The Bacterial Respiratory Infections Service (BRIS) (Formerly known as the Scottish Haemophilus, Legionella, Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory (SHLMPRL)) was formed in 2009. Since November 2013, BRIS has been located within the New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We are commissioned by National Services Division for Scotland, with clinical and scientific advice from Public Health Scotland (PHS).
The Bacterial Respiratory Infections Service provides a national reference service for the detection and characterisation of human Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella, Meningococcus, Pneumococcus and Group A Streptococcus infections, as well as associated environmental isolates. We perform Bordetella pertussis serology, Legionella urinary antigen testing, M.I.C testing and genomic detection of target organisms within clinical samples. The laboratory collaborates with Public Health Scotland (PHS) to provide data on the epidemiology of the aforementioned organisms in Scotland.
We are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) UKAS Medical 8514 (Accredited to ISO 15189:2012). If you would like more information regarding our schedule of accreditation and scope of service, you can find this on the UKAS website.
The Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories are part of the Acute Services Division of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. We are based in the New Lister Building at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. SMiRL is comprised of five different laboratories that provide a specialist service for a number of different microorganisms. The SMiRL combined user manual can be accessed for further information about the services we provide. You can also use the links below to access the specific laboratory sections.
The Scottish Government have provided funding for a one year pilot of an Enterococcal Surveillance Service aiming to describe the genetic epidemiology of invasive E. faecium and resistant E. faecium and E. faecalis in Scotland. Scotland has a high prevalence of vancomycin resistance amongst invasive E. faecium isolates. To investigate the reasons for this, Boards are kindly requested to submit isolates as described in the below communications. Limited outbreak support continues to be available and it is hoped that an improved understanding of the background epidemiology will allow improved outbreak support in future. Please fill in the below request form when submitting isolates for this pilot study.
General Enquiries
If you require any assistance or advice, please contact us:
Tel: 0141 242 9633
Email: ggc.glasgowsmrl@nhs.scot
Please note, the generic email address should not not be used for urgent, clinical, or non-routine enquiries. Please phone the relevant laboratory section if you require a rapid response. If using the generic email address, please add the laboratory section you require into the subject field so that we can answer your enquiry promptly.
Laboratory Contact Numbers
- Bacterial Respiratory Infections Service (BRIS) (formerly SHLMPRL): 0141 242 9632
- Scottish Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Reference Laboratory (SMRSARL): 0141 242 9633
- Enteric Bacterial Infections Service (EBIS) (formerly SSSCDRL): 0141 242 9633
- Scottish Antimicrobial Resistance Service (SAMRS): 0141 242 9633
- Diagnostic and Reference Parasitology Service (DPRS) (formerly SPDRL): 0141 242 9631
Address
5th Floor
New Lister Building
10-16 Alexandra Parade
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Glasgow
G31 2ER
Contact Us
Feedback for the Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratories should be directed to the SMiRL Generic email address:
ggc.glasgowsmrl@nhs.scot
Clinical Leads
Bacterial Respiratory Infections Service (BRIS)
Prof. Andrew Smith
0141 956 0431
andrew.smith6@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Diagnostic and Reference Parasitology Service (DRPS)
Dr. Claire Alexander
Consultant Clinical Scientist
0141 242 9623
Claire.Alexander@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory (SMRSARL)
Prof. Alistair Leanord
Director
0141 242 9619
alistair.leanord@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Enteric Bacterial Infections Service (EBIS)
Prof. Alistair Leanord
Director
0141 242 9619
alistair.leanord@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Scottish Antimicrobial Resistance Service (SAMRS)
Prof. Alistair Leanord
Director
0141 242 9619
alistair.leanord@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
The Clinical Immunology Service provides assessment of patients with suspected immunodeficiency diseases and further management of primary immunodeficiency patients.
For information on our laboratory services, please see our home page.
