Specimen submission
Samples to be submitted to pathology MUST be sent by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Samples submitted directly by the patient cannot be accepted unless submitted with a request form signed by a qualified professional.
Patients are able to carry their own specimens to the laboratory via their own or public transport.
Specimen transport
GP samples
Samples are collected regularly from GP surgeries by the pathology transport couriers and delivered either to The James Cook University Hospital or Friarage Hospital Pathology Central Specimen Reception according to defined schedules.
South Tees Hospitals
At James Cook and Friarage, routine samples should be delivered to Pathology Central Specimen Reception at all times via the hospital porters service or the pneumatic tube system.
Urgent samples
For any urgent samples, please ensure these samples are received to Central Specimen Reception using the above options within the turnaround time for the tests required. Additional information can be found on the pathology tests pages for specific turnaround times.
Out of hours
Samples requiring to be transported between the Friarage and James Cook sites must be package in accordance with Department of Transportation Regulations and collected in the first instance by EVS Blood Bikes or MES Logistics by contacting extension 57855 when blood bikes are unable to respond in a timely manner.
Pathology service provision
All samples from the Friarage Hospital must be taken to CDU for transportation to James Cook by EVS Blood Bikes between the hours of 7pm and 8am. Transport containers, bags, zip locks and transport receipts are available on CDU.
Instructions for packaging samples
- Place samples into one of the blue topped containers
- Place microbiology samples into a separate container
- Place blue topped container into the blue UN3373 transport bag and seal with a zip lock
Blood components
Blood components from James Cook will be sent to CDU. On arrival CDU will phone the patient location to inform them that blood components MUST be collected as soon as possible.
For any queries about blood components please contact blood transfusion at James Cook on extension 52630.
External NHS trusts and other organisations
Samples from external service users can be delivered in person to either the Friarage or James Cook Pathology Central Specimen Reception or sent via Royal Mail or courier service.
All samples must be transported in compliance with Department of Transport guidance, Packaging and transport requirements for patient samples – UN3373.
Any queries regarding specimen transport can be addressed to [email protected].