Sample Retention Times

Samples are retained in accordance with RCPath national guidelines and clinical relevance. Retention periods vary depending on the test type:

• Routine Haematology and coagulation samples: typically retained for 48–72 hours
• Specialist samples (e.g. bone marrow, coagulation): retained for up to 7 days
• Referral samples: retained until confirmation of receipt and result reporting
• Bone Marrow slides stained and used for diagnosis retained for a minimum of 8 years and up to 30 years

For specific retention schedules, please contact the laboratory directly.