Click on an analyte name below for further information:
Aldosterone
Aldosterone is produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal glands in response to renin and angiotensin intermediates. Measurement of aldosterone is most useful in the investigation of hypertension when measured concurrently with renin so that an aldosterone/renin ratio may be calculated.
Beta blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, a restricted salt diet and posture can affect interpretation of aldosterone results.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: EDTA
- Precautions: Posture and relevant drug therapies (see above) may affect interpretation of results.
- Minimum Volume: 1.5 mL
- Reference Range:
- Adults (upright): 130 – 800 pmol/L
- Neonates <1 month: 1000 – 5500 pmol/L
- Infants (1-6 months): 500 – 4500 pmol/L
- Infants (6-12 months): 160 – 3000 pmol/L
- Children (2-4 years): 130 – 1000 pmol/L
- Children (5-15 years): 130 – 600 pmol/L
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: IDS iSYS
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Bloodspot 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP)
17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) is one of the intermediary steroid metabolites in the cortisol biosynthetic pathway. The most common genetic defect in cortisol production is deficiency of the 21-hydroxlase enzyme, which leads to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). 17OHP concentrations are raised in this form of CAH (approximately 90% of CAH cases) and is a useful marker to monitor response to therapy. Measuring 17OHP in blood spot samples is less invasive than venepuncture and allows multiple samples to be taken over a 24hr period.
Blood spot 17OHP is not a diagnostic test and is only useful in monitoring treatment.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Whole blood spotted onto pre-prepared card (available on request)
- Container: N/A
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: Ensure that blood soaks through to the back of the card
- Reference Range: N/A
- Turnaround Time: 56 days
- Method: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
- Quality Assurance: RfB
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS)
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is the sulphated ester of the 19-carbon androgen DHEA, produced by the adrenal gland. DHEAS is the most abundant circulating androgen and shows no diurnal rhythm. DHEAS acts as a precursor to other androgens, such as androstenedione and testosterone.
Measurement of DHEAS may be of benefit for the investigation of excess androgen. DHEAS is relatively specific for the adrenal glands, whereas other androgens, such as testosterone and androstenedione are also produced by the gonads.
Measurement of DHEAS is unhelpful in adult males.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum or Plasma
- Container: SST or Lithium Heparin
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 500 μL (140 μL for neonates)
- Reference Range:
- Pre-pubertal: <2.0 μmol/L
- Adult female <50 yr: ≤9.6 μmol/L
- Adult female ≥50 yr: ≤3.1 μmol/L
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Salivary Cortisol
Cortisol is an essential glucocorticoid steroid produced by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol circulates bound to cortisol binding protein (CBG) with only 15% being the unbound biologically active form. The saliva concentration generally reflects the free cortisol concentration in serum and may be useful in the investigation of cyclical Cushing’s syndrome due to the non-invasive nature of sample collection.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Saliva (passive drool)
- Container: 5 mL plain (can be supplied by laboratory)
- Precautions: If multiple samples collected over several weeks, store frozen and send by 1st class post.
- Minimum Volume: 2.5 mL
- Reference Range:
- am: <20 nmol/L
- pm: <5 nmol/L
- Turnaround Time: 35 days
- Method: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
- Quality Assurance: UKNEQAS
Serum Androgen Profile
The serum androgen profile simultaneously measures:
- testosterone
- androstenedione
- 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP)
- 11-deoxycortisol (11DOC)
- 21-deoxycortisol (21DOC)
11DOC and 21DOC are not routinely reported. If an abnormality is detected in either, a comment will be made on the report.
The androgen profile is recommended for investigation of hirsutism, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility in females, and for the diagnosis and monitoring of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in both males and females. Please state clinical details and menstrual cycle information on the request form.
Androgens pre- and 60-min post synacthen may be of benefit for the investigation of late onset CAH if elevated androgens have been observed in a follicular phase sample.
In neonates, 17OHP can be measured from the day of birth for the investigation of CAH, however levels may continue to rise immediately after birth, with further adrenal stimulation. An elevated 21DOC would confirm 21-hydroxylase deficiency CAH.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST. Please send primary sample if possible. Some interference has been observed with certain aliquoter tubes, such as the Impeco tube.
