The Scottish Cytology Training School (SCTS) is a National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) Accredited Training Centre. The SCTS provides training and continuing professional development (CPD) for relevant professional staff in cervical cytology screening and associated work areas as part of the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme.
Please send completed application forms to: ggc.scts@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Scottish Cytology Training School Courses
Introductory Course in Gynaecological Cytology [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®) – Minimum entry qualification
Trainee Cytoscreener – 4 GCSE’s
Trainee Biomedical Scientist – ‘A’ levels or equivalent to allow entry to a Health Profession Council (HPC) approved degree course or a recognised HPC/Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved degree.
Eligibility – All students must be employed in an NHSCSP Cytopathology department, as a trainee to undertake this course as part of the 2 year UK registration training.
Length of time in post: Learners should attend the introductory course ideally within the first 6 months of employment. Learners should spend a minimum of 6 weeks in the home laboratory learning how to set up as well as use a light microscope to visualise cells for interpretation and be familiar with normal cell morphology and basic infections.
NHSCSP – Registration: Prior to starting the introductory course pre-registration students must be registered by their employers with the NHSCSP Education office. The laboratory training officer (assessor) must also be registered prior to learners commencing their portfolio. This course is the first part of an intensive two year training plan for registration in Cytology which includes written portfolio work, slide logbook and attendance at compulsory courses at the training centre with a final one day external examination.
Follow –up Course in Gynaecological Cytology [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®)
Course for candidates who have previously attended the NHSCSP Introductory Course in Gynaecological Cytology. This normally takes place between 6 to 12 months after the Introductory Course.
Pre-examination Course [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®)
The introductory and follow up courses are supported by a pre-examination course. This normally takes places between 3 months and 3 weeks before the examination.
Biomedical Scientist (BMS)/Cytoscreener One Day Update Course
Update course to refresh qualified screeners knowledge and inform them about developments in Cervical Cytology and the NHSCSP.
Referral to Clinical Genetics / Consent
More information coming soon…
Protection of Personal Information
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Patient Information Leaflets
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Useful Links
More information coming soon…
Click on an analyte name below for further information:
Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) is a 39 amino acid peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, under the control of the hypothalamic peptide, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). ACTH secretion is pulsatile and exhibits diurnal variation, with highest plasma concentrations around 8am and lowest levels at midnight. It stimulates glucocorticoid (cortisol) production in the adrenal cortex.
ACTH measurement is only useful as a second line investigation following the finding of either cortisol deficiency or excess.
In cortisol deficiency due to primary adrenal failure, ACTH will be raised due to lack of negative feedback. ACTH will be low in adrenal insufficiency secondary to pituitary failure (hypopituitarism).
Excessive production of cortisol accompanied by suppressed ACTH may be seen in Cushing’s syndrome due to adrenal tumours/hyperplasia, and with exogenous glucocorticoid administration.
Cortisol excess with raised ACTH may be seen in ACTH-producing tumours of the pituitary (Cushing’s disease) or other tissues e.g. lungs (ectopic ACTH production).
NB. ACTH secretion may be increased by stress.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: EDTA
- Precautions: Separate and freeze plasma within 4 hours of sample collection. Transport frozen. Timing of collection important. Avoid stress. Haemolysed specimen unsuitable.
- Minimum Volume: 1 mL
- Reference Range: Not applicable
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: Siemens Immulite
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by granulosa cells of the ovaries in females and by Sertoli cells of the testes in males.
In women serum AMH concentration increases with age up until the mid-twenties, after which it begins to decline. AMH correlates well with the number of follicles in the ovary (as measured by ultrasound) in women over the age of 25 and its measurement is used to individualise fertility treatment.
In men serum AMH concentration tends to be high in childhood, then declines through puberty to low levels in adulthood. It is used in the investigation of cryptorchidism and anorchidism.
AMH is elevated in the majority of patients with granulosa cell tumours and may be used to monitor disease progression or recurrence. AMH is also useful in the investigation of disorders of sex development as a marker of testicular activity.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: Separate serum and send via first class post. If there will be >48 h before sending store the specimen at -20°C. Sample can be sent at ambient temperature.