Staff
- Consultant Clinical Immunologist – Dr Moira Thomas
- Clinical Nurse Specialists – Mary Brownlie, Hazel Millar
- Clinical Immunology secretary – post unfilled
- Telephone – 0141 451 6091
Location of the clinical activities
- Office and laboratory base – Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1st Floor Laboratories and Facilities Management Building, Govan Road, G51 4TF, Glasgow
- Immunology Clinic (Tuesday morning) – Clinic C, West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital, Dalnair Street, G3 8SJ, Glasgow
- Immunology day case activities (Wednesday morning)- ward 7A, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, G12 0YN, Glasgow
- Joint adolescent immunology clinic – Royal Hospital for Children, Govan Road, G51 4TF, Glasgow
The Immunology and Neuroimmunology Department is committed to providing a quality diagnostic service (see Quality Policy) for the patients of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Scotland and external users where appropriate.
Patients and their clinicians can find information on our Clinical Immunology service on our dedicated page.
Information on all tests performed in the laboratory can be found in our handbook. For our current allergen testing, please see our specific IgE list. For data on variation in reported values, please see our uncertainty of measurement information.
For all urgent laboratory enquiries, please call the Duty Immunologist on 0141 347 (6) 8872.
Routine laboratory enquiries may be emailed to the team: ggc.immunology.labs@nhs.scot
***** Newsflash *****
Please use electronic test requesting where available. Where this facility is not available, please complete a paper request form:
The laboratory services are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), laboratory number 9713. A full list of tests in scope can be found on our schedule of accreditation. Tests not on this list are not accredited; please contact the laboratory for further information if required.
Further details on our Clinical Immunology and Neuroimmunology services can be found on their respective webpages, see links below. Upon sending samples to the laboratory, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
Our latest user survey results are now available.
The Scottish Cytology Training School (SCTS) is a National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) Accredited Training Centre. The SCTS provides training and continuing professional development (CPD) for relevant professional staff in cervical cytology screening and associated work areas as part of the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme.
Please send completed application forms to: ggc.scts@nhs.scot
Scottish Cytology Training School Courses
Introductory Course in Gynaecological Cytology [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®) – Minimum entry qualification
Trainee Cytoscreener – 4 GCSE’s
Trainee Biomedical Scientist – ‘A’ levels or equivalent to allow entry to a Health Profession Council (HPC) approved degree course or a recognised HPC/Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved degree.
Eligibility – All students must be employed in an NHSCSP Cytopathology department, as a trainee to undertake this course as part of the 2 year UK registration training.
Length of time in post: Learners should attend the introductory course ideally within the first 6 months of employment. Learners should spend a minimum of 6 weeks in the home laboratory learning how to set up as well as use a light microscope to visualise cells for interpretation and be familiar with normal cell morphology and basic infections.
NHSCSP – Registration: Prior to starting the introductory course pre-registration students must be registered by their employers with the NHSCSP Education office. The laboratory training officer (assessor) must also be registered prior to learners commencing their portfolio. This course is the first part of an intensive two year training plan for registration in Cytology which includes written portfolio work, slide logbook and attendance at compulsory courses at the training centre with a final one day external examination.
Follow –up Course in Gynaecological Cytology [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®)
Course for candidates who have previously attended the NHSCSP Introductory Course in Gynaecological Cytology. This normally takes place between 6 to 12 months after the Introductory Course.
Pre-examination Course [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®)
The introductory and follow up courses are supported by a pre-examination course. This normally takes places between 3 months and 3 weeks before the examination.
Biomedical Scientist (BMS)/Cytoscreener One Day Update Course
Update course to refresh qualified screeners knowledge and inform them about developments in Cervical Cytology and the NHSCSP.
