In this section
The results availability times given here represent the time generally required to produce a result following receipt of the sample in the laboratory. Sample transport times are not included.
Where appropriate, if a result is required the same day samples must be received sufficiently early to allow completion of the test. Contact the lab if the test you require is not listed.
These tests are available during the normal working day. See a list of haematology tests available outside core working hours.
For further advice or information, call 0161 276 4400 or 64887. For urgent requests for blood transfusion, call 0161 276 4400.
| Test (Performed at ORC/Trafford/ Wythenshawe/NMGH) |
Specimen requirements | Results available (from time of receipt in lab) | ||
| Urgent | Non-urgent | Reports available | ||
| Cross matching
(ORC/T/W/N) |
Adult 4.9 ml EDTA blue cap
Paediatric 3.4ml EDTA blue top Neonatal 1.2ml EDTA blue top |
60 min
The presence of antibodies will cause a delay in the provision of red cells. In an emergency Group specific blood (ABO and Rhesus matched) can be prepared within 30 minutes of receipt of the pre-transfusion sample in the laboratory. |
Non urgent cross-matching can take from 2 hours or longer depending on the workload priorities at that time. |
N/A |
| Blood group
(ORC/T/W/N) |
Adult 4.9 ml EDTA blue cap
Paediatric 3.4ml EDTA blue top |
10 min | Within 24hrs | 24hrs |
| Group and save
(ORC/T/W/N) |
Adult 4.9 ml EDTA blue cap
Paediatric 3.4ml EDTA blue top Neonatal 1.2ml EDTA blue top |
30 min | Within 24hrs | 24hrs |
| Cord blood investigations
(ORC/W/N) |
4.9 ml EDTA blue cap (maternal)
4.9 ml EDTA blue cap (cord – labelled with baby’s details) |
2 hours | Within 24hrs | 24hrs |
| Kleihauer test
(ORC/W/N) |
Adult 4.9 ml EDTA blue cap | 60 min | Within 48hrs | 48hrs |
| Direct Antiglobulin Test
(ORC/T/W/N) |
Adult 7.5ml EDTA blue cap | 20 min | Within 24hrs | 24hrs |
| Haptoglobin Estimation
(sent away) |
7ml clotted red cap | N/A | Within 10 days | 10 days |
| Antibody titre, paternal testing, quants and other NHSBT referrals.
(NHSBT) NHSBT reserves the right to refuse to handle any inappropriately package/labelled samples. |
Adult 4.9ml EDTA blue cap | N/A | NBS
5 working days |
NBS
5 working days |
| Cell free DNA samples (cffDNA) for Antenatal patients.
(NHSBT) NHSBT reserves the right to refuse to handle any inappropriately package/labelled samples. |
Adult 7.5 ml EDTA blue cap | N/A | NBS
10 working days |
NBS
10 working days |
(Last reviewed July 2024)