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
- Females: <50 pmol/L in young adults (falls steadily towards menopause where it becomes undetectable)
- Males (Levels fall at puberty. These ranges were derived from a study where stage of puberty was not determined):
- 0-1yr 390-1300 pmol/L
- 1-4yr 300-1700 pmol/L
- 5-8yr 260-1200 pmol/L
- 9-12yr 100-1000 pmol/L
- 13-16yr 40-560 pmol/L
- Adults <100 pmol/L (literature value)
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: Beckman Access
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Growth Hormone (GH)
Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary. Its main action is to stimulate the production and release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by the liver. Excessive secretion causes acromegaly, while deficiency causes failure of growth in children and metabolic problems in adults.
The secretion of GH is very episodic, so random measurement is rarely useful diagnostically.
Failure of GH to suppress during a glucose tolerance test is diagnostic for acromegaly.
Stimulation tests, such as an insulin tolerance test (NB. potentially dangerous, should only be carried out in centres experienced in it) or stimulation with arginine, GHRH/arginine or glucagon, can be carried out to test for insufficiency. GH deficiency may occur as part of a more general deficiency of pituitary hormones, so other hormones are often measured at the same time.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
- Random GH:
- > 10 μg/L excludes GH deficiency
- < 0.4 μg/L excludes acromegaly
- Severe Growth Hormone Deficiency:
- Adults Peak GH during ITT < 3 μg/L
- Adults Peak GH with GHRH/Arginine < 5 μg/L
- Children Peak GH during provocation < 5 μg/L
- GH Excess:
- Failure to suppress during OGTT < 1 μg/L
- Mean integrated 24hr GH > 1.7 μg/L
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: IDS iSYS
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a peptide hormone, very similar to insulin. It is a major growth factor, which is synthesised by most cells and tissues. Circulating IGF-1 is produced by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH). IGF-1 concentration is increased in acromegaly, decreased in growth hormone deficiency and altered in systemic illness and malnutrition.
It is often measured along with growth hormone in the investigation of disorders of GH secretion. It is also used to monitor patients with acromegaly and those on growth hormone therapy.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
Age (yr) Males (μg/L) Females (μg/L)
<2 15 – 157 17 – 151
2 – 4 28 – 247 25 – 198
5 – 7 46 – 349 39 – 272
8 – 10 67 – 442 59 – 371
11 – 13 89 – 503 82 – 465
14 – 16 104 – 510 97 – 502
17 – 25 105 – 410 96 – 417
26 – 39 81 – 249 72 – 259
40 – 54 63 – 201 57 – 197
55 – 65 49 – 191 43 – 170
65+ 39 – 186 35 – 168
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: IDS iSYS
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Insulin
Insulin, produced by pancreatic beta cells, regulates glucose uptake and utilization and is involved in protein synthesis and triglyceride storage. It is often measured alongside C-peptide.
Clinical uses of insulin measurements:
- Evaluation of possible insulinoma: In cases of hypoglycaemia, diagnosis of insulinoma relies on proving inappropriate secretion of insulin during a hypoglycaemic episode.
- Hypoglycaemia of infancy due to hyperinsulinaemia.
- Diagnosis of factitious hypoglycaemia together with measurement of C-peptide.
- Discrimination of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Insulin and C-peptide concentrations are generally low in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and either normal or elevated in early type 2 diabetes, and decreased in later stages.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: Lithium heparin
- Precautions: Collect after overnight fast or during symptomatic hypoglycaemia, together with glucose sample. Separate and freeze plasma within 4 hours of sample collection. Transport frozen. Haemolysed specimens unsuitable. For hypoglycaemic screen, only measure when hypoglycaemic (glucose <2.6 mmol/L).
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range: Not applicable
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Insulin C-peptide
Insulin C-peptide (connecting peptide), a 31 amino acid polypeptide, represents the midportion of proinsulin. During insulin secretion it is enzymatically cleaved from proinsulin and co-secreted in equimolar proportion with mature insulin. The half life of C-peptide is significantly longer than insulin, so it is detectable in higher concentrations and the level less variable. C-peptide is often a more reliable marker than insulin. In addition, insulin is destroyed by proteases in haemolysed samples, while C-peptide is not.
