Pathology

Biomedics and diagnostics

Being island-based, we provide an even wider range of diagnostic services than would comparable departments in mainland UK. We do, however, have close links with heartlands hospital in Birmingham, who provide consultant-grade advice in microbiology, haematology and biochemistry.

Of our 30-strong team of WTEs, about half are biomedical scientists - the remainder making up the secretariat, mortuary service and phlebotomy/blood donor team.

Haematology uses an ABX 60, an ABX Pentra 120 retic and, for coagulation investigations, two ACL 9000s.

Microbiology offers a full range of routine investigations, with automation - including a BACTEC system for blood culture analysis and an Amplicor for performing Chlamydia PCR. A broad range of organisms can be cultured and identified with sensitivity testing carried out by the standardised BSAC method.

Biochemistry, among other equipment, utilises two Integra 700s for routine work, an E170 for immunology and an Elecsys 2010 for cardiac markers.

Histopathology employs a variety of techniques, using technology such as the Ventana immunocytochemistry straining system. Both gynae and non-gynae cytology is performed by BUPA in the UK.

Guernsey has its own Blood Transfusion Service and is self-sufficient in red cells. Equipped with a Dia Med gelstation analyser, the team handles compatibility testing and the preparation of red cells for transfusion. We have close links with the UK National Blood Service and are visited on a monthly basis by an NBS Consultant Haematologist.