Welcome to the Pathology First Information Centre. Here you’ll find everything from clinical information and forms to sample requirements and GP consumables information. Browse through the options below to find what you need or contact our team if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

You can find details of our phlebotomy department, including opening hours, here.
You can download the information guides below for patient support:
- Single 24-Hour Urine Collection
- Two Consecutive 24-Hour Urine Collection
- Instructions for Saliva Collection for Late Night Cortisol
- Collection of Faecal (Stool) Sample
- Sweat test – Child
- Sweat test – Adult
- Policy on the Management of Complaints and PALS
- Confidentiality and Personal Investigations
- Patient Care and Respect
Click on the links below to find out more information:
- Acute Kidney Injury – AKI
- Albuminuria Testing Protocol
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Phenotypes
- Critical Differences
- CSF Sampling for Xanthochromia
- Drugs causing Hyperprolactinaemia
- Glucose Tolerance Test
- Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease
- Guidelines for Requesting Tumour Markers
- Investigation of Gilberts Syndrone
- Investigation of Menopausal Symptoms
- Investigation of suspected Hyperparathyroid disease
- Investigation of Rhabdomyolysis
- Neonatal Hypoglycaemia Investigations
- Osmolal & Anion Gap
- Penicilliamine test for the diagnosis of Wilson’s disease
- Renal Stone Metabolic Screen
- Thyroid Function testing guidelines
- Two consecutive 24 hour urine collection
- 24 hour urine collection
- 24 hour urine collection for Metanephrines/5-HIAA
GP Requisition Form for Pathology Consumables
Download this form and return to PF.Porters@synlab.co.uk to make your request.
GP Requisition Form for Pathology Consumables
Southend Laboratory Supplies Order Form
Download this form and return to PF.Porters@synlab.co.uk to place your order.
Read our guide to the Provision of requests here.
Manual Request Forms
Read our Sample acceptance and rejection policy document here.
Our laboratories are accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS). You can find out more information below:
Genomic testing in the NHS is provided through a national testing of 7 Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs), each responsible for coordinating services for a particular part of the country. The GLH for our hospitals is North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHSFT. The National Genomic Test Directory is updated annually following a structured evidence based process and can be found here: NHS England » National Genomic Test Directory
Local guidance on availability and requesting of molecular genetic and cytogenetic tests
PLEASE NOTE:
Patients MUST attend Basildon or Southend Hospital Phlebotomy Departments before midday to have blood taken (before sample transport to London).
Do NOT send samples directly to reference laboratories; there are health and safety regulations regarding transport of patient samples.
Requests other than routine tests (e.g. karyotyping, cystic fibrosis) MUST be discussed with the Consultant Biochemist beforehand.
Local guidance and information
Cystic Fibrosis genetic testing
Request Forms
DNA and Cytogenetics Test Request Form
National guidance and information
North East Thames Genetics Handbook
Cystic Fibrosis genetic testing information sheet
Find out more about our NHS partners at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust here.
