Laboratory haematology provides routine and urgent automated blood counting and morphological profiling, coagulation screening, transfusion (blood grouping, antibody screening and blood/blood product provision), specialist haemostasis and haemoglobinopathy investigations.

In addition to the Trust, a full haematology, haemostasis, and transfusion service is provided to the South Birmingham Community Health and Mental Health trusts, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and 150 GP practices. The department also provides specialist services to other hospitals in the West Midlands.

The main laboratory operates on Level -1 in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).

There are 44 scientific, support and clerical staff offering a 24-hour diagnostic and monitoring service.

The laboratory has close links with the transplant specialties and a closely integrated working relationship with clinical haematology and oncology. The Special Assay Section works closely with the staff and clients of the Regional Adult Haemophilia Unit and the Birmingham Sickle Cell Programme, while the Transfusion Section services the routine and emergency blood and blood products needs of the Trust and special requirements of trauma and burns patients at the QEHB.

Blood Issue also acts as the contact point for Clinical Laboratory Services with regard to the Trust Major Incident Cascade and National Blood Service contingency planning.