Referral to Clinical Genetics / Consent
More information coming soon…
Protection of Personal Information
Patient Information Leaflets
More information coming soon…
Useful Links
Management
Head of Service for Laboratory Genetics
Paul Westwood, Consultant Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9312
Email: paul.westwood@nhs.scot
Deputy Head of Service for Laboratory Genetics
Rachael Ellis, Consultant Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9331
Email: rachael.ellis@nhs.scot
Germline
Germline Programme Manager
Therese Bradley, Principal Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9311
Email: therese.bradley@nhs.scot
Senior Scientific Staff
Vera Cerqueira, Principal Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9287
Email: vera.cerqueira@nhs.scot
Jonathan Grant, Principal Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9316
Email: jonathan.grant2@nhs.scot
Somatic
Somatic Programme Manager
Claire McKeeve, Principal Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9288
Email: claire.mckeeve3@nhs.scot
Senior Scientific Staff
Sandra Chudleigh, Principal Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9110
Email: sandra.chudleigh@nhs.scot
Avril Morris, Principal Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9324
Email: avril.morris@nhs.scot
Technical
Technical Programme Manager
Fiona Morgan, Principal Clinical Scientist
Tel: 0141 354 9408
Email: fiona.morgan3@nhs.scot
Laboratory Manager
Donna Reid
Tel: 0141 232 7978
Email: donna.reid2@nhs.scot
Development Manager
Niamh Mannion
Tel: 0141 354 9323
Email: niamh.mannion@nhs.scot
Compliance
Compliance Manager
Caroline Devlin
Tel: 0141 354 9299
Email: caroline.devlin3@nhs.scot
Quality Manager
Edwin Yip
Tel: 0141 354 9293
Email: edwin.yip2@nhs.scot
Training Officers
Lorna Crawford,
Tel: 0141 354 9289
Email: lorna.crawford3@nhs.scot
Suzanne Myles
Tel: 0141 354 9262
Email: suzanne.myles@nhs.scot
Feedback
We are committed to continual improvement and value your feedback. If you have any positive or negative experiences you want to share, please contact our Compliance and Resource Programme Manager or Quality Manager.
To log a formal complaint, please refer to the NHS Scotland complaints procedure.
Click on an analyte name below for further information:
Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) is a 39 amino acid peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, under the control of the hypothalamic peptide, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). ACTH secretion is pulsatile and exhibits diurnal variation, with highest plasma concentrations around 8am and lowest levels at midnight. It stimulates glucocorticoid (cortisol) production in the adrenal cortex.
ACTH measurement is only useful as a second line investigation following the finding of either cortisol deficiency or excess.
In cortisol deficiency due to primary adrenal failure, ACTH will be raised due to lack of negative feedback. ACTH will be low in adrenal insufficiency secondary to pituitary failure (hypopituitarism).
Excessive production of cortisol accompanied by suppressed ACTH may be seen in Cushing’s syndrome due to adrenal tumours/hyperplasia, and with exogenous glucocorticoid administration.
Cortisol excess with raised ACTH may be seen in ACTH-producing tumours of the pituitary (Cushing’s disease) or other tissues e.g. lungs (ectopic ACTH production).
NB. ACTH secretion may be increased by stress.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: EDTA
- Precautions: Separate and freeze plasma within 4 hours of sample collection. Transport frozen. Timing of collection important. Avoid stress. Haemolysed specimen unsuitable.
- Minimum Volume: 1 mL
- Reference Range: Not applicable
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: Siemens Immulite
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a protein produced by granulosa cells of the ovaries in females and by Sertoli cells of the testes in males.
In women serum AMH concentration increases with age up until the mid-twenties, after which it begins to decline. AMH correlates well with the number of follicles in the ovary (as measured by ultrasound) in women over the age of 25 and its measurement is used to individualise fertility treatment.
In men serum AMH concentration tends to be high in childhood, then declines through puberty to low levels in adulthood. It is used in the investigation of cryptorchidism and anorchidism.
AMH is elevated in the majority of patients with granulosa cell tumours and may be used to monitor disease progression or recurrence. AMH is also useful in the investigation of disorders of sex development as a marker of testicular activity.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: Separate serum and send via first class post. If there will be >48 h before sending store the specimen at -20°C. Sample can be sent at ambient temperature.
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
- Females: <50 pmol/L in young adults (falls steadily towards menopause where it becomes undetectable)
- Males (Levels fall at puberty. These ranges were derived from a study where stage of puberty was not determined):
- 0-1yr 390-1300 pmol/L
- 1-4yr 300-1700 pmol/L
- 5-8yr 260-1200 pmol/L
- 9-12yr 100-1000 pmol/L
- 13-16yr 40-560 pmol/L
- 17-20yr <520 pmol/L
- Adults <100 pmol/L (literature value)
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: Beckman Access
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Growth Hormone (GH)
Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary. Its main action is to stimulate the production and release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by the liver. Excessive secretion causes acromegaly, while deficiency causes failure of growth in children and metabolic problems in adults.