Clinical uses:
- Insulinoma: Elevated C-peptide levels from increased beta-cell activity.
- Covert self-administration of insulin: Can be virtually ruled out as cause of hyperinsulinaemia by finding elevated C-peptide.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus: Low C-peptide levels due to diminished insulin secretion, or suppressed as a normal response to exogenous insulin. Patients on insulin can develop anti-insulin antibodies which can interfere with insulin assay, so C-peptide can be used instead to check residual beta-cell activity.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: Lithium heparin
- Precautions: Collect after overnight fast. Separate and freeze plasma. Transport frozen.
- Minimum Volume: 1 mL
- Reference Range: Not applicable
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: Siemens Immulite
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Macroprolactin
Prolactin exists in various forms including the monomeric biologically active form (23kDa) and a higher molecular weight form, bound most commonly to IgG, known as macroprolactin (>100kDa). Macroprolactin lacks biological activity but can interfere in standard prolactin immunoassays and is a “common” cause of hyperprolactinaemia (overall prevalence 1.5%). Its presence is determined by recovery of prolactin following precipitation with polyethylene glycol (PEG screening test).
Macroprolactin should be requested in cases of persistently raised prolactin >700 mU/L (on two or more occasions) in euthyroid patients and after excluding drug associated hyperprolactinaemia. PEG screening can identify macroprolactin and determine the concentration of monomeric (bioactive) prolactin, as both may coincide.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
- Macroprolactin is reported as positive or negative based on percentage recovery of monomeric (bioactive) prolactin after PEG precipitation to remove macroprolactin:
- Post-PEG recovery <40% – macroprolactin detected
- Post-PEG recovery >60% – macroprolactin negative
- Post-PEG recovery 40 – 60% – equivocal recovery
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation to precipitate macroprolactin followed by Abbott Alinity immunoanalyser to quantify monomeric prolactin.
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Parathyroid hormone (PTH), a polypeptide containing 84 amino acids, is secreted by the chief cells of the parathyroid glands. It has a molecular weight of 9.4 kDa. PTH should be measured in the investigation of unexplained hypercalcaemia or hypocalcaemia. PTH should always be interpreted in light of the serum adjusted calcium concentration and the patient’s renal function.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: EDTA
- Precautions: Avoid haemolysis
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range: 1.6 – 7.5 pmol/L
- Turnaround Time: 1 day
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Renin
Renin, a proteolytic enzyme, is synthesized by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney and released in response to decreased blood volume, decreased blood pressure and sodium depletion. Renin stimulates aldosterone release through angiotensin intermediates, resulting in the renal retention of sodium and the excretion of potassium.
Renin is measured with paired aldosterone to calculate an aldosterone/renin ratio in the investigation of hypertension.
Renin measurement may be useful in monitoring response to therapy in patients with Addison’s disease or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Beta blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, a restricted salt diet and posture can all affect interpretation of renin results.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: EDTA (Lithium heparin unsuitable)
- Precautions: Do not collect on ice. Separate and freeze plasma within 4 hours of sample collection. Transport frozen. Grossly haemolysed or lipaemic samples unsuitable. Posture and relevant drug therapies (see above) may affect interpretation of results.
