OUR DEPARTMENTS

Pathology

What we do

Pathology is the branch of medicine concerned with the cause of disease and the study of disease processes.

We provide a comprehensive range of diagnostic services which are fully supported by registered Biomedical Scientists and Consultant grade staff.

Pathology is an integral part of clinical practice and its services are essential to the diagnosis, management and treatment of disease.

Pathology consists of the following departments

  • Automated Blood Sciences
              Haematology
              Transfusion
              Biochemistry
              Central Reception
              Phlebotomy
  • Histopathology
              Histology
              Cytology
  • Clinical Microbiology
              Bacteriology
              Virology
              Parasitology
              Mycology
  • Administration

All laboratories offer a comprehensive service and are committed to the continued development of a service that is sensitive to the needs of its users.

Pathology supports hospital clinicians and their inpatient/outpatients, as well as offering a direct access service to general practitioners.

Haematology
Is concerned with diseases of the blood (e.g. anaemias and leukaemias) and disorders of blood clotting (e.g. haemophilia).

Blood Transfusion
Ensures there is enough blood available in the case of emergency such as road traffic accidents and operations and that the correct blood group is matched to the patient due to receive the donation.

Biochemistry
Carries out tests on blood and other biological materials to help in the diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis. It monitors how the major body organs e.g. heart, lungs and kidneys, are functioning to help the doctor decide what might be wrong.

Central Reception
This is where you take your specimen, if you are bringing it yourself, or where you collect specimen containers e.g. for 24 hour urine samples.

Phlebotomy
Is concerned with the collection of blood. This is carried out at various sites in the community; specific tests such as glucose tolerance tests will require you to make an appointment to attend the outpatients department.

Histology
The study of small (biopsies) and large tissue samples to establish the cause of illness (e.g. cancers) or death in the case of post mortem tissue.

Cytology
Is best known in the screening of cervical smears for pre-malignant changes within cells taken from the neck of the womb.

Microbiology
Concerned with the study of microorganisms that cause disease in man e.g. bacteria (tuberculosis, meningitis and food poisoning), viruses (HIV, measles and chickenpox), parasites (thread worms) and fungi (athletes foot).

Biomedical Scientists
Carry out laboratory tests on body fluids and tissue samples and the results give doctors the information from which to diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatment.

For example they measure glucose levels to check for abnormalities such as diabetes, diagnose viral diseases such as hepatitis and HIV, group and crossmatch blood for transfusion and the provision of the cervical screening program.

Investigations are complex and diverse requiring in-depth scientific knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology coupled with highly skilled practical, analytical and interpretive expertise.

Some tests are routine whereas others require sophisticated equipment and automated methods.

Specimen Labelling
If you collect the specimen yourself, e.g. urine or faeces, please ensure that the specimen is correctly labelled with your name, date of birth and date of collection.

Test results

Under no circumstances will results be given directly to patients or their relatives.  They can only be obtained from your own doctor.

How to contact us

  • To book a Glucose Tolerance Test

Pathology Office

020 8535 6464
  • To book a Semen Analysis for Infertility

Pathology

020 8535 0050 ext: 5352
  • Specimen Containers

Pathology Reception

020 8535 0050 ext: 5352

Where to find us

Pathology Reception is located on the 2nd floor at Junction 2 off the main hospital corridor in the Orange Zone. A lift is available.

There is no direct access to any of the laboratories.

How to find us

For more information on how to find these locations or how to get the hospital please look under our 'Where to find us section'.

Opening times

  • Pathology reception
    For the receipt of specimens and the collection of specimen containers.

9.00am – 5pm
Monday to Friday

Further Information

Lab Tests Online: www.labtestsonline.org/

Lab Tests Online offers non-commercial patient education on blood, urine and other lab tests to help health care consumers better manage their care.

Health Protection Agency: www.hpa.org.uk/

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is an independent body that protects the health and well-being of the population. The Agency plays a critical role in protecting people from infectious diseases and in preventing harm when hazards involving chemicals, poisons or radiation occur.

They also prepare for new and emerging threats, such as a bio-terrorist attack or virulent new strain of disease.

Documents to download

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