Biochemistry

Biochemistry at the North Devon District Hospital

This department is both extensively automated and computerised.  The benefits are reliable assays, large throughput and fast return of results.

The majority of results are returned within one working day. Exceptions include some hormone assays which are batched before testing and those specialized requests sent to accredited regional laboratories.  Should you be worried by a delay please ring EXT 2345.

The laboratory provides a wide range of assays locally but refers, to specialist accredited departments, those rare or expensive tests which are best dealt with in tertiary centres.
Good communication is the key to success and this means we need to know by telephone when special or urgent requests are likely to be asked for.

Please try to make a point of coming to the laboratory at some time to meet the staff.

Location
Within the main Pathology Department on level one.

Hours
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:30, Saturday 09:00 to 12:30 .

Outside of these hours, only a limited number of staff are rostered to perform a restricted range of critical tests.  Pressure to perform routine testing at these times jeopardises the critical care service.

Staff

The department is staffed by State Registered Biomedical Scientists (BMSs) and Medical Laboratory Assistants with clinical input from the Principal Clinical Biochemist and the Consultant Clinical Biochemist.

General information

The department is totally dependant on the requesting practitioner for accurate information on the request form, without this, results may go astray.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SPECIMEN ACCEPTANCE POLICY WHICH, IF NOT ADHERED, TO MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF THE SPECIMENS.

Please give as much information as you can (reference number – particularly the NHS Number, full name, date of birth, address etc) so that patients can be positively identified.

Abnormal Results – Telephone Trigger Limits

When patient samples have been tested and the results are abnormal or indicate a clinical decision is required for patient management the department uses the following reference document to determine when results should be telephoned back to the requesting practitioner or requesting location. Abnormal results – telephone trigger limits

Biochemistry Referral Laboratories: Accreditation Status – October 2018

Referral laboratory accreditation status is checked annually as part of the scheduled audit programme.

NOTE: If printed, information on this page is only valid on day of printing.