Blood count tests

Here is a list of the blood count tests carried out by the Haematology department, together with specimen requirements and the estimated time it will take to produce a result.

The results availability times given here represent the time generally required to produce a result following receipt of the sample in the laboratory. Sample transport times are not included.

Where appropriate, if a result is required the same day samples must be received sufficiently early to allow completion of the test. Contact the lab if the test you require is not listed.

These tests are available during the normal working day. See a list of haematology tests available outside core working hours.

For further advice and information call the laboratory on 0161 276 64030 or 64032.

From April 6th we will be using the Sarstedt blood tube system - see the colour coded conversion chart.

 

Test	Specimen requirements	Urgent results available (from time of receipt in lab)	Non-urgent results available (from time of receipt in lab)	Reports available
Full blood count and automated differential	1 x 4ml purple cap EDTA [1x 2ml EDTA - paediatric sample] [1x 0.5ml EDTA - paediatric sample]	1hr	4hr	24hr
Manual blood film (call the lab on 0161 276 64030)	Any of the above specimen types	by arrangement	24 hr	24hr
Reticulocyte count	Any of the above (from FBC sample)	1hr	4hr	24hr
Erthrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)	1x 4ml purple cap EDTA (1x 2ml EDTA - paediatric) (from FBC sample)	1.5hr	4hr	24hr
Screening test for glandular fever	1 x 4ml Dark Purple (from FBC sample)	30 min	Same day	24hr
CSF	1ml sample in plastic universal	2hr	6hr	24hr
Bone marrow report (call the lab on 0161 276 64030)	4 slides + 1 x 3 ml EDTA	by arrangement	7 days	7 days
Cell cytochemistry	10 slides - by arrangement	4 - 6hr	24hr	7 days
Detection of malarial parasites (call the lab on 0161 276 64030)	From full blood count specimen	2hr by arrangement	N/A	24hr
Plasma Viscosity	1 x 4ml purple cap EDTA [1x 2ml EDTA - paediatric sample]	1hr	8hr	24hr