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 500 μL (140 μL for neonates)
- Reference Range:
- Adult Females:
- Testosterone <1.5 nmol/L
- 17-Hydroxyprogesterone <6.0 nmo/L
- Androstenedione (18 – 40yrs) <5.5 nmol/L
- Androstenedione (>40yrs) <3.0 nmol/L
- Adult Males:
- Testosterone 7.0 – 30 nmol/L
- 17-Hydroxyprogesterone <6.0 nmol/L
- Androstenedione <5.5 nmol/L
- Paediatric ranges under evaluation
- Turnaround Time: 7 days (Please contact the lab to notify of any urgent neonatal sample)
- Method: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Testosterone
Testosterone is a 19-carbon androgen, produced by both the adrenal glands and gonads. Production is controlled by LH or HCG. Serum testosterone is often measured in female patients to investigate suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or idiopathic hirsutism. However, some women will have a more serious pathology, such as adrenal/ovarian tumours, Cushing’s syndrome or late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
In females, testosterone, androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) are lowest in the follicular phase. In males, testosterone is highest early in the morning and declines through the day.
Androstenedione
Androstenedione is a 19-carbon androgen, produced by both the adrenal gland (ACTH control) and gonads (LH or HCG control) and also by peripheral conversion from testosterone. Androstenedione has 20% of the androgenic potency of testosterone.
Androstenedione is most commonly measured in women for the investigation of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Androstenedione may be helpful in disorders of puberty. It is raised in cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to deficiency of the 21- or 11β-hydroxylase enzymes and may be useful in the diagnosis of these conditions and in the monitoring of glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Androgen secreting tumours of both the adrenal (adenoma and carcinoma) and ovary (arrhenoblastoma, hilar cell and granulosa cell) may result in high serum levels of androstenedione.
17-Hydroprogesterone (17OHP)
17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) is a 21-carbon progestagen, produced by the adrenal gland (ACTH control) and gonads (LH or HCG control). 17OHP is a precursor to 11-deoxycortisol (11DOC) and is elevated in the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
CAH is a group of inherited metabolic disorders of adrenal steroid hormone biosynthesis. The clinical features derive from a combination of under-production of either cortisol or aldosterone or both, and increased production of adrenal androgen precursors. The incidence of the classical disorder in Scotland is approximately 1/15,000.
Urine Cortisol
Cortisol is the major glucocorticoid hormone synthesised from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex. Synthesis is stimulated by the anterior pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), which is under control of the hypothalamic peptide, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH).
As cortisol concentrations increase, the binding capacity of cortisol binding globulin in the circulation is exceeded, resulting in a disproportionate rise in urine cortisol concentrations. Urine cortisol measurement is useful as a screening test for cortisol excess (Cushing’s syndrome). Urine cortisol measurement can also be used as part of a dexamethasone suppression test. Multiple EMU cortisol measurements may also be useful in the investigation of possible cyclical Cushing’s.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Urine (24 hr, random or early morning urine)
- Container: Plain urine container (no preservative)
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 10 mL
- Reference Range:
- Adults (EMU): <40 nmol/mmol creatinine
- Adults (24 hour): <165 nmol/24 hour
- Children (≤10 yrs): <40 nmol/mmol creatinine
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Urine Steroid Profile
A urine steroid profile includes all major metabolites of steroids, including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and precursors.
The test is used to identify genetic disorders of steroid metabolism, though the screening or diagnostic test for congenital adrenal hyperplasia should be serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Steroid profiling is also useful to detect abnormal steroid secretion from adrenal and gonadal tumours.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Urine (Aliquot of 24 hour urine for adults or children aged 11 and over; random for children <11 years)
- Container: Plain urine container (no preservative)
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 10 mL preferred. Smaller volume acceptable for babies (min. 2 mL).
- Reference Range: Age and sex dependent. Interpretation accompanies each report.
- Turnaround Time: 28 days
- Method: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
- Quality Assurance: Sample exchange programme
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D
Vitamin D is required for absorption of calcium and phosphate from the gut. The majority of vitamin D is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight and the remainder obtained in the diet.
25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) is the most abundant vitamin D metabolite in the circulation. It is relatively inactive but its measurement is the best indicator of vitamin D status. 25OHD exists in two forms, D3 and D2, and both are equally measured by the LC/TMS method.
Assessment of vitamin D status is important in patients with abnormal calcium or phosphate levels, possible osteomalacia and malabsorption, and osteoporotic patients before giving the first dose of IV bisphosphonates (to reduce the risk of drug induced hypocalcaemia).
NB. Request intervention procedures have been set up to reduce unnecessary testing. The request intervention interval for vitamin D is 340 days. All repeat requests within this period are reviewed by the Duty Biochemist and may be over-ridden if appropriate clinical details are provided.
