BGL Repatriation

We are now able to repatriate the final tests for Bexley, Lewisham & Greenwich from Pathology First, into our Synnovis Blackfriars Hub Laboratory.

What does this mean for me?

If you’re a practice in Bexley you will repatriate on 1 September, followed by Lewisham & Greenwich on the 14 September. As a result of the move, there will be several changes:

• Changes to the catalogue you use to order tests, as well as changes to plate sets, antibiotic panels and culture comments.
• Urine samples sent for culture will have automated urinalysis on the Sysmex analyser. Urine samples with white cell and bacteria count above the diagnostic threshold will be cultured, similar to the current service at Pathology First. All urine culture and microscopy reports will be released to primary care at the same time, in line with existing Synnovis procedures.
• You will have access to the new harmonised test catalogue which will replace your existing one on the day of transfer. The new catalogue ensures all boroughs have access to the same tests and because they’re performed on the same laboratory instrumentation, reference ranges will be consistent for everyone.
• Whilst there may be slight changes to terminology, the available tests will fundamentally remain the same and details of any new tests will be shared accordingly.
• Once all boroughs have repatriated, you’ll have access to streamlined clinical advice, with the introduction of direct phone and email access to microbiology doctors within Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
• For us to process the samples accordingly, there will also be initial changes to liquid swabs and urine tubes.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue to update you on what these changes mean for you and your practice, along with updating this webpage with additional resources.