HCA Healthcare UK Laboratories

The available tests along with the sample requirements and turnaround times please click the HCA UK Facility User Guide. Reference ranges are also available via the below link.

Reference Ranges Guidance 2023

Move to CKD-EPI (2009) equation for eGFR in adults 2025

AKI User Guide

Some pathogens are notifiable, and information will be disclosed to relevant external authorities, such as public health teams, and stored in secure databases.

HCA Healthcare UK is responsible for the management, privacy and confidentiality of all patient information obtained or created during the performance of laboratory activities. Except for information that the user and/or the patient makes publicly available, or when agreed between the laboratory and the patient (e.g., for the purpose of responding to complaints), all other information is considered proprietary information and is regarded as confidential.

While several hundred laboratory tests are performed on site, for some rare or complex tests patient specimens may be sent to specialist laboratories elsewhere which have the necessary expertise. In some cases there will be only one specialist laboratory in the whole country which performs a particular test, meaning using referral laboratories is essential.

There is a detailed policy in place to govern how HCA Laboratories choose these referral laboratories. They are selected for their expertise and their quality standards. We regularly check their accreditation status, which gives us assurance that they have procedures in place for the protection of information.

We also have specialist laboratories within HCA Laboratories and we receive specimens from around the country. Therefore our laboratories have procedures in place for the protection of information.

When specimens are sent to a referral laboratory we need to send some ‘patient identifiers’ such as name and date of birth. In some tests it is essential to send further information, for example, symptoms or travel information, to allow the referral laboratory to interpret the results for the individual patient.

Consent to a specimen being taken and analysed is implied by the patient presenting to the point of specimen collection. The responsibility for obtaining informed consent for the tests(s) resides with the individual ordering the test. Informed consent should cover all the tests being done, implications of their results and disclosure of clinical and personal details to personnel (in the requesting organisation and any other healthcare organisations involved in providing the test).

HCA Laboratories will never place patient information into the public domain without consent. When the laboratory is required by law to release confidential information, the patient concerned will be notified of the information released, unless prohibited by law. The laboratory adheres to HCA Healthcare UK’s policies on data protection and disclosure. 

Using excess sample for Internal Quality Control

Internal Quality Control (IQC) involves the routine monitoring and verification of testing processes within the laboratory to ensure the reliability and accuracy of results. IQC involves using control charts, standard reference materials, control samples, and statistical analysis software.  

On occasion, we like to use excess anonymised patient samples to ensure the accuracy of laboratory processes.  This use of leftover sample is different from clinical trials or research.  As patient identifiers are removed we cannot trace the specimen back, and it does not alter any treatment received.  If you do not want your leftover specimen to be used in this way please inform your doctor or nurse.  It is the responsibility of the requesting clinician to ensure that any objections or restrictions expressed by a patient to the use of their samples are clearly recorded on the request form.