In this section
Sample collection and transport
Local transport hospital services collect samples from Practices/Clinics within their geographical area and deliver to the local Trust hospital hub. The laboratory has arrangements in place for collection of samples from hospital hubs to the Manchester Cytology Centre by DLM and department contracted sample transport services. If there are any issues relating to the provision of LBC kits, please contact the department on 0161 276 5172.
Posting LBC vials
Occasionally it may be necessary to post a sample vial to the laboratory. If this is the case, then please be aware that:
Royal Mail will only transport UN3373 diagnostic specimens if they are packaged following packaging instruction P650 and,
- Sent by first class post or special delivery to an inland address only.
- The packet is marked with the sender’s name, telephone number and address.
LBC kits
The laboratory will arrange delivery of a supply of ThinPrep LBC clinic kits to primary care practices and hospital clinic locations. Each practice/clinic completes an e-order form for ThinPrep clinic kits indicating the number of kits required over a 3-month period, the form should be returned by email to the Logistics Coordinators Cyto.Pathology@mft.nhs.uk Two weeks’ notification is required by the laboratory to ensure supplies are available and provided prior to stocks running out at the practice/clinic. For any enquiries regarding LBC kits please contact the department on 0161 276 5172. You can email kit orders using the LBC kit order form
LBC stock rotation
Please be aware that LBC vials have an expiry date, and it is the sample takers responsibility to ensure that there is stock rotation and to check that the vials they are using have not passed the expiry date as printed labels containing patient details often obscure the expiry date once attached to the vial. Please ensure the expiry date on the vial is at least 14 days after the sample has been taken or more than the current turnaround time – whichever is greater to ensure sufficient time for transport and processing. The current turnaround times can be viewed on the CSTD homepage. LBC vials should be stored between 15 and 30oC. If samples are to be stored prior to collection for any length of time, they should be stored at room temperature. Vials must not be stored in a fridge.
(Last reviewed March 2024)