Please be aware that cytology have updated their ‘instructions for clinicians’ document. Please view the new edition HERE
Continue reading...All vasectomy providers please note that cytology have released a new version of the post-vasectomy investigation request form. This can be found on the cytology – post vasectomy website page. Please ensure that this new version of the form is sent with all samples.
Continue reading...Congratulations to Molly McDowell, Cytology biomedical scientist, who has won a national IBMS award for biomedical science day 2021 in the category ‘under the microscope’. Molly submitted a photograph of a ‘smiley’ mesothelial cell and won Best Biomedical Science ‘Under the Microscope’ Photo. Biomedical science day is organised annually by the Institute of Biomedical Science. […]
Continue reading...As of 22nd March, we will be detecting antibodies to both the Nucleocapsid antigen (anti-N) and the Spike antigen (anti-S) of SARS-CoV-2 for all requests, and we will report each antibody separately. This test is run in the Blood Sciences laboratory on serum samples. SARS-CoV-2 antibody takes up to 4 weeks to develop post-COVID-19 infection […]
Continue reading...Many thanks to those of you who took the time to respond to our annual survey in 2020; we know it has been a particularly difficult year. The big positive for us was that 100% of respondents would recommend the service to a colleague: Suggestions for improvement: You said: Better staffing to keep up with […]
Continue reading...Please note that Cellular Pathology (Histology and Cytology) will only receipt and process samples from electronic requests from within the MYCARE systems following go-live on the 10th October 2020. In the event that paper requests are received the specimen will not be processed until we contact the clinical team and ask that they provide an […]
Continue reading...Dear colleagues Did you know that the RD&E is providing a COVID-19 testing service for all symptomatic* health and care staff working or living in North and Eastern Devon? Health and care staff with a symptomatic household member can also use the testing service. To book a slot, simply complete this online referral form or […]
Continue reading...Please note that during the current Covid-19 pandemic, the Cellular Pathology department is working as usual, with the following exceptions: Unfixed histological specimens with suspected or known Covid-19 for direct immunofluorescence will NOT be processed. Unfixed histological specimens with suspected or known Covid-19 for frozen sections will NOT be processed. Seminal fluid specimens with suspected […]
Continue reading...For the latest information regarding genomic laboratory services please read the most recent update is here.
Continue reading...Clear Urine During the COVID pandemic, clear urine samples are not being processed. Infection is unlikely when the urine appears clear. Consider repeat sample or empirical treatment following NICE guidelines. Sputum samples Non-mucoid samples will not be processed as poor quality samples. Consider repeat sample if clinically indicated. Superficial wound swabs Specimens will not processed […]
Continue reading...For information regarding important changes to genomic laboratory services in accordance with national recommendations from NHSE, please read the COVID-19 Update here.
Continue reading...The Cytology department hosted a farewell party on Friday 13th March at Buckerell Lodge, Exeter. We would like to thank everyone who attended, it was a wonderful evening. We held a raffle with NINE fantastic prizes, all proceeds going towards Jo’s cervical cancer trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity. We would like to […]
Continue reading...COVID-19 testing is performed using PCR technology (i.e. to detect the viral RNA). Test sensitivity is dictated by the amount of virus on the swab and is therefore influenced by (1) the timing of the test in relation to the symptoms and (ii) the quality of the sample (operator-dependent). A test should be interpreted in […]
Continue reading...FOR PRACTICE MANAGERS AND CERVICAL SCREENING SAMPLE TAKERS: CHANGES TO THE CERVICAL SCREENING PROGRAMME Devon and Cornwall Communications were sent out on the 3rd of September 2019 by the Head of Public Health Commissioning, NHS England and NHS Improvement – South West to confirm that the processing and reporting of all cervical screening samples taken […]
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