25(OH) 2 D) 

Calcitriol 

Blood 

Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

30 days 22.8 - 153.6 pmol/L Metabolism 

Vitamin D (25(OH)D) Blood Serum Red 

Cap 6 ml 

10 days Recommended 

Threshold > 50 nmol/L 

Metabolism 

Vitamin E Blood Serum Non 

Gel - 6ml - 

Protect from 

light 

Vitamin K Serum **Red/Gold 

Cap 2mls 

Protect from 

light. 

7 weeks 21.3 - 43.8 mol/L Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (St James's Hospital). 



4 weeks See report form Biochemistry **Protect specimen from light. Serum must be seperated and 

frozen within 1 hour. Referred to Claymon Biomnis Laboratory. 

Vitamin K for Warfarin 

Resistance 

Serum 

Red/Gold Cap 

6mls Protect 

from light 

20 days See Report Haematology Referred to St. Thomas Hospital, London. 

VKORC1 Blood EDTA 20 days See report form Haematology Referred to St. Thomas Hospital, London. Genetic test to detect 

Lavender Cap 

Warfarin resistance. Warfarin levels should also be measured. 

3 ml 

VMA 

Urine - 24hr 

collection 

24hr urine 

collection in 

an acid 

containing 24 

hrs container 

15 days 2.5 - 45 mol/L Biochemistry Special container with instructions available from 

Biochemistry. Specimen container must be kept upright at all 

times. Specimen container must have corrosive warning 

sign. Specimen Referred to Outside Laboratory (St James's 

Hospital). 

56


Von Willebrand's 

Disease screen 

vWF Cleaving Protease 

(ADAMTS 13) 

Specimen 

Type 

Blood 

Blood 

Container 

Type/ 

Volume 

Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue Cap 3ml 

x 4 

Sodium 

Citrate Light 

Blue cap 3 

mls x 2 

Warfarin Blood Red/Gold Cap 

6mls 

Turn 

Around 

Time 




3 weeks See Report Biochemistry Referred to St. James’s Hospital. Samples must be received into 


15 days See Report Haematology Samples must be sent immediately to the Coagulation lab for 

separation. Referred to Haematosis Research Unit/University of 

London. 

10 days See Report Haematology Serum must be seperated. Vitiman K levels must also be 

measured. Specimens referred to Haemophilia Centre, London. 

White Cell Differential Blood EDTA 4 hours See Report Haematology Differential included in Full blood count during routine hours. 

Lavender Cap 

3 ml 

Wound Swabs/Pus 

Culture 

Various 

Swab from 

site or 

exudate 

usually in a 

Universal 

Container 

Yersinia Abs Blood Serum/ 5- 

10ml 

48 hrs N/A Microbiology 


Dispatch 

State site of swab on form. Use Grey Serology/ Assay Request 

Form. 

Referred to Div. of Enteric Pathogens, CPHL, Colindale, London. 

Zinc Blood Sodium 

Heparin - 

Navy Cap 

vacutainer 

10 days 9 - 22 mol/L Biochemistry Referred to Outside Laboratory (Claymon Biomnis). Specimens 


dispatch. 

57

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