Reporting
Specimens are reported on the Laboratory Information Management System. For internal patients, the reports are then automatically uploaded to Clinical Portal. For external users, reports are issued automatically to the distribution list of the referring laboratory. If an nhs.net email address is not accessible, an nhs.uk email will be accepted; the report will be encrypted with password protection. All reports are stored with the laboratory LIMS indefinitely. MPDS staff are available between 08:30 – 17:00 Monday – Friday for the reporting of specimens and to offer advice.
The department will not send reports by fax.
Return of Material
Guidance from The Royal College of Pathologists and Institute of Biomedical Science recommends residual DNA remaining following completion of testing is stored for a minimum of 8 weeks. Current storage capacity allows retention of DNA for a minimum period of 3 years. Referred specimens (blocks/ unused slides) will be retained for 2 weeks after testing is complete before being returned to the referring pathology. Material is returned using sample tracking and confirmation of receipt is requested. If a specimen is required prior to test completion or within a specified time frame this should be clearly communicated to the service.
