This is the standard haematological inflammatory marker, performed in the laboratory, although CRP is the preferred test (Biochemistry request). The ESR may be performed on the same EDTA sample sent for FBC if sufficient.
The following referred tests should be requested on a Haematology request form and the Department will make arrangements to send the sample on.
Abnormal Haemoglobinopathies:
The Department offers a comprehensive haemoglobinopathy screening service, however occasionally samples are referred for further analysis or confirmatory testing. Laboratory staff will refer samples if appropriate.
Unidentified haemoglobin variants:
Haematology Department
Haemoglobinopathy Laboratory
Central Middlesex Hospital
Acton Lane
London
NW10 7NS
or
Genotyping of Haemoglobin Disorders
Oxford Regional Genetics Laboratory
Churchill Hospital
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7LE
Pyruvate Kinase:
Pyruvate Kinase assays are referred to:
Specialist Red Cell Centre
Synnovis Hub Site
Floor 2, Friars Bridge Court
41-43 Blackfriars Road
London
SE1 8NZ
Positive Malaria Results:
When a positive malaria result is obtained we are required to refer blood films to the Malaria Reference Laboratory:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Keppel Street
London
WC1E 7HT
Dye Binding Test for Hereditary Spherocytosis (EMA):
Haematology Department
Birmingham Children's Hospital
Steelhouse Lane
B4 6NH
Please call the laboratory on 0121 424 0908 prior to sample collection
If the full blood count results are abnormal or there is a specific indication on the request form, a blood film will be stained and examined microscopically. Blood films are spread and stained by a UKAS accredited automated method however in the event of analyser failure blood smears will be manually spread and stained which is currently an unaccredited procedure. Blood films requiring clinical comment will be referred to a Haematology Consultant or Registrar. Delay or marked temperature changes in transit can affect morphology.