Please refer to the NHSGGC Vitamin D Requesting and Prescribing Guidelines
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 500 μL (140 μL for neonates)
- Reference Range:
- <25 nmol/L: Vitamin D deficient, consider supplementation
- 25 – 50 nmol/L: Borderline low vitamin D, risk of secondary hyperparathyroidism, consider increase in vitamin D intake
- >50 nmol/L: Adequate vitamin D
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
- Quality Assurance: UKNEQAS
1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D
1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25DHD) is the active form of vitamin D, produced primarily by the kidney by hydroxylation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. 1,25DHD is the form of vitamin D that stimulates resorption of calcium from bone, intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption.
NB. 1,25DHD should not be used to determine vitamin D status; 25-hydroxy vitamin D is the best marker for this purpose.
Indications for 1,25DHD are limited. Measurement may be useful in the investigation of possible vitamin D-dependent rickets and in patients with hypercalcaemia to investigate possible excess 1,25DHD production e.g. granulomatous diseases (sarcoidosis, TB or lymphoma).
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 250 μL
- Reference Range: 20 – 120 pmol/L (interim range pending further evaluation)
- Turnaround Time: 35 days
- Method: IDS iSYS
- Quality Assurance: DEQAS
The Department of Haematology, South Sector, NHSGGC, comprises main Haematology and Blood Transfusion Laboratory Services at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and a satellite laboratory at The Victoria Ambulatory Care Hospital.
The Department is fully committed to the provision of a quality laboratory and clinical service and is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to international standard ISO:15189, for compliance to the Blood safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) and The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 by the Medicines and Healthcare Products regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Our ISO:15189 accredited scope can be found by clicking on the UKAS logo.
The Department Quality Policy defines the principal aims towards the provision of this service this can be found in the Quality manual. The Quality Manual provides information relating to the accreditation, organisation, management and structure of the Department.
The Service User Handbook provides comprehensive information regarding the use of the clinical and laboratory service, including information relating to the Departmental test repertoire, specimen requirements, test reference and therapeutic ranges, and urgent and emergency requests. There is also a separate handbook for General Practitioners.
If you have any comments, feedback and or complaints (Complaints Policy) in relation to our service, please contact either the Technical Services Manager or the Quality Manager.
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Address: Laboratory Medicines Building Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF
Telephone:
- General Enquiries: 0141 354 9100
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 0141 201 1100
Service Hours
- Routine Service: 9.00am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
- Weekend Service: 9.00am until 1.00pm, Saturday and Sunday
- Out of Hours Service: 5.00pm until 9.00am, Monday to Friday & 1.00pm to 9.00am, Saturday and Sunday
Victoria ACH
Address: Haematology Laboratory, New Victoria Hospital, Grange Road, Glasgow, G42 9LF
Telephone:
- General Enquiries: 0141 347 8141
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 0141 201 1100
Service Hours
Routine Service: 9.00am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
On this page you can find some Information for Patients with names of organisations with links to their websites that contain information, advice and support for those affected by Haematological disorders and Blood Transfusion. Further Information can also be found on the Beatson WoSCC page.
- Anthony Nolan – The register of donors of blood stem cells or bone marrow for people in desperate need.
- Aplastic Anaemia Trust – Providing support to patients and their families, also research into Aplastic Anaemia
- Bloodwise – Providing research and support to patients and their families affected by blood cancer.
- CML Support – Providing support, advice and information about CML.
- Haemophilia Scotland – Haemophilia Scotland is for those who have haemophilia, von Willebrands or other bleeding disorders.
- Harvey’s Gang – Helping Children understand the science behind their Healthcare.
- ITP Support Association – Promoting and improving the welfare of patients and families of patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia.
- Leukaemia care UK – Advice, Information and support for anyone affected by blood cancer.
- Lymphoma Association – Providing information and support to help lymphoma patients and their families.
- Macmillan – Support, advice or someone who’ll listen if you just want to talk.
- MDS Support – Support and information to patients and families to those affected by Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
- Myeloma UK – Providing information and support to patients and families to help them deal with myeloma
- NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) – Supporting patients, donors and their families throughout the donation and transplantation process.
On this page you will find names and links to websites that contain information, guidance and resources for Healthcare Professionals on Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Healthcare Science.
- Bloodline. Dedicated to furthering and enhancing the fields of haematology and oncology.
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The regulator set up to protect the public. Keeping a Register of health and care professionals who meet the standards for their training, professional skills and behaviour.
- Royal College of Pathologists (RcPath). The College is an organisation concerned with all matters relating to the science and practice of pathology.
