Page 1 of 17 USER MANUAL For UCL NEUROPATHOLOGY LABORATORY July 2014 UCL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGY THE NATIONAL HOSPITAL FOR NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY Queen Square Box 126 London WC1N 3BG Telephone: 020 344 84234 Fax: 020 344 84486 www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/divisions/neuropathology.htm UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . C:\Users\jmaylin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\EE6WDS7A\MF91-NION-UsManNeuLab-J Maylin--V5-11-07-14.doc Page 2 of 17 CONTENTS Introduction 3 Contact information 3 Services provided 4 Request forms and specimen labelling 5 Preparation of specimens 5 Histopathology 5 Cytology 6 Procedures for sending muscle biopsy requests 7 Frozen sections 9 Procedures for sending peripheral nerve biopsy requests 10 Molecular Pathology 11 Transport of specimens 11 Referrals 12 Turn around times 13 Communication of results 13 MDT 14 User satisfaction 15 Complaint Form 16 UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 3 of 17 INTRODUCTION The Department of Neuropathology is situated on the 1st floor of the UCL Institute of Neurology, which is adjacent to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. As of November 2011, Neuropathology became part of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) Specialist Hospitals Board, Queen Square Division. This guide is intended to provide our users with information relating to our clinical and laboratory services, ensuring an accessible and efficient service. CONTACT INFORMATION Regular working hours are Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00. For all laboratory enquiries: 020 344 84236. For Specimen Reception: extension 84246 For results and general departmental enquiries: 020 344 84234 (Please check results via CDR before calling). KEY CONTACTS Head of Department Sebastian Brandner Tel: 020 344 84435 Head BMS Linda Herbert Tel: 020 344 84237 Chief BMS Khadijah Miller Tel: 020 344 84236 Secretary Catherine Mackie Tel: 020 344 84234 Administrator Joanne Maylin Tel: 020 344 84234 UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . C:\Users\jmaylin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\EE6WDS7A\MF91-NION-UsManNeuLab-J Maylin--V5-11-07-14.doc Page 4 of 17 SERVICES PROVIDED A speedy, high quality diagnostic service to all users using a wide variety of techniques including paraffin and resin processing and special stains. Frozen section service on request, pre-booking is essential except for unforeseen intraoperative circumstances. 24 hour frozen section/smear service (Friday – Monday only). Peripheral nerve histology, electron microscopy, muscle histochemistry and immunocytochemistry. Provision of a full mortuary and post-mortem service. Molecular service. The department has close links to the MRC Prion Unit which is located in the Institute. Department of Neuropathology: case numbers per year (2012/2013) Surgical pathology and diagnostic brain biopsies from NHNN 1070 Epilepsy lobes 9 Neuropathology referrals 225 Adult Muscle biopsies 233 Paediatric muscle biopsies 104 Paediatric muscle biopsies NCG 94 Peripheral nerve biopsies 94 Molecular pathology tests NHNN 512 Molecular pathology tests referrals 298 Electron microscopy requests 66 CSF cytology requests 824 Neuropathological post mortem 61 Intraoperative assessments (frozen sections and smear preparations) 522 Total Neuropathology requests 4112 UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . C:\Users\jmaylin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\EE6WDS7A\MF91-NION-UsManNeuLab-J Maylin--V5-11-07-14.doc Page 5 of 17 REQUEST FORMS AND SPECIMEN LABELLING Histology request forms have a black box at the bottom right-hand edge; diagnostic cytology request forms have a yellow box. Please use the correct form as it ensures that the specimen is delivered to the correct laboratory. Please fill in the form as completely and as clearly as possible. All information requested is pertinent to an accurate histological or cytological diagnosis. Incorrectly or insufficiently labelled request forms and/or specimen containers cannot be processed and may require a visit from the requesting clinician to authorise the specimen identity. The minimum requirement needed for samples to be processed is patient name, hospital number and date of birth. If there is a known risk of infection to laboratory staff this must be clearly written on the request form along with clinical history. This will result in a delay in the final diagnosis. The laboratory cannot take responsibility for any incorrectly labelled specimens or forms. It is important that the patient’s name is spelt correctly and consistently (if more than one specimen