Stockport Pathology

The Blood Sciences department of Stepping Hill Hospital is comprised of several sub sections; these include Clinical Biochemistry, Routine Haematology, Coagulation, Anticoagulation, Point of Care Testing and Blood Transfusion. Each section plays a fundamental role in the clinical diagnosis, management and monitoring of patients.

Combined these sections provide a vital service to the hospital and the GPs in the Stockport and High Peak area. We process in excess of 2000 blood specimens a day as well as other specimen types such as urine, faeces and fluids.

The Blood Sciences Department is staffed on a 24 hours a day/7 days a week basis

• Clinical Biochemistry- This department conducts a vast number of investigations the common tests include Urea and Electrolytes, Liver Function tests and Bone profiles. More unusual investigations include investigation of Endocrine disease, Drug monitoring and some immunological testing


• Haematology- The haematology department routinely analyses full blood count which includes haemoglobin levels, white cell count among others to identify common blood disorders such as anaemia. Other tests that are carried out regularly in this section include B12/Folate and Ferritin


• Anticoagulation and Coagulation- These two sections work together to monitor and/or diagnose either clotting disorders of the blood or thrombosis. We provide an out-reach clinical service to monitor the patient’s International Normalised Ratio (INR) so we can check the right level of anticoagulant is being taken by the patient


• Point of care Testing (POCT) is defined as any diagnostic test performed on a person by a competent individual, where a result that can be interpreted is provided before the person leaves.
  
  POCT services at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust include:
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Blood gas/ co-oximetry / electrolyte analysis
  • Blood coagulation measurement
  • Blood HbA1c analysis
  • Urine analysis
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Blood Ketone testing
  • Total Haemoglobin
  
  
  POCT is now an established part of clinical practice. However it is important that it is viewed as part of an integrated activity in which the objective is caring for the patient in the best clinical and most cost-effective way.
  


• Blood Transfusion- The blood transfusion section (also known as blood bank) is where blood products such as plasma, platelets and blood itself, are prepared for distribution to patients for transfusion. This is also where the patient’s blood type is determined. Ante-natal patients are also monitored though this section.

Biochemistry

Haematology

General Telephone Numbers