Change in Haematology Units Information Sheet for Laboratories
1.
Introduction
The Pathology Harmony Haematology Sub-Group has worked on Full Blood Count (FBC) nomenclature and standardisation of units
of measurement for Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). The result of this work
has been a communiqué, published on the Pathology Harmony website and distributed throughout the professions. The key
features of this communiqué are:
st
By 31 March 2013, all laboratories are asked to have in place reporting as follows:
• Hb in g/L
• MCHC in g/L
Currently we know that the majority of laboratories are reporting in g/dL. There is a potential clinical risk in the changeover period;
this is particularly the case with low Hb results where a value of, for example, 1.9 g/dL will be reported as 19 g/L and where there
could be misinterpretation with serious clinical consequences.
The purpose of this information sheet is to help laboratories ensure that they successfully implement this change and all users are
informed. This way we will minimize the potential clinical risks associated with this harmonisation.
2.
What is to be changed?
The nomenclature of the Full Blood Count (FBC) and the new units are as follows:
• Hb to be reported as g/L
• MCHC to be reported as g/L
The volume measurement should be a capital “L”.
You need to ensure that your laboratory computer system is set up to change to new units and that these will be reflected in the
units seen on linked systems both within hospital environments and also in GP surgeries.
It is suggested that a standard comment is linked to every full blood count sent out for a period of 12 months, the following wording
is suggested:
“Please note new units for Hb and MCHC”
A message such as that below could be reported with every Full Blood Count for a period of time prior to the change to provide
advance notification:
“Please note: From XX.XX.XX, Hb and MCHC results will be reported in g/ L instead of g/dL in line with national guidelines. This
means an Hb currently reported as 12.5 g/dL will be reported as 125 g/L”
3.
4.
Communication to hospital users and General Practitioners
•
The appropriate committees and staff within your Clinical Governance structure should be informed of your intention
to change units of measurement.
•
General Practitioners should be communicated with either directly by a letter or by use of a Pathology Newsletter.
•
You may wish to consider liaising with neighbouring Trusts if GPs receive results from more than one laboratory or
where patients receive shared from more than one hospital eg patients with Renal disorders.
•
Consideration needs to be given to any secondary systems your laboratory exports results to (in addition to GP
systems) eg Renal, ITU systems and appropriate communication and testing instigated.
Point of Care Testing Equipment
• All point of care testing equipment should be changed to the new units of measurement. In particular blood gas
analysers that measure Hb are a potential clinical risk as are smaller devices.
RG/JB Dec 2012