Cellular Pathology

Cellular Pathology consists of Histopathology, Neuropathology and Diagnostic Cytology and is essential for the diagnosis of many diseases.

A significant proportion of the department's work is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Many of these patients are treated at the Queen's Centre at Castle Hill Hospital which serves the local community and has a catchment population of approximately 1.2 million people.

The department has UKAS Accreditation according to ISO 15189 (2012) (reference 9844) standards and aims to provide quality and timely diagnostic and advisory service to patients and service users within the trust and local community.

The Mortuary and Bereavement Services section is not under UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation but is regulated and continually compliant with HTA regulatory standards.

Opening Hours and Location

The Cellular Pathology Laboratory is open from 7.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. It is located on the first floor of the Pathology building at Hull Royal Infirmary.

Contact Details

  • Cellular Pathology: 01482 607720
  • Cytology: 01482 607785
  • Neuropathology: 01482 607813 / 01482 607807
  • Laboratory Admin Support: 01482 607734

For general queries please email hyp-tr.hull.histology@nhs.net

For specific clinical advice please contact admin support or a specific Consultant Pathologist.

Services

Specimen Acceptance Criteria

All tissue samples from GPs must be placed in a labelled, formalin-filled specimen pot with a completed request card (Lab1A card).

The following information must be recorded on the specimen pots and request cards.

  • Patient's full name
  • Date of birth
  • HEY number
  • Examination requested
  • Specimen type
  • All relevant clinical information
  • Sender information e.g. GP, or department and consultant
  • Date and time of specimen collection.

Specimen Transport

For instructions for transporting samples taken on hospital site please refer to the Cellular Pathology Pattie page. For the transportation of GP samples contact ESR Medical.

Turnaround Times

The Cellular Pathology Department have MDT agreements set up with all users which detail the expected TATs of specimens. The agreements state that 80% of biopsies will be reported within 14 days of receipt and 80% of resections with be reported within 28 days of receipt. Any specimens which are required to be reported urgently can be expedited by contacting the laboratory or stating URGENT on the request card.

Key Contacts

  • Head Biomedical Scientist: Angela Carling
  • Chief Biomedical Scientists: Amy Duckles and Jennifer Mitchell
  • Laboratory Admin Support: Aimi Day and Mandy Alcock

Referral Services

Some samples may be referred to other centres for further work or testing. You can view a list of all of our Cellular Pathology Referral Centres.