Clinical Immunology is situated on the fourth floor, core C of Peterborough City hospital (PCH) and performs a range of immunological assays, mainly for autoimmune diseases, especially those connected with rheumatic diseases, and allergy. Immunology also carries out immunological investigation of mycobacterium TB exposure for the diagnosis of latent TB. 

The Immunology department at PCH has close links with Clinical Immunology, based at Addenbrooke’s hospital, Cambridge. This laboratory provides a comprehensive service to hospitals and GP’s within the Eastern Region, specialising in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with suspected or confirmed immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, allergy and inflammatory states.

Advice on suitable investigations to be carried out is available from the team of Biomedical Scientists and clinical advice (including result interpretation) is provided by the Consultant Immunologist, Dr Emily Staples. When the Consultant Immunologist is not available and clinical advice is required the Addenbrookes Immunology Duty Doctor can be contacted via 07949131990.

The Immunology laboratory at PCH is open Monday to Friday between 08.00 - 17.00 and the contact number is 01733 678454.

Few tests performed by the laboratory are required clinically on an urgent out-of-hours basis. During core hours this can be discussed with the laboratory. The laboratory at Addenbrooke’s Hospital carries out a limited out of hours service if the request is approved by the duty immunologist on call via Addenbrooke’s switchboard.

Add on-tests

Samples for routine analysis are retained in the Immunology laboratory for approximately 5 weeks.  During this period of time additional investigations can be requested as follows:

Within NWAFT: Generate a form from the Sunquest ICE system for the required test(s), annotate ‘Please add to sample in lab’, and send to the laboratory. Please note that there is no need to contact the laboratory to request add-on tests.

Outside NWAFT: contact the laboratory on 01733 678454 to request the additional test or email the request from a secure email address to peh-tr.chemimm@nhs.net. When sending a request by email please include the full patient details (first name and surname, date of birth, patient identification number), details of the test you wish to add-on, and the specimen you wish to add the request onto.

Please note that while many of the analytes assayed in serum are stable for a number of days/weeks, some may require a fresh sample (e.g. functional assays) or specific specimen types or handling procedures. Please contact the laboratory for any enquiries (01733 678454).