- Minimum Volume: 500 μL
- Reference Range:
- Adults (upright): <52 mIU/L
- Infants <1 year: <450 mIU/L
- Children 1 – 5 years: <380 mIU/L
- Children 6 – 15 years: <125 mIU/L
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: IDS iSYS
- Quality Assurance: UKNEQAS
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a large 80-100 kDa glycoprotein that functions to transport sex hormones around the body. It has a high affinity for 17β-hydroxy steroids such as testosterone and oestradiol. Concentrations of SHBG are influenced by many factors. SHBG will be increased by elevated concentrations of circulating oestrogens (including the oral contraceptive pill), hyperthyroidism, liver disease and excess alcohol. SHBG will be decreased by increasing body mass index, polycystic ovarian syndrome and hypothyroidism.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
Age Male (nmol/L) Female (nmol/L)
3 – 10 years 45 – 220 50 – 170
10 – 12 years 22 – 188 38 – 129
Adult 13 – 70 20 – 155
- Turnaround Time: 1 day
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Anti-Thyroperoxidase (TPO) Antibodies
Anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies are present in 90-100% of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the commonest cause of autoimmune hypothyroidism. Anti-TPO is measured in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 5-12 mIU/L and FT4 within reference limits: 8-21 pmol/L) to identify those at increased risk of developing thyroid failure. The risk of developing hypothyroidism if anti-TPO is positive is approximately 5% per year.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range: <6 IU/L
- Turnaround Time: 1 day
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
TSH Receptor Antibody (TRAB)
TSH receptor antibody (TRAB) is measured if the cause of thyrotoxicosis is not clear. It is specific for Graves’ autoimmune disease of thyroid but is not present in all cases. It can be used to distinguish Graves’ disease from toxic multinodular goitre and postpartum or subacute thyroiditis. It is also measured in 3rd trimester of pregnancy, if there is a maternal history of Graves’ disease/thyrotoxicosis, to predict risk of neonatal thyroid problems. It may be helpful in cases of possible “euthyroid” Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum (plasma unsuitable)
- Container: SST
- Precautions: Grossly lipaemic samples unsuitable
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL (Neonatal samples: minimum serum volume 200 µL)
- Reference Range:
- <3.1 U/L – negative
- ≥3.1 U/L – positive
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Laboratory Sites and Contact Details
Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI)
The laboratory is located in the MacEwen Building on Alexandra Parade (adjacent to A and E). It provides routine service Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm and on Saturday between 9.00am and 12.00pm. An emergency service operates at all times.
Gartnavel General Hospital (GGH)
The laboratory is located in the Laboratory Block on Shelley Road and operates Monday to Friday between 8.45am and 9.00pm. NB. Samples are only accepted into the GGH lab until 7.30pm. After this time, samples are directed to the porters’ box and transported to GRI for analysis.
New Stobhill Hospital
A small satellite laboratory is located on Level 1 and operates Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Enquiries (9.00am until 5.00pm)
There is a central reporting office located at GRI which covers the three North Glasgow laboratory sites.
Duty Biochemist/General Enquiries 0141 242 9500 (x.29500)
Enquiries (Out of Hours)
Contact the on-call biochemist via switchboard 0141 211 4000
Emergency Laboratories (24/7)
Glasgow Royal Infirmary call 0141 211 4487 (x.24487)
Accreditation and Quality
North Glasgow Biochemistry is a medical testing laboratory accredited to ISO 15189:2012 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Our UKAS Medical Accreditation number is 9572. A full list of accredited tests can be found on our schedule of accreditation. Tests not on this list are not accredited; please contact the laboratory for further information if required.
The laboratory participates in external quality assurance schemes where available. Performance details are available upon request. If you wish to provide feedback on the North Glasgow Biochemistry service, please contact our Quality Manager.
The Biochemistry department utilises the Telepath Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and TrakCare. Due to the limitations of this software, we are currently unable to fully meet the requirements of the UKAS publication GEN-6 – Reference to accreditation and multilateral recognition signatory status.
This publication sets out the requirements of reports/results released by the laboratory to contain the appropriate use of UKAS logos and identify any tests that are accredited and those that are not. The department have risk assessed this. Due to the number of analytes that can be listed on a Biochemistry report, the number of tests that are UKAS accredited and the number of auto comments already added, it is agreed by the laboratory management team that an additional auto comment would detract from the clinically relevant comments and potentially could push these onto a second page where they may be missed altogether. The risk is magnified by the way TrakCare displays results, as any result with a comment has an icon displayed next to it. If an icon is displayed next to almost every result, the alert loses its impact and may lead to clinicians missing critical icons and comments.
Although we are not able to present this information on our reports, the department’s user’s handbook and website provide full details of our accreditation.
Laboratory Handbooks
Forms
During periods of Trakcare downtime, Biochemistry requests must be made on paper request forms. The paper request form should also be used for add on requests. Request forms can be ordered through PECOS, however a pdf copy of the Biochemistry is available for download and printing.
Laboratory Newsletters
Clinical Audit and User Survey Reports
Since Monday 3rd September 2018, quantitative faecal immunochemical testing (qFIT) has been available to Primary Care in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The service is provided by the Biochemistry department in Glasgow Royal Infirmary. qFIT is designed to detect small amounts of blood in stool samples using antibodies specific to human haemoglobin. Analysis is carried out on the HM-JACKarc system (Alpha Laboratories), with a positive result being 10 µg Hb/g faeces and above.
