How to complete the request form

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Electronic requesting (HIVE requests)

Manchester Hospital Foundation Trust (MFT) requires the use of the electronic order communication systems wherever possible.  MFT utilises EPIC as its electronic ordering system.  The laboratory module within EPIC is known as “BEAKER” and orders placed within MFT will print off a barcoded sticker containing all relevant patient demographics that can be scanned and received within BEAKER.

Sample orders are placed by searching for the request and then clicking into the option. Frequently ordered requests will appear below the search box (see below for example) otherwise a preference list will appear to choose the correct test from. The ordering box contains various synonyms in order to aide swift and accurate requesting –

Order labels must be printed at the time of sample collection and once the sample has been collected it must be scanned into EPIC to confirm collection date and time. If the sample is not scanned and collected on the ward the laboratory will not be able to appropriately receive the specimen.

Adequate and relevant clinical information must be provided. This can be documented on the order request by answering the mandatory questions, use of the tick boxes present on the request, or selecting “other” and free texting in details  (for example) –

It is a valuable aid in ensuring patient safety as Biomedical and Clinical Scientists in the laboratory are trained to be aware of the importance of relevant clinical information when validating and authorising results, especially when cumulative records are available. An unexpected test result can highlight the need for immediate further testing, the need for a result to be communicated urgently or may indicate the possibility of an incorrectly labelled sample or request form.  The correct clinical information on the patient is also an essential aid in the identification of High-risk samples which require additional biosafety measures for safe handling and processing

Please ensure that you order the correct test and select the correct specimen type and source as failure to do this may lead to incorrect testing (for example) –

This information is the same as that is required on handwritten request forms and should include clinical details and symptoms as well as information on antibiotic use, foreign travel, outbreaks, date of onset etc.

Where EPIC requesting is not available, the following request forms should be used:

Virology request forms

You are strongly requested to use these new forms in preference to any other (including previous versions of Virology request forms: please destroy all previous versions) in order to improve the way in which your requests are dealt with.

Please note the following instructions for use; compliance with these will also greatly improve the quality of the service we can deliver to you and ensure the reports reach you in a timely manner.

a) There are now six types of request form (click for example of each form):

b) Because the forms will be scanned electronically, it is important that:

  • All information on the forms must be in block capitals and must be kept within the boxed areas provided. Please do not write over the lines of the boxed areas.
  • The tests required are selected by marking the boxes with an “X”.
  • If addressograph labels are used (which we recommend), they should be placed within the “∟” marks that surround this section of the form.
  • All labels attached to the forms must be properly aligned in the appropriate position on the request form.
  • DO NOT use or cover any of the areas that state “For Laboratory Use” – these areas are only for use by this laboratory

c) Details of our specimen acceptance policy can be found on the reverse of the form, along with other useful information.

Finally, we would like to thank you in anticipation of your cooperation in using these forms in the correct way, therefore, greatly improving the quality and speed of the service we can provide.

VEU request forms

The forms for the requesting of VEU investigations have been developed to be consistent with other MMMP request forms.

You are strongly requested to use these new forms in preference to any other (including previous versions of VEU request forms: please destroy all previous versions) in order to improve the way in which your requests are dealt with.

Download the VEU form

Bacteriology request form

The form for the requesting of bacteriology investigations have been developed to be used  If ICE is not available.

Bacteriology request form

 

(Last reviewed March 2023)