Turn Around Times

Turnaround times, High risk, retention and reports

It is the aim of the laboratory that the majority of urgent biopsy specimens are reported within 7 days of receipt, but Major resections, complex cases and specimens requiring special techniques will take longer.  If delays are anticipated, an interim/provisional report will be issued or the lead clinician contacted by telephone.

The turnaround time for Histology specimens is calculated from the date received by the laboratory to the date first reported. The aim is for 90% of all specimens to be reported within 14 working days.

Due to increased workload and some staff vacancies, the turnaround times are increased at present.  Please highlight any specimens that may need prioritising. 

High risk cases are left to fix for 24 hours after the date the specimen was taken, prior to cut-up.

Additional examinations on wet tissues are possible upto 28 days after a final report has been issued.  Additional examinations on the tissue blocks can be requested upto 30 years post reporting.  Microscope slide preparations of routine cases are available for examination 20 years post reporting.  HER2 FISH slide preparations are kept 12 months post reporting.  If a request has been made to freeze tissue.  Human DNA is kept for 30 years for familial studies in the laboratory freezer.

Pathology reports are available to medical, selected nursing and secretarial staff within the Trust via the hospital intranet.  Similar facilities are available to GP users.