Haematology analyser downtime (Friarage)
2 January 2026
From Saturday 3 January 2026 our haematology analyser will have a period of downtime whilst we await delivery of essential reagents. This will impact sample processing for haematology at the Friarage Hospital.
During this time, samples will be transported to The James Cook University Hospital laboratory for analysis with urgent samples prioritised. All necessary logistics including transportation have been arranged.
Please anticipate potential delays in result turnaround times. We would also ask that you only contact the laboratory if it is absolutely necessary.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any queries or questions, please contact Sam Nodding or Kelly Grieve or Rebecca Gallagher on 01642 282637 or extension 52637.
Calcium reference range reporting (South Tees)
23 December 2025
The biochemistry department at South Tees has recently had new analysers installed as part of the upgrade of the blood science service. These analysers have been tested and clinically verified for routine use; however it has come to light that there has been an issue with the reporting of the corrected calcium reference range due to an IT issue in the laboratory information system. Actual results for corrected calcium have been reported, but users may have noticed that the reference range was missing.
This issue has now been addressed, and all corrected calcium results should be accompanied by the appropriate reference range. There has been no change to this reference range (2.2 to 2.6mmol/L for adults) or any change in practice. The biochemistry laboratory routinely phones all new occurrences of a corrected calcium of less than 1.8mmol/L or greater than 3mmol/L to the requesting clinician or location, so it is unlikely that any new hypo or hypercalcaemic events will have been missed.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience that this may have caused to your teams, colleagues or patients.
For any queries please email [email protected]