is sent). The correct hospital number is also vital. These are key fields for the computer and mistakes in entry may render the report non-retrievable. It is essential to indicate whether the patient is NHS, private or category 2; a check box is provided for this purpose. It is very helpful if you can also summarise what you are expecting to find out from the histology/cytology report and include relevant clinical information; a space is provided for this. A bag is attached to the form and this is for the specimen pot; if the specimen is too large for a 60ml container please use a snap-top plastic bucket. PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS All pots must be approved rigid containers that are properly closed and clearly labelled. The porters are instructed not to collect pots which are damaged or leaking. If any such pots do reach the laboratory, this will be logged as an adverse incident and the Risk Management Office may be notified. HISTOPATHOLOGY UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . C:\Users\jmaylin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\EE6WDS7A\MF91-NION-UsManNeuLab-J Maylin--V5-11-07-14.doc Page 6 of 17 All specimens must be sent in fixative except in special circumstances where other arrangements have been made, or if laboratory staff are present to deal with the specimen as it is taken. The routine fixative is formal saline, which is a hazardous reagent, and instructions for dealing with it should be followed carefully. Please use a container large enough to accommodate the specimen without forcing it in, and sufficient volume of fixative (at least 10x the volume of the specimen). Specimens left without fixative will undergo autolysis and putrefaction and will not yield a reliable histological diagnosis. SAMPLE REJECTION CRITERIA Samples that are received into the department of Neuropathology are never rejected but if the specimen is not for this department we will send on to the necessary department/hospital. CYTOLOGY The main role of CSF cytology is: In the investigation of neoplastic or malignant meningitis. It is debatable how useful CSF cytology is in the investigation of inflammatory or infectious disease as the findings are non-specific. The main justification in this clinical situation is the confirmation of an inflammatory versus neoplastic process, to distinguish an acute from chronic inflammatory response and the identification of some organisms (e.g. cryptococcus). CSF cytology can also confirm the presence of siderophages following suspected SAH CSF cytology is of little value in the investigation of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and low CSF cell counts. Minimum required volume of CSF: 1ml. This allows us to spin down: 1 x Giemsa side 1 x methanol spare 2 x Acetone fixed spares available for immunocytochemistry. Without the required volume, we will not be able to process all of the above. Specimens should be in clean, rigid sided containers without fixative. Generally, 30ml and 60ml sterile Sterilin plastic containers should be used for fluid samples. Fluids, such as serous fluids, cysts, drains, washings, sputa should be placed in a 30/60 ml Sterilin container. UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 7 of 17 It is essential that CSF specimens are received and processed in the lab ideally within a few hours after they are taken in order to avoid deterioration of sample and cell preservation. In cases where underlying leptomeningeal tumour is clinically suspected (eg carcinomatous meningitis) larger volumes of CSF are recommended for cytology (approx. 5ml) to allow a broader immunocytochemical panel. UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 8 of 17 MUSCLE BIOPSY REQUESTS Muscle Biopsy Protocol To ensure that you obtain the best results possible from the muscle biopsy, please follow the protocol below as closely as possible. Please telephone Andrew Beckett (Neuropathology BMS) 020 344 84236 as far in advance as possible when planning to send a muscle biopsy. A biopsy must be taken early enough in the day to arrive in our laboratory no later than 3pm Monday – Friday. When muscle has been excised the quality of the histochemistry results rapidly deteriorate after 30 minutes and therefore rapid transport is essential. Three samples of muscle are required. (The first piece for electron microscopy and 2 for histochemistry). Anaesthetise skin and subcutaneous tissue only; do not inject local anaesthetic into the muscle. Open the fascia overlying the muscle and excise muscle tissue from beneath the fascia. Fascia should not be included in the biopsy. 