The Microbiology Laboratory Service at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTHT) is currently experiencing significant delays for some samples.
The following tests are experiencing significant delays:
|
Test |
Normal TAT |
Current TAT |
|
Urine Microscopy |
<2 days |
<4 days |
|
Urine Culture |
3 days |
5 days |
|
MRSA Screening |
3 days |
5 days |
|
Faecal Calprotectin |
14 days |
21 days |
|
H pylori Stool Ag |
5 days |
10 days |
To help minimise further delays and allow the Microbiology Lab to focus resources on reducing the current backlog, they ask that additional or non-essential testing requests are submitted only where clinically necessary during this period. This includes repeat printing of requests to send further samples if a result has not been received.
Urgent samples should be discussed with the laboratory on 0113 3923499 so that testing can be prioritised where clinically appropriate.
The lab sincerely apologise for the impact this may have on patient care and on our service users. This is a result of the increased workload associated with service integration and associated staff training and familiarisation on new processes and equipment, following the CHFT service move to the Centre for Laboratory Medicine (CfLM) at LTHT.
For further information, please contact Ian Cocking, Pathology Service Manager – Microbiology, LTHT - iancocking@nhs.net / 07990 513 257.
You can also read more in the letter attached.