In this section
Some pathogens are notifiable, and information will be disclosed to relevant external authorities, such as public health teams, and stored in secure databases.
The MMMP is responsible for the management, privacy and confidentiality of all patient information obtained or created during the performance of laboratory activities. Except for information that the user and/or the patient makes publicly available, or when agreed between the laboratory and the patient (e.g., for the purpose of responding to complaints), all other information is considered proprietary information and is regarded as confidential.
While several hundred laboratory tests are performed on site, for some rare or complex tests patient specimens may be sent to specialist laboratories elsewhere which have the necessary expertise. In some cases there will be only one specialist laboratory in the whole country which performs a particular test, meaning using referral laboratories is essential.
There is a detailed policy in place to govern how we choose these referral laboratories. They are selected for their expertise and their quality standards. We regularly check their accreditation status, which gives us assurance that they have procedures in place for the protection of information.
We also have specialist laboratories within the DLM and we receive specimens from around the country. Therefore our laboratories have procedures in place for the protection of information.
When specimens are sent to a referral laboratory we need to send some ‘patient identifiers’ such as name and date of birth. In some tests it is essential to send further information, for example, symptoms or travel information, to allow the referral laboratory to interpret the results for the individual patient.
Consent to a specimen being taken and analysed is implied by the patient presenting to the point of specimen collection. The responsibility for obtaining informed consent for the tests(s) resides with the individual ordering the test. Informed consent should cover all the tests being done, implications of their results and disclosure of clinical and personal details to personnel (in the requesting organisation and any other healthcare organisations involved in providing the test).
The MMMP will make relevant information available to a patient and any other health service provider at the request of the patient or the request of a healthcare provider acting on their behalf, where appropriate.
Laboratory policy on protection of personal information
The MMMP will never place patient information into the public domain without consent. When the laboratory is required by law to release confidential information, the patient concerned will be notified of the information released, unless prohibited by law. The laboratory adheres to Manchester University Hospital Foundation Trust’s policies on data protection and disclosure. The following policy can be found on the Trust intranet.
Confidentiality Code of Conduct and Information Disclosure Policy ON4-3437.
Further information for patients can be found at Information for patients.
(Last updated November 2024)