- SHOT (Serious Hazards of Transfusion). The UK’s independent, professionally led Haemovigilance scheme
The Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion in the North Glasgow Sector of NHSGCC provides a wide range of services to North and East Glasgow, also to other NHS Providers in the West of Scotland.
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Service Locations
You can find Haematology Laboratory services at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Gartnavel General Hospital. There is a rapid results service from our satellite laboratory at Stobhill ACH and we also have a rapid results service for Haematology Outpatients at West Glasgow ACH.
You can find Blood Transfusion Laboratory services at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and also at Gartnavel General Hospital.
Our Haemato-Oncology Laboratory at Gartnavel General Hospital provides Cell Marker Testing.
Along with the West of Scotland Adult Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre we also provide Specialist Haemostasis testing at Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Details of all our services along with other information about us can be found in our Service Users Handbook.
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Accreditation and Regulation
All our staff are fully committed to the provision of laboratory and clinical services that meet the highest standards, we have been assessed and found compliant with the following accreditation and regulatory standards.
- Blood safety and Quality Regulations 2005 (BSQR)
- The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004
- The Human Tissues Act 2004
- JACIE
- ISO:15189
The regulatory and Accreditation bodies that assess us are:
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
- Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
- The Joint Accreditation Committee ISCT-Europe and EBMT (JACIE).
- United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Our ISO:15189 certificate of accreditation is available to view and also our accredited scope can be found by clicking on the UKAS logo.
In accordance with UKAS guidance publication Lab 1, “Reference to Accreditation for Laboratories,” Section 5.1. We have chosen to inform our service users of our accredited scope for ISO:15189 by providing a link to our Schedule of Accreditation (scope) which may be found on the UKAS website.
Our Service User Handbook contains comprehensive information on how to use the Haematology and Blood Transfusion department’s clinical and laboratory services, including information about the assays and tests that we perform, the type of specimens that we require, reference and therapeutic ranges for our assays and tests and also how to request assays and tests in an emergency or that are urgent.
Within our Quality Policy you will find the principal aims of how we provide our service.
Our Quality Manual also provides information about our organisation, management and the staff structure found in our Department.
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Service Feedback
If you have any comments, feedback, concerns and/or complaints (Feedback and Complaints Policy, User Feedback Form) about any part of our service please contact either the Technical Services Manager (TSM) or the Quality Manager (QM) their details can be found in our Service User Handbook.
West of Scotland Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre
The department provides a comprehensive specialised Haemostasis service to the West of Scotland Adult Haemophilia Centre and also to other NHS providers in the West of Scotland.
This service is based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary Full details of the service we offer can be found in our Service Users Handbook.
You can also find information on the Haemophilia centre and other Outpatient Services provided by NHSGGC.
Haemostasis and Thrombosis Centre
- Location: Ground Floor, Medical Block, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0SF
- Reception telephone: 0141 211 5127
- Out of Hours: By contacting the Haematologist on call for Haemophilia (via switchboard)
Opening Hours of the Haemostasis and Thrombosis Centre
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Saturday, Closed
- Sunday, Closed
Haemato-Oncology Service
Our Haemato-Oncology Service is based at Gartnavel General Hospital and provides a regional cell markers and flow cytometry service in conjunction with the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and also to other NHS providers in the West of Scotland.
Service Hours of the Haemato-Oncology Service
- Routine Service: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm
Contact Details for the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Department
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Postal Address
Department of Haematology, Macewen Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, G4 0SF
Telephone Numbers
- Blood Transfusion Enquiries: 0141 242 9603
- Haematology Enquiries: 0141 242 9601
- Coagulation Enquiries: 0141 242 9552 (Before 8.00am and after 8.00pm call Ext: 9605)
- Clinical Advice is obtained during normal office hours, by contacting our Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 0141 211 3000.
Service Hours
- Routine Service: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
- Weekend Service: Saturday and Sunday 9.00am to 12.00pm
- Out of Hours Service:
- Monday to Friday 5.00pm to 8.30am
- Saturday and Sunday 12.00am to 9.00am
Gartnavel General Hospital
Postal Address
Department of Haematology or Haemato-Oncology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Paul O’Gorman Building, 21 Shelley road, Glasgow, G12 0XB
Telephone Numbers
- Haematology and Coagulation Enquiries: 0141 301 7721
- Blood Transfusion Enquiries: 0141 301 7729
- Haemo-Oncology Enquiries: 0141 301 7707
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting our Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard 0141 211 3000
Service Hours
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 8.00pm.