The secretion of GH is very episodic, so random measurement is rarely useful diagnostically.
Failure of GH to suppress during a glucose tolerance test is diagnostic for acromegaly.
Stimulation tests, such as an insulin tolerance test (NB. potentially dangerous, should only be carried out in centres experienced in it) or stimulation with arginine, GHRH/arginine or glucagon, can be carried out to test for insufficiency. GH deficiency may occur as part of a more general deficiency of pituitary hormones, so other hormones are often measured at the same time.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
- Random GH:
- > 10 μg/L excludes GH deficiency
- < 0.4 μg/L excludes acromegaly
- Severe Growth Hormone Deficiency:
- Adults Peak GH during ITT < 3 μg/L
- Adults Peak GH with GHRH/Arginine < 5 μg/L
- Children Peak GH during provocation < 5 μg/L
- GH Excess:
- Failure to suppress during OGTT < 1 μg/L
- Mean integrated 24hr GH > 1.7 μg/L
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: IDS iSYS
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a peptide hormone, very similar to insulin. It is a major growth factor, which is synthesised by most cells and tissues. Circulating IGF-1 is produced by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH). IGF-1 concentration is increased in acromegaly, decreased in growth hormone deficiency and altered in systemic illness and malnutrition.
It is often measured along with growth hormone in the investigation of disorders of GH secretion. It is also used to monitor patients with acromegaly and those on growth hormone therapy.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
Age (yr) Males (μg/L) Females (μg/L)
<2 15 – 157 17 – 151
2 – 4 28 – 247 25 – 198
5 – 7 46 – 349 39 – 272
8 – 10 67 – 442 59 – 371
11 – 13 89 – 503 82 – 465
14 – 16 104 – 510 97 – 502
17 – 25 105 – 410 96 – 417
26 – 39 81 – 249 72 – 259
40 – 54 63 – 201 57 – 197
55 – 65 49 – 191 43 – 170
65+ 39 – 186 35 – 168
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: IDS iSYS
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Insulin
Insulin, produced by pancreatic beta cells, regulates glucose uptake and utilization and is involved in protein synthesis and triglyceride storage. It is often measured alongside C-peptide.
Clinical uses of insulin measurements:
- Evaluation of possible insulinoma: In cases of hypoglycaemia, diagnosis of insulinoma relies on proving inappropriate secretion of insulin during a hypoglycaemic episode.
- Hypoglycaemia of infancy due to hyperinsulinaemia.
- Diagnosis of factitious hypoglycaemia together with measurement of C-peptide.
- Discrimination of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Insulin and C-peptide concentrations are generally low in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and either normal or elevated in early type 2 diabetes, and decreased in later stages.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: Lithium heparin
- Precautions: Collect after overnight fast or during symptomatic hypoglycaemia, together with glucose sample. Separate and freeze plasma within 4 hours of sample collection. Transport frozen. Haemolysed specimens unsuitable. For hypoglycaemic screen, only measure when hypoglycaemic (glucose <2.6 mmol/L).
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range: Not applicable
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Insulin C-peptide
Insulin C-peptide (connecting peptide), a 31 amino acid polypeptide, represents the midportion of proinsulin. During insulin secretion it is enzymatically cleaved from proinsulin and co-secreted in equimolar proportion with mature insulin. The half life of C-peptide is significantly longer than insulin, so it is detectable in higher concentrations and the level less variable. C-peptide is often a more reliable marker than insulin. In addition, insulin is destroyed by proteases in haemolysed samples, while C-peptide is not.
Clinical uses:
- Insulinoma: Elevated C-peptide levels from increased beta-cell activity.
- Covert self-administration of insulin: Can be virtually ruled out as cause of hyperinsulinaemia by finding elevated C-peptide.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus: Low C-peptide levels due to diminished insulin secretion, or suppressed as a normal response to exogenous insulin. Patients on insulin can develop anti-insulin antibodies which can interfere with insulin assay, so C-peptide can be used instead to check residual beta-cell activity.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: Lithium heparin
- Precautions: Collect after overnight fast. Separate and freeze plasma. Transport frozen.
