We are open for the receipt and handling of specimens from 07:00hrs to 01:00hrs. During these periods we assay most of the routinely available tests every day. Laboratory staff are on site until 01:00hrs for clinically essential work.
Out of hours i.e. between 01:00hrs and 07:00hrs the laboratory is covered by a single handed Biomedical Scientist covering Chemistry, Haematology and Hospital Transfusion (available through switchboard) to provide a service for emergency and urgent work only. Routine work will not be processed during this period.
Note samples received before 07:00hrs for acute units (ITU,CCU,SCBU,EMU) will be processed by 09.00hrs, staff will automatically process this work and do not have to be contacted through switchboard.
Clinical Haematology Services
Referral to Haematology Clinics
Appointments to the Haematology Clinics are subject to prior arrangement by letter only. In addition all referrals to the Anticoagulation Clinic must also be accompanied by a fully completed Anticoagulant Referral Form (this should be available on all wards, if not contact the Haematology Department)
Clinic Frequency
Anticoagulant Control**
Twice Weekly
Chemotherapy Clinic
Daily
General Haematology
Twice Weekly
Bone Marrow Examinations
All cases should be discussed with the Clinical Haematologist.
Anticoagulant Clinic**
All referrals to the Anticoagulant Clinic are by appointment only (see above) and must be accompanied by a completed Anticoagulant Referral Form (this should be available on all wards, if not contact the Haematology Department).
All clinics are held in the Haematology Outpatient Department, Level 3, West Dorset Hospital.
Recommended Therapeutic Ranges for Warfarin (BSH)
Clinical State
INR Range
Treatment of DVT/PE Systemic Embolism Mitral Stenosis With Embolism TIAs AF Tissue Prosthetic Heart Valve
2.0-3.0
Recurrent DVT/PE on Warfarin Arterial Disease Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valve
The Departments have combined with Biomedical staff providing a multidisciplinary service after training in core areas within both Biochemistry and Haematology. A single Biomedical Scientist provides multidisciplinary on-call cover for urgent and clinically essential work between the hours of 02:00hrs to 07:00hrs.
