In this section
The haematology laboratory forms part of the Haematology Cancer Diagnostic Pathway for Greater Manchester (HCDP). Also know as the Haematological malignancy diagnostics service (HMDS). For adult haemtaological cancer diagnosis and adult bone marrows refer to the HODS system for full sample requirements and clinical pathways.
Click on the link for further information. For adults CSF testing also follow this pathway. HCDP information
Guidelines to the availability of tests
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 and information call the laboratory on 0161 276 64030 or 64032.
| Test (performed at ORC/Trafford/ Wythenshawe/NMGH) |
Specimen requirements | Results available (from time of receipt in lab) | ||
| Urgent | Non-urgent | Reports available | ||
| Full blood count and automated differential
(ORC/T/W/N) |
1 x 3.4ml red cap EDTA
[1x 1.8ml red cap EDTA – paediatric sample] [1x 0.5ml EDTA – paediatric sample] |
1hr | 4hr | 24hr |
| Manual blood film (call the lab on 0161 276 4030)
(ORC/T/W/N) |
Any of the above specimen types | by arrangement | 24hr | 24hr |
| Reticulocyte count including RetHe (diagnostic for renal patients) Research parameter ONLY
(ORC/T/W/N) |
Any of the above
(from FBC sample) |
1hr | 4hr | 24hr |
| Erthrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
(ORC/T/W/N) |
1x 3.4ml red cap EDTA (from FBC sample)
(1x 1.8ml red cap EDTA – paediatric) |
1.5hr | 4hr | 24hr |
| Screening test for glandular fever
(ORC/T/W/N) |
1 x 3.4ml red cap EDTA
1x 1.8ml red cap EDTA – Paediatric |
30 min | Same day | 24hr |
| CSF
(ORC) |
1ml in grey top anticoagulant free tube | N/A | 4hr | 24hr |
| Haemosiderin
(ORC) |
Must be an early morning urine sample | 24hrs | 24hrs | 24hrs |
| Bone marrow report (call the lab on 0161 276 4030)
(ORC) |
4 slides + 1 x 3 ml EDTA | by arrangement | 7 days | 7 days |
| Detection of malarial parasites by Antigen Test (call the lab on 0161 276 4030)
(ORC/T/W/N) |
From full blood count specimen | 1hr by arrangement | N/A | 24hr |
| Detection of malarial parasites – blood film (call the lab on 0161 276 4030)
(ORC/T/W/N) |
From full blood count specimen | 2hr by arrangement | N/A | 24hr |
| Heparin Induced thrombocytopenia (HIT test)
(W – referred from ORC/T/N to Wythenshawe) |
1 x 4.9 ml brown top gel tube | 1 day | 1 days | 1 days |
| Plasma Viscosity
(W – referred from ORC/T/N to Wythenshawe) If urgent plasma viscosity required at ORC and TGH sites please contact the lab to arrange courier transport. |
1 x 3.4ml red cap EDTA
[1x 1.8ml EDTA – paediatric] |
2hr | 24hr | 24hr |
(Last reviewed July 2024)