- Haemato-Oncology: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Stobhill ACH
Postal Address
Haematology Laboratory, Stobhill Ambulatory Care Hospital, Stobhill, Glasgow, G21 3EW.
Service Hours
- Routine Service: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Telephone Numbers
- All Laboratory Enquiries: 0141 355 1469
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 0141 201 3000
West Glasgow ACH
Postal Address
Haematology Laboratory, West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital, Yorkhill, Glasgow, G3 8SJ
Telephone Numbers
Service Hours
- Haematology Out Patient Clinic service: Wednesday, 9.00am to 1.00pm.
Key Personnel
Contact details for all of our key personnel you can find in our Service Users Handbook.
For any comments, suggestions or enquiries you wish to make about the service provided by the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion please contact the Quality manager on either 0141 242 9597 or 0141 355 7727.
Alternatively you may also email them using their address which you can find in our Service Users Handbook.
Healthcare scientists are difficult to describe in one sentence. Many are laboratory based and investigate disease, genetic make up and new scientific treatments. Others involve direct work with patients, for example, measuring the function of a particular organ. Then there are the scientists whose focus is more about engineering, ensuring that medical equipment is working safely or researching new medical technology.
If you’ve ever been given a new treatment, had a biopsy, a scan or a blood, sight or hearing test, it’s more than likely that a member of the healthcare science team was involved.
It’s even possible that the person you thought was a doctor was actually a healthcare scientist. The healthcare science team are involved in over 70% of all clinical decisions in the NHS and you’ll find their fingerprints on many of the latest technological advancements in preventing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions (Extract from an article in The Guardian 17th March 2013).
For information on the variety of Healthcare Science careers please visit the websites listed on this page.
NHSGGC offers a wide range of careers in Healthcare science for more information about working for NHSGGC please go to the Recruitment Services page of the NHSGGC website.
Current vacancies in NHSGGC are displayed on the NHS Scotland Jobs Website please follow the link to discover the current available jobs and details of how to apply.
Information on living and working in Glasgow.
Articles on Healthcare Science
Websites with Information on Healthcare Science Careers
Here you will finds Haematology and Blood Transfusion forms and guidelines related to our service. For further Information and advice please contact the Laboratory using the telephone numbers in our contacts section. More information can be found in our user handbook.
Blood Transfusion Forms and Guidelines
Haemostasis Forms and Guidelines
As of 21.08.23 Clyde Haematology and Blood Transfusion will outsource processing (partial) and interpretation of bone marrow samples to the below service:
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Gartnaval General Hospital, Paul O’Gorman Building, 21 Shelley Road, Glasgow, G12 0XB.
This service is accredited to ISO 15189:2012 (9570) for preparation and interpretation of bone marrow for detection of normal and abnormal morphologies.
All samples from Clyde patients should continue to be sent to Clyde Laboratories for transfer to the above location. Reports will continue to be available via Clinical Portal.
NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE IN ACCREDITATION STATUS
On 17th\18th of April 2023 the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Clyde Sector, NHSGGC successfully transitioned to BS EN ISO 15189:2022 – Medical laboratories — Requirements for Quality and Competence standards. Transitioning to these new standards ensures the quality management system continues to provide a high quality service to service users, with an increased focus on patient experience.
The Department of Haematology, Clyde Sector, NHSGGC, comprises main Haematology and Blood Transfusion Laboratory Services at both the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Inverclyde Royal Hospital sites, and a satellite laboratory at the Vale of Leven site
The Department is fully committed to the provision of a quality laboratory and clinical service, and is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), using International Standard ISO: 15189, for compliance to the Blood safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) and The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 by the Medicines and Healthcare Products regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Our ISO:15189:2012 certificate of accreditation and our accredited scope can be found by clicking on the UKAS logo.
The Department Quality Policy defines the principal aims towards the provision of this service. The Quality Manual provides information relating to the accreditation, organisation, management and structure of the Department.
The Service User Handbook serves to provide comprehensive information regarding the use of the clinical and laboratory service, including information relating to the Departmental test repertoire, specimen requirements, test reference and therapeutic ranges, and urgent and emergency requests. Upon sending samples to our laboratory please refer to our terms and conditions.
The Department welcomes any feedback – if you have any comments, feedback and or complaints (Complaints Policy) in relation to our service, please contact either the Technical Services Manager or the Quality Manager.
Leaving Feedback
Feedback from service users is highly valued and used to improve our services.
To leave us feedback please complete the online form.
