Morphology (Haematological Cytology) Immunophenotyping (Flow Cytometry) Haematopathology How to Submit Samples
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Who we are

The Haematopathology and Oncology Diagnostic Service (HODS) at Cambridge University Hospitals is the Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) for the East of England.

We provide a multi-parameter, integrated service including morphology, immunophenotyping and histopathology for the diagnosis and classification of haematological malignancies.

Our team consists of:

  • Highly experienced HCPC-registered laboratory scientists

  • A dedicated team of consultants from both haematology and histopathology backgrounds

This integration ensures:

  • Every specimen is assessed, tested, interpreted, and reported to the highest standards

  • Continued development of high-quality clinical testing in the rapidly progressing field of molecular pathology

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Our diagnostic process

  1. We receive samples with suspected or known haematological malignancies at the HODS specimen reception.

  2. Our team evaluates specimens based on:

    • Clinical details

    • Morphological findings

    • Flow cytometry results

  3. For cases requiring cytogenetic or molecular testing, we work in partnership with the East Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH), located on the Cambridge University Hospital site. These services are commissioned by NHS England.

  4. We issue separate reports for each diagnostic modality as they become available:

    • Morphology

    • Flow cytometry

    • Cytogenetics

    • Molecular testing

    • Histopathology

  5. Our team compiles a comprehensive integrated report, collating and interpreting all results together.

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Classification and approach

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UKAS Accreditation

HODS is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory. We collaborate with national and international diagnostic centres.

Find information about the current UKAS scope:

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Data Protection and GDPR

We follow strict data protection and information governance policies to safeguard patient data. These policies comply with:

  • Data Protection Act

  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Our commitment to data security

All laboratory staff:

  • Complete mandatory information governance and GDPR training

  • Understand their responsibility to maintain patient confidentiality

  • Are aware of restrictions on information sharing

Further information

For more details about our data protection practices:

• Contact the laboratory directly

• Email the Trust's data protection team at cuh.gdpr@nhs.net

For general information about data protection in healthcare, visit the NHS Digital data protection page (↗)

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Additional information

Our full service guide includes a section titled "What and when in haematopathology diagnostics". This section provides:

  • Detailed information on testing strategies employed within HODS

  • Guidance on how different diagnostic pathways are applied

The selection and application of these pathways depend on:

  • Clinical information provided on the request form

  • Morphological assessment results

For questions or discussions about our services, please contact us using the details provided in the Contact Us section.