1. Electron Microscopy The FIRST piece of muscle removed should be that for electron microscopy. The first specimen for electron microscopy should measure 0.2x1.0cm (similar in width to a match stick). The long axis of the specimen should be in the direction of muscle fibre axis. 0.2cm 0.2cm 1 cm This specimen must be pinned at each end to the cork provided and immersed immediately in the glutaraldehyde fixative provided. Very gently extend the piece of muscle slightly before pinning. UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . C:\Users\jmaylin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\EE6WDS7A\MF91-NION-UsManNeuLab-J Maylin--V5-11-07-14.doc Page 9 of 17 Immediately immerse the sample in the fixative (3% EM grade glutaraldehyde in 0.1M sodium cacodylate buffer with 5mM CaCl2 pH 7.4). Put the sample into a leak-proof container eg small soda glass vial commonly used in electron microscope departments for processing specimens, or a 20ml universal. Fill the container to the top, label it, and wrap well in parafilm to seal. You may use a fixative routinely used in a local Electron Microscopy Unit instead of our formula but please send us details of the formula used where possible. 2. Histochemistry For histochemistry on frozen sections TWO samples of muscle must be taken 2 identical pieces of muscle measuring 1x1.5cm (similar in width to a biro). The long axis of the specimen should be in the direction of muscle fibre axis. Smaller samples than this may prove to be insufficient for a definite result. 1cm 1.5 cm (longitudinal axis) The samples should be loosely wrapped in gauze which has been only slightly soaked in saline, and placed in a labelled plastic Petri dish. Please note that too much saline will cause artifact. Pack the Petri dish in an insulated container of wet ice in order to keep the muscle at refrigeration temperature. General points: o Always handle muscle tissue with great care and in particular never squeeze with forceps as this produces artefacts. o Never immerse the fresh muscle specimen in any liquid such as saline. o Muscle biopsies must be transported to the lab immediately. o Always include the request form with the biopsy. UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 10 of 17 Pack the samples for histochemistry and electron microscopy in a box. Enclose the patient details, including clinical information, your contact details, time the biopsy was taken, and any other relevant information you think would be helpful. PLEASE INFORM US IF THERE IS ANY RISK OF INFECTION Please mark this package URGENT and send it by courier IMMEDIATELY to: Neuropathology Laboratory UCL Institute of Neurology First Floor, Queen Square House Queen Square London WC1N 3BG If you contact Dr J Holton 020 344 84239, Andrew Beckett 020 344 84236, or Kerrie Venner on 020 344 84287, we can arrange for a small vial of fixative and a pinning kit to be sent to you. If you are arranging this at very short notice, and you do not have access to a local Electron Microscopy Unit, we can courier the kit to you at your expense. Please state whether the patient is an NHS or private case. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Specimens need to be prepared carefully – please telephone the laboratory well in advance of the biopsy to arrange for a Biomedical Scientist to attend the procedure and deal with the biopsy, specimens not handled in the correct way could render them useless for diagnosis. FROZEN SECTIONS Specimens are delivered to reception by pneumatic tube or by theatre staff. Complicated and high risk cases should be discussed in advance with one of the consultants, via the Neuropathology secretaries on 020 344 84234 UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 11 of 17 NERVE BIOPSY REQUESTS Typical sites for nerve biopsies are: Brachial plexus Dorsal Radial Sural Ulnar Procedure For Sending Peripheral Nerve Biopsies Surgical removal of the sural nerve: minimum length necessary is 3cm in children and 46cm in adults. Immediately after removal (any delay after removal is detrimental as it leads to drying artifacts) it is laid flat on a piece of rough card avoiding any kinks or folds by gripping the epineurial sheath at one end with fine forceps. Avoid squashing it. Allow to adhere for 20 seconds and then divide into two equal halves with a thin razor blade. Make a quick clean surgical cut. Avoid tentative cuts as it may lead to disruption of the fascicles. Place one half immediately into a specimen container containing 3% gluteraldehyde in 0.05M Sodium cacodylate (or 0.05M phosphate buffer) buffer pH7.2-7.4 (EM fixative can be provided by us). The second half goes immediately into a separate bottle containing neutral buffered formalin (or formol saline). A copy of the clinical history, relevant investigations and the results of the nerve conduction studies must be included with