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Address
- Corsebar Road, Paisley, PA2 9PN
Telephone Numbers
- General Enquiries: 0141 314 6157
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 0141 314 7294
- Quality Manager: 0141 314 6653
Service Hours
- Routine Service: 8.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
- Out of Hours Service: 5.00pm until to 8.30am, Monday to Friday, All Weekend
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Address
- Level C, Larkfield Road, Greenock, PA16 0XN
Telephone Numbers
- General Enquiries: 01475 504 324
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 0141 314 9504
- Quality Manager: 0141 314 6653
Service Hours
Routine Service: 8.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
Out of Hours Service: 5.00pm until to 8.30am, Monday to Friday, All Weekend
Vale of Leven Hospital
Address
- Main Street, Alexandria, G83 0UA
Telephone Numbers
- General Enquiries: 01389 817 265
- Clinical Advice can be obtained during normal office hours, by contacting the Duty Consultant Haematologist, via switchboard: 01389 828 599
- Quality Manager: 0141 314 6653
Service Hours
Routine Service: 8.30am until 8.00pm, Monday to Friday
This is the home page for Haematology and Blood Transfusion NHSGGC.
Contact and service information, for each Department in the Clyde, North Glasgow and South Glasgow Sectors, can be accessed below.
Haematology
Haematology is the study of the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases related to blood. It involves the production of blood and its components, such as blood cells, haemoglobin, blood proteins and bone marrow.
Haemostasis (Blood Coagulation)
Haemostasis is how the human body responds to a blood vessel injury or bleeding. It involves the coordinated effort between platelets and numerous blood clotting proteins (or clotting factors), and ends with the forming of a blood clot and the stopping of bleeding.
Blood Transfusion
Blood transfusion is the process of how an individual receives blood or blood products. Transfusions are used in a variety of medical conditions to replace lost components of the blood. Blood Transfusion uses individual components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, clotting factors and platelets.
Haematology Staff
Haematologists investigate, diagnose and treat diseases such as anaemia, leukaemia and lymphoma. They also care for patients with blood-clotting abnormalities and are responsible for ensuring that blood transfusions are safe and available when they are needed. Haematologists are the Biomedical Scientists and Clinical Scientists who work in laboratories and the Medical Staff who work with their patients in clinics and on the wards. Haematologists may be involved throughout the patient’s journey, from the very first hospital visit, all the way through laboratory diagnosis to treatment. Hundreds of thousands of blood tests are carried out every day in the UK.
Regulation and Accreditation
Haematology and Blood Transfusion NHSGGC is committed to providing the highest quality laboratory and clinical services we have been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), using International Standard ISO: 15189. We have been assessed for compliance to the Blood safety and Quality Regulations 2005 (BSQR) and The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). We are assessed for compliance with the Human Tissues Act 2004 (HTA) by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and for compliance to the JACIE standards by The Joint Accreditation Committee ISCT-Europe and EBMT (JACIE).
To find details of each of the individual sector’s accreditation and regulatory compliance then please go to the appropriate sector page.
To look at any sector’s ISO:15189 schedule of accreditation please go to the appropriate sector page or you may click on one of the UKAS logos above.
Our Locations
North Glasgow Sector
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Gartnavel General Hospital
- Stobhill ACH
- West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital
South Glasgow Sector
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Victoria ACH
Clyde Sector
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- Vale of Leven Hospital
The security of our staff is paramount within NHSGGC. To enable our line managers to support their staff, the Human Resources teams monitor the international threat level for the UK. The UK threat levels are set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC)
JTAC analyses and assesses all intelligence relating to international terrorism, at home and overseas. It sets threat levels and issues warnings of threats and other terrorist-related subjects for customers from a wide range of government departments and agencies, as well as producing more in-depth reports on trends, terrorist networks and capabilities.
JTAC brings together counter-terrorist expertise from various organisations. This information is analysed and then shared across UK Government organisations.
JTAC works closely with MI5, which manages investigations into terrorist activity in the UK. This enables it to assess the nature and extent of the threat in this country.
Current national threat level
The five UK threat levels are categorised as follows:
- Low means an attack is highly unlikely
- Moderate means an attack is possible, but not likely
- Substantial means an attack is likely
- Severe means an attack is highly likely
- Critical means an attack is highly likely in the near future
The UK threat level was lowered from Severe to Substantial on 09 February 2022.
If you are concerned about security within your workplace, you should discuss your concerns with your line manager in the first instance. Alternatively, you can contact the Human Resources Support and Advice Unit for further guidance.
