All Sites histology specimens requiring routine diagnosis must be placed in a suitable, clearly labelled container of adequate size with a tight fitting lid, containing a sufficient volume of 10% neutral buffered formalin to completely immerse the tissue (where possible there should be 10 times the volume of formalin to the volume of the specimen). Failure to send specimens in adequate formalin or delaying fixation will be deleterious to the specimen. Over fixation can also can also affect the performance of tests and the interpretation of results. Therefore it is imperative that specimens are transported to the Laboratory without delay.
Specimens sent in formalin must not be stored or transported at temperatures below 4 degrees Celcius.
In the event of formalin spillage follow local spillage procedures and if required, telephone the Histology Laboratory for advice (Ext 43188)
Ensure that ALL specimens are placed into the provided Histopathology specimen bags and request forms are placed in the pockets of the bags.
BHH/GHH/SH specimen transportation
Specimens from operating theatres, DSU and endoscopy at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and from theatres and endoscopy at Solihull Hospital arrive in sealed transport containers.
Ensure that the specimen bags are sealed securely before placing into the transport box.
The sealed transport box must be taken directly to Solihull or Good Hope Pathology Reception for transportation to BHH. BHH specimens are delivered by the portering service to Laboratory Medicine Reception at BHH.
Update 17.11.2022: Andrology Laboratory Service at UHB
We are pleased to announce that from the 30th May 2022, the Andrology Department at Good Hope Hospital begun working in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) 6th Edition for the examination of semen (diagnostic semen analysis). This included a change to some of the lower reference limits (volume, concentration, motility and vitality), differentiation of round cells and amendments to result interpretation where appropriate. This examination procedure has not been accredited to the ISO standard (15189:2012), although this is being worked towards at present. To assure users of the quality of results, we would like to state that the following safeguards are in place;
Internal Quality Control (IQC) of volume, pH, motility, concentration, morphology (including TZI) and vitality
External Quality Assurance (EQA) participation for motility, concentration and morphology
Interlaboratory Comparison scheme (ILC) participation for vitality and PVSA
Participation in the Cellular Pathology audit schedule and Quality Management System (QMS) under Cellular Pathology
Ongoing training and competence of staff undertaking Andrology activities
Follow Pathology/Cellular Pathology procedures and policies for management of materials, reagents, consumables and equipment
The Andrology Laboratory at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) is a partially UKAS Accredited Service (ISO15189:2012), currently operating from a single site located on the 1st Floor of the Sheldon Unit at Good Hope Hospital.
The laboratory's priority is to provide a comprehensive semen analysis service for Consultants, Urologists and General Practitioners from the Birmingham and Solihull area. This includes semen analysis (Diagnostic Semen Analysis), post-operative analysis of semen following a vasectomy operation (Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis) and retrograde analysis of urine.
The laboratory operates on a clinic based service and has a maximum capacity of 2500 appointments available per annum. This covers the annual workload of routine diagnostic semen analysis, post-vasectomy samples and retrograde ejaculation analysis. Routinely patients will be given an appointment to attend the Andrology Department for on-site sample production in a designated private clinic room, however in exceptional circumstances samples may be produced off site if then able to be delivered to the laboratory within an appropriate time interval.
The UHB Andrology Laboratory has fully trained scientists who are highly proficient in performing quality diagnostic semen analysis in line with World Health Organisation (2021) and the 2016 Laboratory Guidelines for post vasectomy semen analysis. The laboratory regularly performs internal quality control, participates in the UK National External Quality Assurance scheme for Andrology (UKNEQAS) and liaises with other accredited laboratories for comparison of tests not covered within the UKNEQAS scope.
A laboratory referral can be made via:
Paper copy referral forms sent to Appointment Centre via post/e-mail (internal consultants/health care professionals)
Electronic Referral Service (e-RS) with an attached referral form
A copy of the referral form can be obtained by;
Contacting the laboratory directly on 0121 424 9717
Off-site production can be arranged by the patient by telephoning the laboratory on 0121 424 9717 or by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (if you e-mail you are accepting that the connection is not secure and potentially not confidential – laboratory staff will minimise data transmission but cannot guarantee security). Please note that retrograde urine production cannot be undertaken off-site. This must be on-site at Good Hope Hospital.
