GUIDE
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Before You Request a Test
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Test Requests
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Patient Identification
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Sample Collection
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Sample Handling & Storage
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Packaging & Transport
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Sample Acceptance & Rejection
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Turnaround Times
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Results & Reporting
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Additional Testing
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Referred Tests
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Laboratory Advice
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Service Level Agreement
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Quality & Accreditation
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Confidentiality & Data Protection
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Complaints & Feedback
Your Guide to Working with Harley Street Pathology Services
Our Guide provides healthcare professionals with the essential information they need to request laboratory examinations, collect and transport samples, access results and work effectively with Harley Street Pathology Services.
From the initial test request to the final report, our aim is to make every step clear, consistent and straightforward.
Before Requesting a Test
Before submitting a request, please check the relevant test information in our Test Repository.
For each examination, you can find information such as:
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Test name
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Clinical indications
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Sample type
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Required sample volume
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Collection container
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Patient preparation
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Sample handling requirements
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Storage conditions
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Transport requirements
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Turnaround time
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Referral arrangements, where applicable
If you are unsure which examination is appropriate, our laboratory team can provide advice.
Requesting a Test
All laboratory examinations must be requested using the appropriate request process.
Please ensure that the request contains sufficient information to allow us to:
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Correctly identify the patient
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Identify the requested examination
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Understand the relevant clinical context
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Process and interpret the sample appropriately
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Contact the requesting healthcare professional when necessary
Clinical information can be particularly important when specialist testing or interpretation is required.
Patient Identification
Correct patient identification is essential for patient safety.
The patient's details on the sample must correspond with the information provided on the request.
Please ensure that samples are labelled at the time of collection and include the required patient identifiers.
If there is any discrepancy between the sample and request information, the laboratory may be unable to process the specimen.
Sample Collection
The correct sample type and collection container are essential for obtaining a reliable result.
Before collecting a sample, please check the specific requirements for the requested examination.
Some examinations may require:
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Fasting or other patient preparation
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A specific collection tube
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A minimum sample volume
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Protection from light
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Special temperature requirements
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Immediate processing
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Specific collection times
Please follow the instructions provided for each individual examination.