Blood Sciences

Welcome to the home page of the Blood Sciences department at the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

The Exeter Blood Sciences Laboratory is a modern, high quality service generating >25,000 results everyday for both NHS and research patients. Along with our partner disciplines, we share the vision that a clinical diagnostic facility is underpinned by research, modern laboratory processes, and clinical expertise for differential diagnosis, result interpretation and treatment advice.

The combined laboratories provide a full range of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Immunology and Blood Transfusion within the custom designed laboratories at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trusts.

Information about sample requirements and reference ranges for specific test can be found on the test catalogue. General information regarding opening times and making requests can be found here.

Blood Sciences is a vibrant training laboratory with over 45 biomedical scientists and 9 clinical scientists receiving their training here over the last 15 years.

Tests that are accredited to ISO15189:2012 are detailed in our scope which can be found on the UKAS website: https://www.ukas.com/wp-content/uploads/schedule_uploads/00007/8210-Medical-Multiple.pdf

Clinical Biochemistry

General chemistry services are provided by the Department of Blood Sciences and a 24 hour, 7 day acute service available.

The Blood Sciences laboratory provides a comprehensive diagnostic service which includes general screening  for renal, liver, bone, cardiac and other disease groups through the use of highly automated analytical platforms. In addition we provide an extensive disease monitoring service for monoclonal antibodies, anaemia, endocrine, lipid and other metabolic disorders.

The laboratory also provides specialist assay services to support research and clinical trials carried out in the Peninsula Medical School and the University of Exeter. We welcome referral work from other laboratories to support:

• First trimester Down’s screening
• Specialist diabetes services including: C-Peptide, Insulin, Proinsulin, Glucagon, GAD, IA2 and ZnT8
• Biologic drug and anti-drug antibody testing including Infliximab, adalimumab and vedolizumab

For any enquiries regarding clinical advice, please contact the Duty Biochemist who is available 24 hours a day: routine hours 09.00 – 17.30 Monday to Friday Tel: 01392 402935 OR by bleep through the switch board out of hours. Non-urgent enquiries can be e-mailed to: rduh.biochem@nhs.net

GPs can also use the e-Referral service (e-RS) for any non-urgent clinical advice and guidance.

Haematology

Haematology provides a comprehensive screening and diagnostic service using a range of state-of-the art technologies and manual laboratory procedures. The laboratory provides Full Blood Count and coagulation investigations, blood cell morphology, malaria and glandular fever screens and haemoglobinopathy assessment.

The clinical consultant leads are involved in day-to-day diagnosis, being responsible not only for clinical advice but also consultative support for complex blood cell morphology, and provide bone marrow aspirate and trephine assessment.

Blood Transfusion

The MHRA accredited laboratory provides the full range of immuno-haematological services, including antenatal screening for the prevention of haemolytic disease of the newborn and supports the trust programme for routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis. The blood bank provides both standard and highly specialised blood and blood components to meet the diverse requirements of patients.

Haematology and Blood Transfusion  laboratory service is provided on a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year basis.

Click here to visit the main Blood Transfusion page.

Immunology

The immunology laboratory provides allergy testing,  protein electrophoresis, and a wide range of  autoimmune tests.

Details of immunology tests for autoimmune disease can be found in our test catalogue.