On Tuesday, 22nd September 2026, the CHFT Microbiology Laboratory service will move to the Centre for Laboratory Medicine (CfLM) in Leeds. 

Attached is important information for clinical colleagues about the move. It includes a summary of key changes to tests, consumables, digital systems, and contact information which colleagues will need to use following the move. 

Also attached is a summary poster of specimen containers and which samples should be used for each. 

Please make sure these attachments are shared with clinical colleagues. 

Once the move is complete all CHFT microbiology laboratory testing will be delivered by the CfLM. There will be no microbiology laboratory service at CRH or HRI.

The CfLM is a brand-new, state of the art laboratory based at St James’s University Hospital and is part of The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT).

The move is part of the West Yorkshire Pathology Partnership Strategy which will bring more resilience, and consistent, clinically appropriate turnaround times for patients across the region.