- Minimum Volume: 1 mL
- Reference Range: Not applicable
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: Siemens Immulite
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Macroprolactin
Prolactin exists in various forms including the monomeric biologically active form (23kDa) and a higher molecular weight form, bound most commonly to IgG, known as macroprolactin (>100kDa). Macroprolactin lacks biological activity but can interfere in standard prolactin immunoassays and is a “common” cause of hyperprolactinaemia (overall prevalence 1.5%). Its presence is determined by recovery of prolactin following precipitation with polyethylene glycol (PEG screening test).
Macroprolactin should be requested in cases of persistently raised prolactin >700 mU/L (on two or more occasions) in euthyroid patients and after excluding drug associated hyperprolactinaemia. PEG screening can identify macroprolactin and determine the concentration of monomeric (bioactive) prolactin, as both may coincide.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
- Macroprolactin is reported as positive or negative based on percentage recovery of monomeric (bioactive) prolactin after PEG precipitation to remove macroprolactin:
- Post-PEG recovery <40% – macroprolactin detected
- Post-PEG recovery >60% – macroprolactin negative
- Post-PEG recovery 40 – 60% – equivocal recovery
- Turnaround Time: 7 days
- Method: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation to precipitate macroprolactin followed by Abbott Alinity immunoanalyser to quantify monomeric prolactin.
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Parathyroid hormone (PTH), a polypeptide containing 84 amino acids, is secreted by the chief cells of the parathyroid glands. It has a molecular weight of 9.4 kDa. PTH should be measured in the investigation of unexplained hypercalcaemia or hypocalcaemia. PTH should always be interpreted in light of the serum adjusted calcium concentration and the patient’s renal function.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: EDTA
- Precautions: Avoid haemolysis
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range: 1.6 – 7.5 pmol/L
- Turnaround Time: 1 day
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Renin
Renin, a proteolytic enzyme, is synthesized by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney and released in response to decreased blood volume, decreased blood pressure and sodium depletion. Renin stimulates aldosterone release through angiotensin intermediates, resulting in the renal retention of sodium and the excretion of potassium.
Renin is measured with paired aldosterone to calculate an aldosterone/renin ratio in the investigation of hypertension.
Renin measurement may be useful in monitoring response to therapy in patients with Addison’s disease or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Beta blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, a restricted salt diet and posture can all affect interpretation of renin results.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Plasma
- Container: EDTA (Lithium heparin unsuitable)
- Precautions: Do not collect on ice. Separate and freeze plasma within 4 hours of sample collection. Transport frozen. Grossly haemolysed or lipaemic samples unsuitable. Posture and relevant drug therapies (see above) may affect interpretation of results.
- Minimum Volume: 500 μL
- Reference Range:
- Adults (upright): <52 mIU/L
- Infants <1 year: <450 mIU/L
- Children 1 – 5 years: <380 mIU/L
- Children 6 – 15 years: <125 mIU/L
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: IDS iSYS
- Quality Assurance: UKNEQAS
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a large 80-100 kDa glycoprotein that functions to transport sex hormones around the body. It has a high affinity for 17β-hydroxy steroids such as testosterone and oestradiol. Concentrations of SHBG are influenced by many factors. SHBG will be increased by elevated concentrations of circulating oestrogens (including the oral contraceptive pill), hyperthyroidism, liver disease and excess alcohol. SHBG will be decreased by increasing body mass index, polycystic ovarian syndrome and hypothyroidism.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range:
Age Male (nmol/L) Female (nmol/L)
3 – 10 years 45 – 220 50 – 170
10 – 12 years 22 – 188 38 – 129
Adult 13 – 70 20 – 155
- Turnaround Time: 1 day
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Anti-Thyroperoxidase (TPO) Antibodies
Anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies are present in 90-100% of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the commonest cause of autoimmune hypothyroidism. Anti-TPO is measured in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 5-12 mIU/L and FT4 within reference limits: 8-21 pmol/L) to identify those at increased risk of developing thyroid failure. The risk of developing hypothyroidism if anti-TPO is positive is approximately 5% per year.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum
