Pathology services (including Microbiology and Haematology)

The blood transfusion laboratories undertake routine blood transfusion investigations, groups and antibody screening, cross-matching and provide both standard and specialised blood and blood components to meet the diverse needs of patients who are dependent on these products.

Cellular pathology is the study of disease in organs, tissues, and cells, identifying both malignant and non-malignant diseases.  The laboratory provides a comprehensive Histopathology and diagnostic cytopathology service, providing support in the diagnosis and treatment options of patients.

Cellular pathology works closely with the mortuary department to support post-mortem examinations.

The clinical biochemistry laboratories provide routine investigations, which include renal, liver and bone function tests, endocrine analysis and some tumour markers to the Trust and local Care Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

The laboratory at Broomfield Hospital also provides the Essex maternal screening service for Down's, Edward's and Patau's syndromes.

Clinical Haematology

The clinical haematology department cares for patients with diseases of the blood, both malignant and non-malignant, and provides comprehensive diagnostic services and continuing management to these patients. The most common groups of diseases treated are leukaemias (cancer of the white blood cells), and lymphomas (cancer of the lymphatic system). The clinical haematology department also manages patients some forms of anaemia, such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia and deal with disorders of blood clotting.

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 investigations, blood cell morphology and haemoglobinopathy assessment.

A range of flow cytometry is undertaken in the haematology laboratory covering immune monitoring, immune deficiency, lymphocytosis and CD34+ stem cells.

The microbiology service is a comprehensive, clinically led service provided for Bacteriology, Virology (Serology), Molecular Detection (PCR), Mycology and Parasitology. Clinical advice is also available for Infection Prevention and Control.

More information can be found on our Microbiology services | Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (mse.nhs.uk).

The Immunology laboratory provides allergy testing, protein electrophoresis, and a wide range of autoimmune tests. The allergy service covers perennial arhinitis/conjunctivitis, seasonal rhinitis, asthma, bee and wasp stings and food allergies.

The Mortuary cares for many patients and their families each year. Autopsies are performed in the department on behalf of H.M. Coroner and by request of hospital medical staff.

One of the primary roles of the mortuary is to care for the bereaved. Services such as ensuring timely and correct completion of legal documentation and facilitating the collection of the deceased by Funeral Directors form part of this care. Mortuary staff are experts in bereavement issues and provide support and advice to external agencies such as the Police as well as NHS staff and the bereaved.

For visiting information, please see our Bereavement page.

The phlebotomy service provides a specialised service for the collection of blood for laboratory testing.  The results of these tests can help to identify health problems, monitor existing conditions, work towards diagnosing disease and check the response to medication and treatment.  The phlebotomy department works closely with Pathology to provide a blood draw service for blood tests.

For more information related to phlebotomy, including booking appointments, visit our Blood tests page.