A 24 hour service for in-patient, out-patient and for the local GP’s and Health Centres. The Biochemistry laboratories at Hillingdon Hospital are located on the first floor of the tower block adjacent to the operating theatres.

For routine bloods we endeavour to provide a same day service. Urgent requests need to me made to the laboratory by phone. Analysis may be performed at Hillingdon or at the satellite laboratory at Mount Vernon. Speciality tests are performed at local reference centres.

The haematology laboratory service provides a full range of haematological investigations. These are held both within Hillingdon and Mount Vernon Hospitals and at a number of community locations. The Haematology laboratories at Hillingdon Hospital are located on the first floor of the tower block adjacent to the operating theatres.

The Histopathology Department at Hillingdon Hospital provides a routine histology service including immunohistochemistry and a frozen section service. We also provide a non-gynae cytology service which includes Andrology. Gynae cytology is not done at Hillingdon. All samples received here are transferred to Northwick Park Hospital for testing.

Histology

Routine work is accepted during laboratory hours unless otherwise stated. The laboratory aims to produce reports from small biopsies received before 11:00 by the end of the following day, excluding weekends. Larger specimens and complete cases will take longer.

The Histology laboratory is routinely open:

Glucose tolerance tests are performed by appointment only. For an appointment at Hillingdon Hospital, please ring 01895 279147 and for Mount Vernon Hospital ring 01923 844732 or 01923 844957. Please note that if you wish to have this test performed quickly, you may be best advised to make an appointment at Mount Vernon Hospital.

Urgent work for overnight processing will normally be accepted until 16:00 without prior notice but must be marked urgent.  If an urgent specimen is to reach the laboratory after 16:00, the requesting doctor must contact the Consultant. Urgent specimens must always be handed directly to the senior laboratory staff.

All specimens must be clearly labelled with label on the side of the container, NOT THE LID, and accompanied by an accurately completed request form. Specimen containers must be labelled correctly and legibly with the patient information. The container should bear as much of the following information as possible:

• NHS number
• Patient's Surname
• Patient's Forename
• Hospital Number
• Date of Birth (age if not known)
• Ward or Department
• Date & Time Collected
• Relevant Biohazard Warning

A minimum of three identical points of identification (surname, forename, date of birth) must be used on both request forms and sample container used.

Product of conception samples for Histology MUST be accompanied by a fully completed consent form. Consent can only be taken by people trained in taking consent. Forms are available from the Gynaecology department or A&E. https://www.hta.gov.uk/faqs/disposal-pregnancy-remains-faqs

Cytology and Andrology

Cytology and Andrology user guide (pdf, 230KB)

The Microbiology Department at Hillingdon Hospital provides a routine service including Viral serology antimicrobial assays and a referral service for Immunology. The Microbiology laboratories at Hillingdon Hospital are located on the first floor of the tower block adjacent to the operating theatres.

The Pathology Department at Mount Vernon Hospital, is open: