Completion of Request Forms

All tests should, if possible, be requested on the standard request forms. Please take the extra time to furnish clinical details, registration data and hazard information. This assists quicker and safer processing and more accurate interpretation of laboratory data. If it is likely that the volume available at venepuncture will be limited, please contact the laboratory before phlebotomy to discuss the absolute minimum required to perform the requested tests. In addition further information is available  in the investigations database on the web site.

Additional tests may also be performed on previously received specimens if sufficient is available in storage. Contact the laboratory by telephone to see if this is possible. Please contact the duty biochemist on bleep 2506, tel: 07772249713 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For microbiology, please call the microbiology laboratory on ext 43111 (0121 4243111 if external).

The current combined trust request form (excluding microbiology) can be viewed below.

The current microbiology hospital request form can be found at http://www.heftpathology.com/item/trust-microbiology-hospital-request-form.html, and the microbiology GP request form can be found at http://www.heftpathology.com/item/trust-microbiology-request-form-2.html.

There is also a Rare and Imported Pathogens request form which is downloadable and should be filled in with any high-risk samples that require sending to Porton Down. This form can be found at http://www.heftpathology.com/images/hpa/P1.pdf

GP supplies requisition forms can be found at: http://www.heftpathology.com/downloads/directorate-documents/gp-supply-forms

Samples will not be accepted for processing if:

• The samples are unlabelled or incorrectly matched with the request form.
• The samples are received in a hazardous condition, i.e. leaked into the bag.
• Incorrect storage and/or transport of samples is obvious, e.g. incubated not refrigerated.

Criteria for acceptance of specimens can be found here: http://heftpathology.com/Requesting/criteria-for-the-acceptance-of-specimens.html

An example of a combined trust request form and a microbiology request form is below:-

Combined Trust Request Form

Microbiology Request Form

Video on how to complete a request card