Turnaround Time: 7-10 days (electronic reporting may be more rapid). Paper copies currently sent. This is due to validation of reports by a second scientist.
Anti-sperm antibodies (ASAB) are not tested at this laboratory. Agglutination is described if noted.
Please see user handbook for additional information including contact details.
The laboratory undertakes examination procedures in line with the following guidelines: 2016 PVSA Guidelines. This will give clinicians information regarding clearance criteria.
Results are avialble to Hospital clinicians via the two portals:
PICS/Clinical Portal - QEHB
Concerto/ICE/Clinical Portal - HGS
GP's can access patient results through their own electronic result systems, although paper copy reports are sent out following result authorisation.
Key details of the service:
Operates Monday to Friday 08:00am to 16:00pm
Undertakes diagnostic semen analysis, post vasectomy analysis and retrograde examination (urine)
Appointment based with on-site room for sample production
7-10 day turnaround time (electronic and paper copy reporting)
Patients are booked within 7 weeks from referral, unless clinically indicated or by patient choice
Andrology Changes to Service or Notifications
World Health Organisation (WHO) Examination and Processing of Human Semen 2021 Guidelines
The WHO released the sixth edition of semen analysis guidelines in July 2021. The Laboratory will be implemented these changes on 30.05.2022. This includes a new set of lower reference limits and enhancements to user advice and guidance. There will be CCG notification when this goes live. If you require any further information please contact Emma Whitehouse (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Updated 10.05.2022
Changes to Post-vasectomy semen analysis from 1st September 2019
Queen Elizabeth Hospital will no longer analyse semen samples for vasectomy success confirmation from the 1st September 2019. A referral form must be completed and sent to the appointment centre for the patient to be given an appointment to attend at Good Hope Hospital. All samples received into Pathology at Queen Elizabeth following this date will be rejected. Please contact the laboratory if you require any further information.
Retrograde Examination Procedure
Retrograde analysis is available at Good Hope Hospital. This will assess numbers of sperm and motility (if present). Morphology is not assessed as part of this examination. The test was assessed by UKAS for accreditation to ISO15189:2012 on 21/01/2020 and is now included as an accredited test.
Examination or storage will be performed on those specimens where there is a clinical indication clearly written on the request form and signed by a consultant.
Placental specimens that should be sent to Birmingham Women’s Hospital:
All still birth/ pregnancy loss > 18 weeks
N.B Guidance was issued on 05.03.2020 which states that BWH Perinatal Service will no longer be accepting “live birth” placenta specimens referred by external services for histological analysis.BWH will continue to provide a diagnostic service for placenta specimens associated with pregnancy loss.
Placental specimens that should be sent to Birmingham Heartlands Histology:
Antepartum haemorrhage/ Placental abruption
Maternal Sepsis/ Maternal pyrexia (> 38°C)
Suspected Chorioamnionitis
Morbidly adherent placenta
Any specimens sentto Heartlands Histology for the following conditions will be stored for 14 days from specimen taken, prior to automatic disposal:
Hepatitis B, HIV etc.
Gestational diabetes
Placenta praevia
Rhesus negative mother
Twins/multiple pregnancies (uncomplicated)
Maternal Group B streptococcus
Abnormal placental shape
Uncomplicated pre-eclampsia
2 vessel cord
Cholestasis
PROM
Postpartum haemorrhage
Prematurity (32-36 weeks)
Preterm
Severe foetal distress requiring admission to NNU -(Store placenta until further instructions. Send to BWH if baby dies.)
Other maternal disease with normal pregnancy outcome.
Should a neonate or the mother deteriorate a written and signed request from the consultant will be needed to process prior to routine BHH mortuary disposal after 14 days.
Requests for processing and examination after placenta has been placed in storage
Occasionally upon receipt of a report stating that a placenta is to be disposed of a clinician may request that they want it processing.The report generated by Cellular Pathology states “If processing of this sample is required please contact the department within this 14 day period. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with details”
Placental specimens not requiring examination should be disposed directly from the delivery suite.
Any specimens that do not satisfy the criteria mentioned above or are not accompanied by a request form signed by the consultant will be returned to the delivery suite.