- Container: SST
- Precautions: None
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL
- Reference Range: <6 IU/L
- Turnaround Time: 1 day
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
TSH Receptor Antibody (TRAB)
TSH receptor antibody (TRAB) is measured if the cause of thyrotoxicosis is not clear. It is specific for Graves’ autoimmune disease of thyroid but is not present in all cases. It can be used to distinguish Graves’ disease from toxic multinodular goitre and postpartum or subacute thyroiditis. It is also measured in 3rd trimester of pregnancy, if there is a maternal history of Graves’ disease/thyrotoxicosis, to predict risk of neonatal thyroid problems. It may be helpful in cases of possible “euthyroid” Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
- Sample Type: Serum (plasma unsuitable)
- Container: SST
- Precautions: Grossly lipaemic samples unsuitable
- Minimum Volume: 2 mL (Neonatal samples: minimum serum volume 200 µL)
- Reference Range:
- <3.1 U/L – negative
- ≥3.1 U/L – positive
- Turnaround Time: 14 days
- Method: Abbott Alinity
- Quality Assurance: UK NEQAS
Laboratory Sites and Contact Details
Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI)
The laboratory is located in the MacEwen Building on Alexandra Parade (adjacent to A and E). It provides routine service Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm and on Saturday between 9.00am and 12.00pm. An emergency service operates at all times.
Gartnavel General Hospital (GGH)
The main laboratory is at GGH (in the Laboratory Block of the GGH Complex). This laboratory provides routine and emergency services Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm. Between 5.00pm and 7.30pm samples can be sent via the pneumatic tube system, these will be diverted to the porter’s room and sent regularly to GRI for analysis. This service stops at 7.30pm, all samples collected after this time should be sent via taxi to the laboratories at GRI. This taxi should be organised locally at ward level. Any samples sent in the pneumatic tube system after 7.30pm may remain un-analysed until the next day.
New Stobhill Hospital
A small satellite laboratory is located on Level 1 and operates Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Enquiries (9.00am until 5.00pm)
There is a central reporting office located at GRI which covers the three North Glasgow laboratory sites.
Duty Biochemist/General Enquiries 0141 242 9500 (x.29500)
Enquiries (Out of Hours)
Contact the on-call biochemist via switchboard 0141 211 4000
Emergency Laboratories (24/7)
Glasgow Royal Infirmary call 0141 211 4487 (x.24487)
Accreditation and Quality
North Glasgow Biochemistry is a medical testing laboratory accredited to ISO 15189:2012 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Our UKAS Medical Accreditation number is 9572. A full list of accredited tests can be found on our schedule of accreditation. Tests not on this list are not accredited; please contact the laboratory for further information if required.
The laboratory participates in external quality assurance schemes where available. Performance details are available upon request. If you wish to provide feedback on the North Glasgow Biochemistry service, please contact our Quality Manager.
The Biochemistry department utilises the Telepath Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and TrakCare. Due to the limitations of this software, we are currently unable to fully meet the requirements of the UKAS publication GEN-6 – Reference to accreditation and multilateral recognition signatory status.
This publication sets out the requirements of reports/results released by the laboratory to contain the appropriate use of UKAS logos and identify any tests that are accredited and those that are not. The department have risk assessed this. Due to the number of analytes that can be listed on a Biochemistry report, the number of tests that are UKAS accredited and the number of auto comments already added, it is agreed by the laboratory management team that an additional auto comment would detract from the clinically relevant comments and potentially could push these onto a second page where they may be missed altogether. The risk is magnified by the way TrakCare displays results, as any result with a comment has an icon displayed next to it. If an icon is displayed next to almost every result, the alert loses its impact and may lead to clinicians missing critical icons and comments.
Although we are not able to present this information on our reports, the department’s user’s handbook and website provide full details of our accreditation.
Laboratory Handbooks
Forms
During periods of Trakcare downtime, Biochemistry requests must be made on paper request forms. The paper request form should also be used for add on requests. Request forms can be ordered through PECOS, however a pdf copy of the Biochemistry is available for download and printing.
Laboratory Newsletters
Clinical Audit and User Survey Reports
