LAB NOTES: When in doubt about how the specimen should be processed, contact the Haematologist via switchboard.
Routine working hours: Mon - Fri 06:00 - 18:00hrs (excluding Public Holidays): Immediately deliver specimen to Anatomical Pathology .
After hours: Sat / Sun / Public Holidays and Mon - Fri 18:00 - 06:00 hrs: Register with procedure code: TAP. Process specimen in RCH Haematology. Do NOT perform a cell count unless 'cell count' or 'cytospin' specifically requested.
If only for cytology and sample volume is 0.5mL or less, prepare minimum of 2 slides, stain 1 on haematology staining machine and forward all slides along with sample tube to Anatomical Pathology next working day, unless 'Urgent' (see below).
If only for cytology and sample volume is >0.5mL, prepare up to maximum of 4 slides, stain 1 on haematology staining machine and forward all slides along with sample to Anatomical Pathology next working day unless 'Urgent' (see below).
In the Medipath phone log, in 'O' for 'Other', record number of slides made and what has been forwarded to Anatomical Pathology.
If marked Urgent and specimen received after-hours, contact the Anatomical Pathologist on-call on completion of processing.
Note: Diagnostic tests are given priority over research tests.