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Some tests are not performed within the department and are sent to a referral laboratory for analysis.
Specimens requiring referral are packaged and sent away every day, Monday to Friday using the DX service.
These samples need to be received in the laboratory ideally by midday for packaging for overnight transport.
Any samples requiring urgent transport or same day analysis will require a special courier.
This can be arranged by the Microbiology Department on discussion with the Microbiology Registrar / Consultant, but courier costs will be charged to the referring clinical team.
Information on the availability and specimen requirements for tests that are sent away for analysis can be obtained by contacting the department:
Contact us
The turnaround time for specimens that are sent to a referral laboratory will be greater than for those tests that are analysed within the department.