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.
If you require the urgent return of material, please click the link below.
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In general the following blood collection bottles are required (colour reference is Greiner Vacuette® system only, other systems may vary). The collection tube required by test is given in section 5.9. Please contact the laboratory if you are unsure of the correct collection tube.
Urine Collections
Bottles for 24 hour urine collections can be obtained from the Clinical Biochemistry Department. Different preservatives are required for different analyses. Please ensure that ward staff/portering staff/patients who are sent to collect containers know which analyses will be required. Please ensure that patient information on the specimen bottles is complete before they are returned to the laboratory.
Add-on Tests
QEHB inpatients and outpatients: Please send a request form with the patient’s details and tests required, clearly stating it is an add-on request.
Moseley Hall Hospital, St Mary’s Hospice, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and GP surgeries: Please telephone extension 16543 to request additional tests.
Please note that add-on tests will not be dealt with urgently. Due to sample storage procedures within the department, it may not be possible to access a sample quickly, if an add-on result is required urgently, it may be more appropriate to re-bleed the patient.
Please be aware that due to varying in vitro stability of analytes, it may not be possible to add-on further tests.
Please call extension 16543 to discuss if required.
Specific Analyses
The Department of Clinical Biochemistry performs the majority of routine assays in-house. A small number of specialist assays are forwarded on to centres elsewhere in the UK although advice and interpretation will always be available locally.
The Department of Clinical Biochemistry has particular expertise in; the investigation of diabetes mellitus, lipid disorders, gastroenterology, rheumatology, tumour markers and endocrinology. An extensive analytical service is provided within the Diabetes Centre.
All external users should complete the external request form. We ask that the forms are completed in full and if handwritten, in block capitals so that the form is legible. Missing information could lead to a delay in testing as some information is vital in order for a case to be booked in.
Please find and download the relevant request forms below. Please contact the Molecular Specimen Reception on 0121 371 3325 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any queries regarding the request forms.
Lung Cancer Testing including EGFR, ALK, PD-L1 & ROS
Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Laboratory medicine provides a high quality, cost-effective service to the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, GPs and community hospitals within Birmingham and Solihull and is a referral centre for specialist services for other local; national Trusts and international users.
Site specific information
Queen Elizabeth pathology services are are based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital - University Hospitals Birmingham - Edgbaston. The laboratories are part of a wider laboratory grouping for University Hospitals Birmingham, which includes laboratories from Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital (HGS Laboratories). All laboratories are ISO 15189 accreditated for their listed repertoire, unless otherwise noted. Site specific information can be accessed below.
Protection of Personal Information – Clinical Laboratory Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.
University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/
Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.
Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.
Biochemistry
Haematology and Transfusion
Clinical Microbiology (Including Virology)
Cellular Pathology
General Information
Immunology
Molecular Pathology
