Why does everything say "Fully booked" or "Not yet available"?

We release appointments on a 2-week rolling basis. This means that at midnight, the date 2 weeks in the future will open up. This is to ensure all patients are given a fair chance at booking a time slot. If all dates within the next 2-week time period state fully booked, this means we cannot fit any more patients in. We are sorry for the inconvenience, however we have had a large backlog of patients which accumulated over the lockdown period and minimal staffing. Dates that are blank are either within the next two days or are on a weekend. Both are unavailable to book.

Can I rearrange/cancel my booking

Yes, the page to do so is found here (Cancel Booking). Cancellations can be done online up 3 days before your appointment. After this time you will need to contact the laboratory on 01904 726258 where a member of staff can help you.

What if I turn up early or late for my booking?

Your sample will be rejected if it exceeds its hour as other specimens may be being dealt with/ are expected. Please call the lab on 01904 726258 if you think you may be early or late and we will try our best to accommodate you where possible.

What if I don't make a booking?

Any specimens without bookings will be rejected. If you are having difficulties booking a slot, please call the lab on 01904 726258 who will be happy to accommodate where possible.

What if I fail to turn up?

We urge you not to do this, though we understand it may be inevitable sometimes. If you cannot attend at short notice for any reason, please call the lab on 01904 726258. We are a busy laboratory with minimal staff and Andrology is not our sole investigation.

What happens if I turn up for my room booking and my temperature is too high?

Unfortunately, it is hospital policy to turn patients away who have a high temperature reading. You will be informed that you have a temperature of over 37.8 degrees C and to go home, minimising contact with others and to follow national guidance.

What happens if I turn up for my room booking and I do not wish to have my temperature taken?

Unfortunately, you will not be permitted to use our facility if you do not have your temperature checked by a member of staff. This is for our safety, yours and for others around you.

All other definitions/terminology seen on your information sheet/request form can be found here. (Definitions/Terminology)

How do I check I am giving my patient the correct pot and information sheet?

Toxicity tested pots have an additional white label on them. A visual example of these are found here.

These pots were previously sent out with an information sheet.  You should ensure that all old information sheets are disposed of and a new, up to date information sheet is printed.  Information is reviewed regularly and the latest copy can be found here.

Where do we get the request forms from?

An ICE request form can be generated through the ICE system. Currently, we still require a printed copy to be given to the patient. 

Purple topped Histology/Cytology or a Post Vasectomy forms can also be filled out. Examples of all 3 can be found on the Request Forms tab.

How can we order toxicity tested pots?

You can either call the laboratory on 01904 726258 or email yhs-tr.andrology@nhs.net.

Where can we find information sheets?

A link to the information sheets can be found in the Information Sheets tab at the top of each website page. They can also be found on the ICE system and on the trust web page.