the specimens. Nerve biopsies will not be reported in absence of the relevant clinical documents. Clearly label the packet “For urgent attention” and courier to the following address: Neuropathology Laboratory Division of Neuropathology UCL Institute of Neurology Queen Square London WC1N 3BG Tel: 020 3448 4236 Fax: 020 3448 4486 Please send the biopsy Monday-Friday between 9AM and 4PM. The specimens will not be collected after 4PM, or on weekends and bank holidays. It will be helpful if you can notify the laboratory on 020 3448 4236 before sending the biopsy. For any further queries regarding the procedure, please contact Dr Michael Groves m.groves@ucl.ac.uk or Andrew Beckett a.beckett@ucl.ac.uk UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . C:\Users\jmaylin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\EE6WDS7A\MF91-NION-UsManNeuLab-J Maylin--V5-11-07-14.doc Page 12 of 17 If you do not have the correct fixatives we will send you a padded envelope containing a sealed plastic bag with a razor blade, some thick rough cardboard and a letter. 1 x nerve biopsy = 1 bijou of formalin and 1 of 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.05M sodium cacodylate buffer pH7.4. Please give one weeks notice if you require the pots to be sent to you. When the biopsy is ready for dispatch, please inform Dr Groves on the number above. MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY We are offering a large spectrum of molecule tests for Surgical Neuropathology. These tests either aid the histological diagnosis of brain tumours or are essential for planning enrollment into clinical trials or to decide for the optimum therapeutic regimen. We have recently upgraded our molecular pathology facility and made the tests more efficient, resulting in a significant reduction of prices. In particular, combinations of tests, e.g. 1p/19q and MGMT in combination now cost considerably less. For further details, including pricing and the request form for the molecular pathology service, please visit our website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/divisions/neuropathology/diagnostic_services/molecular_tests TRANSPORT OF SPECIMENS Leaking pots will not be collected. If a specimen is received at the laboratory but is not clearly identifiable, (e.g. the pot is not labelled, or its label does not correspond to the accompanying request form), it will not be processed. Laboratory staff will contact the requesting clinician to come to the laboratory to identify the specimen, so please label correctly to save yourself a journey and to ensure that your specimens can be processed as speedily as possible. All mislabelled specimens are reported to the Risk Management Office. There are collection points for specimens in theatres, wards and clinics, and it is important that specimens are left at these designated places. Diagnostic cytology fluid specimens should be refrigerated overnight if they have missed the last delivery. UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 13 of 17 Both porters and a pneumatic tube system transport specimens to the Neuropathology laboratory. Laboratory staff will collect peripheral nerve biopsies directly from theatres, and therefore the laboratory should be notified of these well in advance. REFERRALS Cases are routinely referred for specialist opinion or further testing to the following departments and hospitals: Neurogenetics, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Clinical Biochemistry, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. NCG Programme, Muscle Immunoanalysis Unit, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Histopathology, University College London Hospital, London. Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 14 of 17 TURN AROUND TIMES The agreed turn around times are detailed below. Please note that the time taken to process and report a specimen can depend on its size, and the complexity of the case. Specimen Turn around time To include cancer biopsies 90% in 5 working days All surgical specimens 98% in 10 working days External and referral histology 80% in 20 working days Nerve biopsy 80% in 20 working days Muscle biopsy – Adult 80% in 20 working days Muscle biopsy – Paediatric 65% in 30 working days (90% in 50) after receipt of slides or wet tissue, including complete set of paperwork. Epilepsy 80% in 20 working days CSF 40% in 1 working day 85% in 2 working days 98% in 5 working days PM CJD 80% in 2 months PM other 75% in 3 months 100% in 6 months COMMUNICATION OF RESULTS Summary reports of neuropathology requests are available via the CDR. Results are available as soon as the report has been electronically authorised by the consultant pathologists; no printed report will be sent to internal UCLH