The NHSGGC Colorectal Cancer Referral Guidance has the latest guidelines and information, along with qFIT patient information leaflets in a number of languages.
Lab Handbooks and Manuals, previous editions of the laboratory newsletter and older memos are available below:
Laboratory Handbooks and Manuals
Laboratory Newsletters
User Satisfaction Surveys
Memos (Primary Care)
Memos (Secondary Care)
The South Glasgow Biochemistry Service comprises a main Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus (QEUH and Royal Hospital for Children, RHC) along with a satellite blood science laboratory at the Victoria ACH. The Biochemistry service operates from the new QEUH Laboratory Building and Specialist Metabolic work and Toxicology Services for NHSGGC have centralised to this site.
South Glasgow Biochemistry services are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). UKAS Medical Accreditation number is 9569 (accredited to ISO 15189:2012), issue date 21st January 2022 and our certificate of accreditation is available to view.
A full list of tests in scope can be found on our schedule of accreditation. Tests not on this list are not accredited; please contact the laboratory for further information if required. Upon sending samples to the laboratory, please refer to our terms and conditions.
We are committed to providing a quality service to users. We welcome feedback and survey users on an annual basis to assess satisfaction with the service and highlight possible areas for improvement. For feedback on our service, please contact our Quality Manager, contact details for senior staff can be found in the laboratory handbook (below).
Latest News
Contact Information
Telephone
The Main laboratory contact number is 0141 354 9060 (89060 for use within the hospital). An auto-attendant system is in operation to route your call more effectively. Please listen carefully to the new message which will direct you as follow:
- All results and add on tests, press 1
- Information on all sample requirements, press 2
- For advice on Blood Gas or Blood Glucose analysers, press 3
- For interpretation of results, clinical advice and emergency requests, press 4
Email
In addition to the telephone options there are two email accounts which will be answered Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm, which are available for specific, non-urgent requests, processed at the QEUH:
- SouthGlasgow.BiochemistryAddOn@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
- for NON-urgent add on tests for Biochemistry samples sent to the South Glasgow Biochemistry laboratory only.
- You must include the following information in your email : CHI Number/DOB, surname, Date and Time of original sample, original location of sample, Test/Analysis to be added on.
- ggc.qeuhbiochemistsggc@nhs.scot – this is an email for Non-Urgent Clinical Advice
- Please include your query as well as the full patient details
- SouthGlasgow.BiochemistryPOCT@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
- for NON- urgent enquiries about point of care Blood Gas and Blood Glucose systems based in the QEUH, RHC, New Victoria, Mearnskirk and Leverndale Hospital
Our address
Department of Biochemistry,
Level 1, Laboratory Medicine and Facilities Management Building,
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital,
1345 Govan Road,
Glasgow
G51 4TF
Laboratory Opening Hours
The main service hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 12.30pm Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday only for satellite Blood Sciences Lab at New Victoria ACH). Outwith these hours a reduced analytical service is provided.
Out of Hours Service
For requests outwith the working day, a limited repertoire of urgent analyses can be undertaken as an emergency.
The BMS on duty can be contacted on Page 17684 (QEUH).
A consultant is always available for advice.
Outside working hours he/she may be contacted via the hospital switchboard.
Service Handbooks and Reference Ranges
In our Laboratory Handbook you will find comprehensive information regarding the use of the Biochemistry service, including information on test repertoire, specimen requirements, urgent requests and details of specialist assays available. Special advice on tests/investigations can also be found within our Metabolic Handbook. GP users across GG&C can find additional guidance in the General Practice Handbook.
We provide comprehensive reference ranges for our tests. These are available when accessing results via Trakcare and Clinical portal/SCI store and are also printed on Biochemistry Report forms. Information on reference ranges is also provided within our Laboratory Handbook. Interpretative comments are also provided on reports, where appropriate. For more detailed reference range data and for further interpretation of results, please contact the Department. Reference ranges will be regularly reviewed and amended as required.
Other Guidance
