All basic routine in-patient requests are processed on the day of receipt (e.g. U&E, LFT). All samples from A&E, CCU, ICU and other emergency locations are processed urgently by default. Samples from other locations should be clearly marked as 'Urgent' if the results are required urgently.
If investigations are required urgently that are not normally available, then the position should be discussed with the Duty Biochemist.
The out of hours Biochemistry service operates Monday to Friday 17:00 to 08:30, all day at weekends and on public holidays. The service is provided for tests that are necessary for the immediate management of the patient. Most routine tests (listed below) are available if required but please note that blanket screens should be avoided.
Please do not use this procedure for anything other than true medical emergencies.
Over-use of this facility degrades both the emergency and the routine service; it is impossible for us to treat the whole workload as urgent.
There is also no need to bleep for requests that you do not require urgently.
We recognise that tests other than those listed below may occasionally be required out of hours in individual cases. These should be discussed with the Duty Biochemistry Consultant by contacting them via switchboard.
CSF for xanthochromia is not routinely available during the out of hours period (except for Saturday mornings 0900-1230 only). Sample analysis will usually be performed on the next working day. If there is a need for urgent analysis, this should be discussed with the on-call Biochemistry consultant. Ensure that a fourth CSF specimen tube is kept dark (e.g. wrap in foil) and is delivered to biochemistry (additional to samples for microbiology).
For full details of out of hours service provided, please see User services > Out of Hours Service.