locations. It is helpful if you can check results on the computer before ringing the secretaries. Clinicians are welcome at all times to visit the laboratory to discuss their cases and view the slides. No samples are routinely referred to other laboratories; from time to time, a specialist opinion is sought from an expert in the relevant field. Neuropathological specimens are kept for six months and then disposed of after checking that the case has been finally reported. Further examinations must therefore be requested within these time parameters. All neuropathology and diagnostic cytology slides are kept for a minimum of 20 years; blocks for a minimum of thirty years. UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . C:\Users\jmaylin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\EE6WDS7A\MF91-NION-UsManNeuLab-J Maylin--V5-11-07-14.doc Page 15 of 17 MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM MEETINGS Discipline Type / Frequency Venue / facility Peripheral Nerve Pathology Meeting with clinical team Weekly Neuromuscular Centre meeting room 8-11 Queen Square Paediatric muscle pathology MDT Weekly Institute of Child Health Neuropathology Epilepsy Meeting with clinical team Monthly Multiheaded microscope Endocrinology (pituitary) MDT Weekly Wolfson Lecture Theatre, NHNN Neuropathology Neuropathology Joint diagnostic meeting Weekly microscope MDT Weekly Neuromuscular Centre meeting room 8-11 Queen Square Muscle Pathology Neuro-oncology MDT Weekly Time Monday 8.00 Monday 9.00 Monday 16.00 Tuesday 8.30 Tuesday Multiheader 09.00 Wolfson Lecture Theatre, NHNN Tuesday 11.30 Wednesday 8.00 Members Neuropathology consultant, SpR, Neurology (nerve clinic) Consultant(s) & SpR(s) Neuropathologists, consultant paediatric neurologists, special registrars, nurse specialist and family care officer Neuropathology consultant, SpR, Neurologist (epilepsy) consultant & SpR(s) Neuropathologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, neurooncologists, radiotherapists of consultant and specialist registrar level All Neuropathology consultants and SpR Neuropathologists, paediatric muscle pathologist, 2 consultant and specialist registrars from muscle clinic. Neuropathologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, neurooncologists, radiotherapists of consultant and specialist registrar level UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 16 of 17 MDT Skull base 2-weekly MDT Spine Weekly Bradley Krett Room, NHNN Wednesday 15.30 Bradley Krett Friday Room, NHNN 8.00 Neuropathologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, neurooncologists, radiotherapists of consultant and specialist registrar level Neuropathologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, neurooncologists, radiotherapists of consultant and specialist registrar level USER SATISFACTION The Department of Neuropathology is committed to producing a high quality product in a timely and competitive manner for the good of the patient and to the specifications of its users. The Department of Neuropathology covers a wide range of diagnostic activities with a particular expertise in neuro-oncology, epilepsy, inflammatory diseases of the CNS, neurodegenerative diseases including prion diseases, peripheral nerve and adult and paediatric muscle. All medical and biomedical staff are members of the relevant professional bodies. To ensure user satisfaction the department will: Adhere to a quality management system. Set quality objectives. Ensure all personnel are familiar with the departmental quality manual. Commit to health, safety and welfare of all its staff and visitors. Comply with the Human Tissue Act. Comply with the Data Protection Act. Uphold professional values and adopt UCLH/UCL policies. It is an essential prerequisite of a quality service that the organisation and management of the laboratory relates to the needs and requirement of its users. We are always keen to receive any comments you may have in which we might be able to improve the service. Once a year we will send out an online user satisfaction questionnaire and make improvements where necessary. Please contact the Laboratory Quality Manager (linda.herbert@uclh.nhs.uk) with any comments or suggestions. UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) . Page 17 of 17 COMPLAINT FORM Complaint forms are available on the UCLH Neuropathology website: http://insight/departments/MedicineBoard/Pathology/Neuropathology/Pages/default.aspx UCL Hospitals is an NHS Foundation Trust comprising: the Eastman Dental Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson & Obstetric Hospital, The Heart Hospital, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and University College Hospital (incorporating The Middlesex Hospital) .